Actively Recruiting
Medical Cannabis and Behavior
Led by University of Minnesota · Updated on 2025-06-29
180
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
214 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of Minnesota
Lead Sponsor
N
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
This study will assess cognition, neural function, and drug exposure in chronic pain patients who have been prescribed medical cannabis and will differentiate outcomes based on use of specific CBD-dominant versus THC-dominant treatment products. This longitudinal study will recruit medical cannabis users from local dispensaries. Each participant will complete a baseline assessment prior to the start of medical cannabis use, monthly phone calls to assess treatment adherence, and a four-month follow- up assessment. The aims of this project are: Aim 1. To assess impacts of medical cannabis compounds on executive functions, learning and memory in adults to determine whether cognitive impairments are evident after the onset of cannabis use; Aim 2. To assess the impacts of medical cannabis compounds on white matter microstructure, functional brain activity and functional connectivity; Aim 3. To differentiate change over four months in these outcomes as a function of (a) age and (b) pre-to-post-treatment changes in blood levels of cannabinoid compounds.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Medical Cannabis and Behavior
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Be between 35 and 65 years old
- Have a diagnosis of chronic pain qualifying for medical cannabis treatment; priority given to orthopedic pain
- Have normal or corrected vision and hearing
- No current or past substance use disorders; fewer than 5 lifetime recreational uses of illicit drugs
- Limited daily nicotine exposure; no daily smokers or vapers; nicotine use fewer than 5 times per week
- Willing to abstain from alcohol, nicotine, and non-treatment drugs for 24 hours prior to study visits; abstinence verified by breathalyzer and urine tests
- Right-handed as assessed by the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory
- Lifetime cannabis use fewer than 15 times; no cannabis use in past six months
- Able to schedule and complete a multi-hour single session protocol
- Have sufficient manual mobility for computerized cognitive assessments
- Able to communicate by phone during the four-month study period
- No immediate plans to relocate from the Twin Cities metro area, ensuring availability for follow-up
You will not qualify if you...
- Have degenerative neurological conditions or conditions affecting brain function (e.g., epilepsy)
- Have contraindications to MRI scanning
- Have a history of severe psychiatric disorders such as psychosis or bipolar disorder; stable mood or anxiety disorder treatment allowed
- Are currently pregnant, have been pregnant in the past 3 months, or are lactating
- Have used cannabis products recreationally or therapeutically within the past six months
AI-Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55455
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
M
Monica Luciana, Ph.D.
CONTACT
A
Angela Birnbaum, Ph.D., MLS(ASCP), FAES
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NA
Model
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
1
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