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Brain Mechanisms Supporting Cannabis-induced Pain Relief
Who can join
Ages 21 to 65 · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Between 21-65 years old * Currently 30 days cannabis free * Lower back pain for three months or more * Are not taking opioids * If female and of a child bearing potential age, are not pregnant or nursing mothers * Do not have mental or neurological conditions inhibiting sensory/motor functions * Do not have a lifetime history of dependence on cannabis * Do not have a lifetime history of DSM-IV schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, or psychosis * Prior THC-containing cannabis experience within the past two years * Agrees not to use cannabis outside of the study during participation in the study * Agrees not to use opioids or barbiturates during participation in the study * Agrees not to drive a motor vehicle within 4 hours following last use of inhaled cannabis during participation in the study Exclusion Criteria: * Active pulmonary disease * Allergy or past adverse effects or negative past experiences from cannabis * Positive urine drug test for THC, barbiturates, opioids, oxycodone, or methadone * Any significant illness, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal and liver disease. * Any current or history of an immunocompromising disease or condition (such as lupus, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, etc.) * Any current or history of neurologic conditions, including Parkinson disease, dementia, cognitive impairment, history of seizure disorder, and history of traumatic brain injury/head injury * Any current major psychiatric illness, such as bipolar disorder, major depression, psychosis, substance use disorder, or schizophrenia * Any current or history of suicidal ideation or attempt * Overt sensitivity to thermal stimulation * Resting blood pressure \> 140/90 * Resting heart rate \> 100 beats/minute * Prisoner * Institutionalized * Claustrophobia * MRI contraindications * Participation in any new (within 2 weeks prior or any time after enrollment) pain management procedures during the study period * Known history of vasovagal fainting, syncope, or severe adverse reactions associated with blood draws or needle procedures
About the study
Chronic low back pain is a common and disabling condition that affects millions of people in the United States. Many people with chronic low back pain do not get enough relief from current treatments. Cannabis may help reduce pain, but researchers do not fully understand how it affects the brain in people with chronic pain. The purpose of this study is to examine how inhaled cannabis changes brain activity and reduces pain in people with chronic low back pain. Results from this study may help researchers better understand how cannabis works for pain and support the development of improved pain treatments.
What is being tested
- Active Cannabis (drug)
- Placebo Cannabis (drug)
Sponsor: University of California, San Diego · Participants: 100 · Started: May 7, 2021
Contact the study team
- Madelynn Meredith, BS · Phone: 619-431-1850
- Yasmeen Esshaki, MA · Phone: 619-786-0375
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT04982965
Locations in the U.S.
| California | Center for Functional MRI - W.M.Keck Building, La Jolla |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.