The Impact and Detection of Driving Impairments Associated With Acute Cannabis Smoking
Cannabis IntoxicationThis study was authorized by the California Legislature (Assembly Bill 266, the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act to help with detection of driving under the influence of cannabis. One hundred and eighty healthy volunteers will inhale smoked cannabis with either 0% (placebo), 5.9%, or 13.4% Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at the beginning of the day, and then complete driving simulations, iPad-based performance assessments, and bodily fluid draws (e.g., blood, saliva, breath) before the cannabis smoking and a number of times over the subsequent 6 hours after cannabis smoking. The purpose is to determine (1) the relationship of the dose of Δ9-THC on driving performance and (2) the duration of driving impairment in terms of hours from initial use, (3) if saliva or expired air can serve as a useful substitute for blood sampling of Δ9-THC, and (4) if testing using an iPad can serve as a useful adjunct to the standardized field sobriety test in identifying acute impairment from cannabis.
Stress-Reactivity and Cannabis Use in Cannabis-Using Older Adults
Cannabis UseThe goal of the study is to evaluate how cannabis use affects memory and thinking skills and response to stress in older adults. The study will also relate cannabis use to Alzheimer's Disease (AD) biomarkers (measurable substances in blood that indicate condition), and test whether sex and hormones play a role in these effects. The study is recruiting adults between the ages of 50 and 80 who use cannabis products on a regular basis. Study participation will last about two weeks.
Interactions Between Physical Activity and Cannabis Use in Adults
Cannabis DependenceIn this study the investigators will explore the relationship between physical activity and cannabis use. The investigators will compare regional brain activation detected by imaging technique(fRMI) before and after exercise in cannabis users and compare results with results from controls. The investigators hypothesize that the regional brain activation in response to visual cues (pictures related to cannabis use and food) will be different in cannabis users than in controls and that exercise will significantly alter brain responses to the cues.
Effects of Cannabidiol on Psychiatric Symptoms, Cognition, and Cannabis Consumption in Cannabis...
Schizophrenia Spectrum DisordersCannabis UseA large proportion of people with a schizophrenia-spectrum disorder, especially in the early stages of the disease, regularly consume cannabis. Cannabis use is associated with poor prognostic outcome; however, there are no effective interventions targeted at reducing cannabis use or its deleterious effects in this population. The present trial is designed to test whether cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid whose effects are in many ways antagonistic to those of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can reduce psychiatric symptoms, cognitive deficits, and cannabis use in people with recent-onset psychosis who regularly consume cannabis.
Oral Fluid, Plasma and Whole Pharmacokinetics and Stability Following Smoked Cannabis
Cannabis UseDrug AbuseBackground: - Little research has been done on how different components of cannabis (marijuana) appear in oral fluid (i.e., saliva) after smoking. Cannabinoids have been well studied in whole blood, plasma, and urine after cannabis use, but less is known about how cannabinoids appear in oral fluid after controlled drug administration and how long these biomarkers last after use. In addition, the issue of stability of cannabinoids and their glucuronide metabolites is a controversial topic that is poorly understood. These data are critical to the interpretation of cannabinoid test results. Objectives: To collect whole blood, plasma, urine, and oral fluid specimens after smoking cannabis, to characterize the disposition and pharmacokinetics of cannabinoids in multiple biological matrices and to provide scientifically reliable data on the stability of cannabinoids and metabolites. To test basic brain function and thinking processes after smoking cannabis. Eligibility: - Healthy volunteers between 18 and 45 years of age who use cannabis (an average of at least twice per month in the 3 months before the study.) Design: Participants may complete the single study session as outpatients, or they may spend the night prior to and/or following drug administration at the residential research unit in Baltimore, MD. Participants must provide a negative urine drug screen if they have not spent the evening prior to testing at the research unit. Participants will provide whole blood, plasma, oral fluid, and urine samples, and will complete several tests of thinking and brain function at the start of the study. Participants will smoke one standardized cannabis cigarette. Blood and oral fluid samples will be collected, and participants will repeat the tests of thinking and brain function multiple times after smoking. Six hours after smoking the cigarette, participants must pass a neuromotor exam (testing balance and coordination) before they can be discharged from the study. Participants may be asked to stay overnight at the clinical center if there are concerns for their safety because of intoxication.
