Clinical Trial: Responses to Marijuana-Related Cues Versus Neutral Cues in Adults Taking Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - 2

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Cue Reactivity Model for Assessing Pharmacologic Intervention in Treatment of Cannabis Use Disorders (Study 2)

Brief Summary: The majority of past research on marijuana treatment has targeted the alleviation of withdrawal symptoms. Minimal focus has been placed on how altering craving effects may play a role in treating marijuana addiction. Treatment with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main ingredient in marijuana responsible for its reinforcing effects, may decrease marijuana cravings. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of THC pre-treatment on responses to marijuana-related cues versus non marijuana-related cues in individuals addicted to marijuana.

Detailed Summary:

Marijuana is the most commonly used illegal drug in the United States; more than 2 million Americans either abuse or are dependent on the drug. Therefore, there is a clear need for treatment options. Past research on marijuana treatments has focused on alleviating withdrawal symptoms. Minimal focus has been placed on how altering craving effects may play a role in treating marijuana addiction. Treatment with THC, a component of marijuana that causes the "high" sensation, may reduce marijuana cravings. This study will evaluate the subjective and physiological responses to marijuana-related cues versus non marijuana-related cues in marijuana users who have been pre-treated with THC.

Participants will attend three 6-hour sessions, each separated by at least 7 days. Prior to each testing session, participants will spend the night at the Psychiatric and Addiction Research Center at Detroit Receiving Hospital in order to ensure no alcohol or drug use during the 12 hours preceding the session. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive an oral dose of 10 mg of THC, 20 mg of THC, or placebo. They will then undergo a cue exposure test during which they will be shown a nature video and will be asked to handle and smell various items; these will act as neutral, non marijuana-related cues. Next, the participants will watch a video of individuals smoking marijuana and will be asked to handle and smell marijuana-related items; these will act as the marijuana-related cues. Heart rate and skin temperature will be monitored continuously throughout each session with the use of electrodes and a skin thermometer. Prior to and after the cue exposure sessions blood pressure will be measured and questionnaires will be administered to assess drug cravings as well as related mood states. Prior to leaving the clinical center, the participants' vital signs will be evaluated to ensu
Sponsor: Wayne State University

Current Primary Outcome: Marijuana craving [ Time Frame: Measured throughout the cue exposure session ]

Original Primary Outcome: Marijuana craving; measured throughout study

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: Wayne State University

Dates:
Date Received: September 16, 2005
Date Started: December 2005
Date Completion:
Last Updated: June 1, 2012
Last Verified: June 2012