Acute Effects of Cannabis on Cognition and Affect

Part of paid clinical trials in Pullman, Washington.

Sponsor
Washington State University
Study ID
NCT07296874
Phase
PHASE2
Status
Not Yet Recruiting

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Conditions

  • Cannabis Use

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
21 Years - N/A
Healthy Volunteers
Accepted

Interventions

  • THC 20mg — DRUG
    20 mg THC delivered by vaporizing 0.17 g of 11.86% THC cannabis flower obtained from NIDA, using a Volcano vaporizer.
  • Placebo — DRUG
    Placebo obtained from NIDA and vaporized using a Volcano vaporizer.

Study Details

This study will examine how a moderate dose of THC affects mood, stress responses, and cognitive functioning in regular cannabis users. The study uses a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, meaning each participant will complete two sessions. Specifically, each participant will be given active cannabis (20 mg THC) in one session, and placebo in the other session. The order will be randomized across participants, so half will receive cannabis first, and the other half will receive placebo first. Ninety adults who use cannabis at least weekly will be recruited from the local community. After an online screening survey, eligible participants will attend a laboratory visit where the participants will provide informed consent and complete saliva and urine drug tests to confirm recent abstinence from cannabis and absence of other drugs. Participants who pass screening will complete baseline questionnaires of cannabis use patterns, depression, anxiety, ADHD symptoms, emotion regulation, affect, and demographic information. Cannabis and placebo materials (obtained from NIDA) will be vaporized using a Volcano vaporizer device. Participants will inhale the vapor under supervision, and neither the participant nor the researcher assessing outcomes will know which product is administered. After vaping, participants will complete repeated mood ratings, saliva samples, and a battery of cognitive tests assessing executive functions like planning, inhibition, working memory, and cognitive flexibility. Participants will also complete a standardized stress challenge (the Maastricht Acute Stress Test), which involves repeated trials of placing their hand in cold water and doing challenging mental math, followed by additional mood ratings and saliva samples. The participants will then watch a nature video and report their feelings of awe and affect. At the end of each session, participants will remain in a supervised room with entertainment and snacks until at least four hours have passed since vaping and the participants report feeling sober. The participants will then return for a second session with the opposite study condition (THC or placebo) one week later. Both sessions follow the same procedures. Participants are fully debriefed after completing the study.

Key Dates

Start date
Jul 31, 2026
Status verified
May 2026
Primary completion
May 31, 2028
Completion
May 31, 2028

Study Design

Enrollment
90 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE

Arms

  • Experimental: THC -> Placebo
    Participants will inhale vapor from .17 grams of cannabis containing 11.86% THC (20mg THC total) during the first session. They will inhale vapor from a placebo product during the second session.
  • Experimental: Placebo -> THC
    Participants will inhale vapor from a placebo product during the first session. They will inhale vapor from .17 grams of cannabis containing 11.86% THC (20mg THC total) during the second session.

Primary Outcome Measure

Event-Based Prospective Memory - Number of Difficulty Ratings Provided [ Time Frame: This outcome will be assessed during both sessions, within 90 minutes post-treatment. ]

Central Contacts

Locations (1)

FacilityCityStateZIPSite coordinators
Washington State UniversityPullmanWashington99163
Carrie Cuttler, PhD
[email protected]
5093395897
Ryan J McLaughlin, PhD
[email protected]
5093393281

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