Effects of Cannabis Abstinence on Symptomology and Cognition in Bipolar Disorder
Cannabis Use DisorderBipolar Disorder1 moreThe objective of this study is to assess the changes in symptoms and cognition that occur after a 28-day abstinence period in patients with comorbid Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) and Bipolar (Type I or II) disorder. Stabilized bipolar patients (N=52) with CUD will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: 1) A contingent reinforcement (CR) group (n=26); 2) a non-contingent reinforcement (NCR) group (n=26). The study will include a total of 8 visits to the CAMH Russell site (screening, training, baselines, week 1-4, follow-up). Participants should be between the ages of 18-60, meet criteria for CUD (moderate to severe), meet criteria for Bipolar Disorder, be on a stable dose of mood stabilizing medication(s), and be non-treatment seeking cannabis user. The visits will take up a total of approximately 22.5 hours with compensation for time provided for both groups. These visits will involve multiple clinical, substance use, and cognitive assessments. Abstinence will be maintained by weekly behavioural coaching sessions and contingency reinforcement for the CR group.
Influence of Tobacco Use on Cannabis Use
Cannabis UseTobacco UseCannabis smokers who also smoke tobacco cigarettes have markedly higher rates of cannabis relapse relative to those who do not use tobacco. There is a clear need to develop and evaluate interventions for dual tobacco and cannabis users. The investigators of this study have previously shown that the co-use of tobacco cigarettes contributes to the maintenance of daily cannabis use, and that age of cigarette onset is a critical predictor of treatment outcome. Short-term tobacco cessation may suffice in altering cannabis relapse rates in later-onset cigarette smokers, while a longer period of tobacco cessation may be needed for earlier-onset smokers. In the current study, a human laboratory model will be utilized to determine whether cannabis relapse varies as a function of tobacco cessation duration and age of tobacco use onset.
Characterization of the Pattern of Consumption and Withdrawal Syndrome From Dual Cannabis and Tobacco...
Cannabis DependenceTobacco Use2 moreAims: To characterize the pattern of cannabis and tobacco use and withdrawal symptoms in people who start treatment for cannabis use disorders (exclusive cannabis, concurrent and/or simultaneous with various tobacco products) through an aplication game and considering the type of users. Methodology: Mixed-methods research composed of three studies. Study I: qualitative participatory action study aimed at exploring the experiences and preferences of the cannabis users on the use of apps. This information will be instrumental in the co-design of the app. Study II: prospective longitudinal study aimed to establish consumption patterns and transitions between substances and to validate the scale of cannabis withdrawal symptoms in the Spanish population. Sample size: expected RR=1.20, α =0.05, β= 0.20, losses= 20% (n=282). Study III: qualitative study to explore participants' experiences during the process of quitting cannabis and / or tobacco. Expected results: Characterization and prediction of variables that influence cannabis and tobacco cessation/ reduction and describe withdrawal symptoms according to consumption patterns with aim of improving the design of future interventions.
Helping Eliminate Marijuana Use Through Pediatric Practice
MarijuanaThis study adapts the Public Health Service (PHS) 5As model for use with adolescent marijuana users and pilot the intervention to test feasibility and acceptability in pediatric primary care settings. The specific aims are as follows: Aim 1: Develop a marijuana screening and brief counseling intervention for adolescents based on the Public Health Service 5As model and previously developed adolescent smoking cessation intervention. Hypothesis 1: The 5As model can be adapted for use as a marijuana screening and counseling intervention for adolescents. Aim 2: Test the feasibility and acceptability of the 5As marijuana screening and brief counseling intervention in pediatric primary care practice. Hypothesis 2a: Pediatric clinicians will find the 5As intervention feasible and acceptable for addressing marijuana use in routine clinical visits with adolescents and their families; and Hypothesis 2b: Adolescents will find the 5As intervention delivered by their clinicians to be acceptable in the context of routine preventive services delivery.
Marijuana's Impact on Alcohol Motivation and Consumption
Alcohol DrinkingMarijuanaThis laboratory study will employ a repeated measures experimental design to examine the effect of high (7.2% THC) and moderate (3% THC) dose of marijuana, relative to placebo, on alcohol craving and on behavioral economic measure of alcohol demand after exposure to alcohol cues, and on subsequent drinking in an alcohol choice task in which participants choose either to drink or receive monetary reinforcement for drinks not consume. The study will recruit 173 non-treatment seeking heavy episodic alcohol drinkers who smoke marijuana at least twice weekly.