PK/PD of Oral and Vaporized Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Older Adults
Start Date
10/17/2023
Completion Date
8/31/2026
Summary
The overarching goal of this double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study is to characterize the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of the main analgesic and psychoactive constituent of cannabis, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), among older adults - the fastest growing population of cannabis consumers, and the most likely age cohort to use cannabinoids to relieve pain. This protocol includes two sub-studies, each randomizing 20 men and women aged 65 years or older to receive two administration routes of THC; oral administration and vaporized administration.
Detailed Description
This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, with two sub-studies each focusing on different routes of THC administration. Oral THC Sub-Study: 20 men and women aged 65 years or older, will be randomized to two doses of oral THC (5 mg and 10 mg). Across three, 8-hour test sessions, participants will receive a random sequence of 3 conditions: 5 mg oral THC; 10 mg oral THC; oral placebo. Vaporized THC Sub-Study: 20 men and women aged 65 years or older will be randomized to two doses of vaporized THC (2 mg and 4 mg). Across three 8-hour test sessions, participants will receive a random sequence of 3 conditions: 2 mg vaporized THC; 4 mg vaporized THC; and vaporized placebo. For both the Oral and Vaporized THC Sub-Studies, blood samples will be regularly collected from an intravenous line, up to 8 hours post-dose, and at 24 hours post-dose, to assess the PK of THC and its phase I and II metabolites. PD effects of THC on pain will be measured with Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST), a psychophysical technique used to reliably measure pain sensitivity and investigate pain modulatory mechanisms. The abuse liability of THC will be measured using an established drug reinforcement paradigm. General adverse, cardiovascular, and cognitive/psychomotor effects of THC will be thoroughly assessed with behavioral, physiological, and neuropsychological methods.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Range: 65 years to No maximum
Interventions
Dronabinol 5 MG
Dronabinol 10 MG
2mg Purified THC in an ethanolic solution
4mg Purified THC in an ethanolic solution
Placebo
Conditions
Locations
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
West Haven, Connecticut 06516
United States