THC Titration of High-Potency Cannabis Concentrates

Launched by CENTRE FOR ADDICTION AND MENTAL HEALTH · Jul 29, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how regular cannabis users control their intake of THC, the main active ingredient in cannabis, when vaping high-strength cannabis concentrates. The researchers want to understand if people can adjust how much they use to reach the effects they want, especially when the THC concentration varies from lower (30%) to very high levels (up to 90%). They will also look at how these different strengths affect thinking, body functions, and potential risks like addiction or unpleasant reactions. The study will include both men and women and is being done in Toronto, Canada, where cannabis is legal and a variety of products are available for research.

To join the study, participants need to be between 19 and 55 years old and have some experience vaping high-potency cannabis concentrates at least a few times recently. They should use cannabis regularly but not daily, and be willing to avoid cannabis, alcohol, and other recreational drugs for short periods around the study visits. During the study, participants will vape cannabis products of different THC strengths while researchers measure their blood THC levels, how much they vape, and how they feel. Safety is important, so people with certain health conditions or who are pregnant won’t be eligible. The results of this study will help us better understand the effects and risks of high-strength cannabis products and could guide future rules and education to keep users safer.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Age 19-55 years.
• • Frequency of primary exposure to cannabis 1-4 occasions per week, through any route of administration, over the past three months; participants must report experience with vaping high-potency liquid concentrates with more than 3 exposures to 90% THC and willingness to use such products in the study.
• • Refrain from cannabis for 48 hours and from alcohol for 12 hours before visits.
• • Agree not to drive a car for 24 hours after each visit.
• • Abstain from recreational drugs for at least 48 hours prior to each visit.
• • Abstain from any drugs not medically required.
• • Well-controlled blood pressure for participants with hypertension.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Pregnant/breastfeeding (women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test and report use of appropriate contraception).
• • Evidence of cardiac arrhythmias/failure, ischaemic heart disease.
• • Recent open heart/open chest surgery or cataract surgery.
• • Evidence from Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 \[SCID-5-CT\] or clinical evaluation of lifetime psychotic disorder/schizophrenia or bipolar disorder; family history of a first-degree relative with a diagnosis of psychotic disorder or schizophrenia; history of psychiatric co-morbidities in the past year (major depression, anxiety disorder or suicide attempt in past year or current suicidal ideation) and current substance use disorder/dependence.
• • Evidence of neurological illness (e.g., stroke, epilepsy, traumatic brain injury).
• • Renal or hepatic abnormalities (self-report and blood hematology/chemistry); and
• • Respiratory diseases, including asthma and physician-diagnosed lung disease.
• • Taking prescribed medications that contain either THC or cannabidiol (CBD).
• • Participation in another clinical or non-therapeutic study in the last three months.
• • Bleeding disorders.