Cannabinoids and Biological Reactivity to Stress

Description

The goal of this study is to test the impact of two drugs that produce temporary stress-like symptoms, both in isolation and together, on cannabis use motivation in individuals with Cannabis Use Disorder. The main questions it will answer are: 1. How do different forms of stress affect cannabis use motivation? 2. How do different forms of stress affect the body's natural cannabinoids? Researchers will compare a placebo to both drugs in isolation, as well as together, across four separate lab visits. Participants will: 1) Complete a clinical screening interview (by phone or in-person) and visit the lab for a medical screening, and if eligible: a) Visit the lab four times where they will: i). Take one of four drug combinations ii). Complete an interview, questionnaires, and computerized tasks iii). Have their brain activity recorded with an EEG cap iv). Provide three blood samples

Conditions

Cannabis Use Disorder

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The goal of this study is to test the impact of two drugs that produce temporary stress-like symptoms, both in isolation and together, on cannabis use motivation in individuals with Cannabis Use Disorder. The main questions it will answer are: 1. How do different forms of stress affect cannabis use motivation? 2. How do different forms of stress affect the body's natural cannabinoids? Researchers will compare a placebo to both drugs in isolation, as well as together, across four separate lab visits. Participants will: 1) Complete a clinical screening interview (by phone or in-person) and visit the lab for a medical screening, and if eligible: a) Visit the lab four times where they will: i). Take one of four drug combinations ii). Complete an interview, questionnaires, and computerized tasks iii). Have their brain activity recorded with an EEG cap iv). Provide three blood samples

Cannabinoids and Biological Reactivity to Stress

Cannabinoids and Biological Reactivity to Stress

Condition
Cannabis Use Disorder
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Auburn

Auburn University BRAINS Lab, Auburn, Alabama, United States, 36832

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Meets criteria for current, severe Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) as assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) during the screening interview.
  • * Reports engagement in daily cannabis use.
  • * Provide a urine sample positive for THC.
  • * Must be adequately informed of the nature and risks of the study and given written informed consent prior to screening.
  • * Able to read and write in English.
  • * Has a history of serious psychiatric problems (i.e., psychosis, Bipolar Disorder I), as assessed by the SCID-V-RV.
  • * Reports current active suicidal ideation.
  • * Meets DSM-5 criteria for any other current substance use disorder (other than CUD or Tobacco Use Disorder)
  • * Has a positive result urine drug screen for all other drugs aside from THC (i.e., amphetamine, methamphetamine, benzodiazepine, cocaine, MDMA, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, buprenorphine) at screening or at any lab visit.
  • * Has structural brain abnormalities (e.g., neoplasms), stroke, seizures, infectious disease, a history of other neurological diseases, or a history of head trauma resulting in unconsciousness.
  • * Has a history of cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, chest pain, or palpitations on exertion or drug use, edema, hypertension, resting heart rate \<50 BPM or \>90 BPM. Cardiovascular diseases include:
  • * Demonstrates systolic BP outside of acceptable range (80-160mmHG), or diastolic BP outside of acceptable range (50-90 mmHG)
  • * Has a history of obstructive pulmonary disease, cor pulmonale, dyspnea, orthopnea, tachypnea (\>24 breaths per minute), or asthma.
  • * Currently taking any daily psychotropic medication
  • * Currently taking any of the following medications:
  • 1. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors including Lisinopril, Enalapril, Benazepril, and Bamipril
  • 2. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB) including Losartan, Valsartan, and Olmesartan
  • 3. Thiazide Diuretics including Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), Chlorthalidone
  • 4. Calcium Channel Blockers including Amlodipine, Diltiazem, and Verapamil
  • 5. Beta-blockers including Carvedilol, Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol
  • 6. Anti-Arrythmic Medication including Disopyramide, Flecainide, and Mexiletine
  • 7. Edema (Diuretics)
  • 8. Thiazide Diuretics (as above)
  • 9. Loop Diuretics including Furosemide and Torsemide
  • 10. Potassium Sparing Diuretics: Spironolactone and Eplerenone
  • 11. Anti-Platelet Medications such as Clopidogrel, Prasugrel, and Ticagrelor
  • * Reproductively capable candidates who are pregnant (based on urine test at screening or at any lab visit) or are heterosexually active and not using medically approved birth control measures (oral contraceptives, IUD, condom, sterilization).
  • * Self-reports currently seeking or engaging in CUD treatment or any other alcohol or drug treatment.
  • * Self-reports intent to imminently quit cannabis use.
  • * Has a Blood-Injection-Injury Phobia, as determined by scores greater than 15 on the Injection and Blood Draw subscale of the Medical Fear Survey

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to 50 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

Auburn University,

Richard J Macatee, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, Auburn University

Study Record Dates

2026-09-30