Sex Differences in Neurobehavioral Response to THC

Purpose

This study investigates sex differences in reward processing following acute THC administration in adults with cannabis use disorder (CUD). Using multimodal neuroimaging (MRS and fMRI), the study will assess glutamate levels in the nucleus accumbens and striatal BOLD response to monetary reward anticipation. Participants will complete two counterbalanced dosing sessions (oral THC 40 mg vs. placebo).

Condition

  • Cannabis Use Disorder

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Between 21 Years and 45 Years
Eligible Sex
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • Age 21-45 - DSM-5 criteria for CUD - Cannabis use ≥4 days/week - THC-positive urine - BMI 18-30 - Regular menstrual cycle (females) - Willingness to use non-hormonal birth control (females)

Exclusion Criteria

  • Lifetime psychotic or bipolar disorder - Recent drug use other than cannabis - Current psychotropic medication - Treatment-seeking for SUD - Current psychiatric disorder (except mild alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine use disorder) - Pregnancy/nursing - MRI contraindications

Study Design

Phase
Phase 2
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Crossover Assignment
Primary Purpose
Basic Science
Masking
Double (Participant, Investigator)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Other
Males
  • Drug: Dronabinol
    Oral dronabinol capsules (40 mg)
    Other names:
    • Marinol
  • Drug: Placebo
    Matched placebo capsules
Other
Females
  • Drug: Dronabinol
    Oral dronabinol capsules (40 mg)
    Other names:
    • Marinol
  • Drug: Placebo
    Matched placebo capsules

Recruiting Locations

Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina 29403
Contact:
Erin Martin, Ph.D.
843-876-3528
marterin@musc.edu

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Medical University of South Carolina

Study Contact