Cannabinoids and Biological Reactivity to Stress

Launched by AUBURN UNIVERSITY · May 21, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how different types of stress may influence the motivation to use cannabis in people with Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), a condition where individuals have trouble controlling their cannabis use. The researchers will be looking at the effects of two medications that can cause temporary stress-like symptoms, both on their own and together. Participants will take part in four lab visits where they will receive one of four different combinations of medications, complete interviews and questionnaires, perform tasks on a computer, and have their brain activity monitored with a special cap while also providing blood samples.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be between the ages of 18 and 62, meet the criteria for severe CUD, and use cannabis daily. They should also be able to read and write in English. However, those with serious mental health issues, certain medical conditions, or who are currently pregnant or actively seeking treatment for drug use won't be able to participate. This research aims to better understand how stress impacts cannabis use, which could help in developing better treatments for those struggling with cannabis use disorder.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Meets criteria for current, moderate to 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 near-daily/daily cannabis use.
• • Provide a urine sample positive for THC.
• • Must be in generally good health as determined by a physical exam, EKG, and blood tests
• • 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.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Has a history of serious psychiatric problems (i.e., psychosis, Bipolar Disorder I) or meets criteria for a current Major Depressive Episode, as assessed by the SCID-V-RV.
• • Reports current suicidal ideation.
• • Meets DSM-5 criteria for any other current, moderate to severe 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 \>100 BPM. Cardiovascular diseases include:
• • . a. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) b. Post-myocardial infarction
• • Demonstrates systolic BP outside of acceptable range (80-140mmHG), or diastolic BP outside of acceptable range (50-90 mmHG)
• • Has a history of cor pulmonale, dyspnea, orthopnea, tachypnea (\>24 breaths per minute), or uncontrolled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 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