PK/PD of Oral and Vaporized Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Older Adults
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Oral and Vaporized Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Older Adults
Who can join
Ages 65 and older · All sexes · Healthy volunteers welcome
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Healthy male and female participants aged 65 ≥ years old 2. Prior exposure to THC or cannabis least once in the last 10 years; 1-10 times in the last 20 years; or more than 20 times in their lifetime 3. Capable of providing informed consent in English. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Meeting DSM-5 criteria for psychiatric/substance use disorders (SUD) other than tobacco use disorder, within the last year 2. Current use of cannabinoid products, as evidenced by a urine drug screen 3. Having a history of treatment for cannabis use disorder 4. History of intent or current intent of abstaining from cannabis use 5. Clinically significant medical disorders (e.g. liver/kidney dysfunction, immunosuppressing conditions, history or presence of epilepsy, seizures, head trauma with loss of consciousness) 6. Medical conditions that increase the risk of respiratory problems (e.g. COPD, asthma, recuring bronchitis, reactive airway disorder)\* (does not apply to the Oral THC Sub-Study) 7. History of environmental sensitivities (e.g. bronchospastic allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities) or other airway sensitivities that require the use of an epi pen\*(does not apply to the Oral THC Sub-Study) 8. Neurological conditions that may change the response to nociceptive stimuli (e.g., stroke, neuropathy), or that lead to loss of balance, evidenced by a neuro-sensory exam 9. Contraindications for exposure to nociceptive stimuli, such as untreated hypertension 10. Current regular use of drugs known to affect pain, or that are prominent inducers or inhibitors of CYP2C9, CYP3A4, or UGTA19 (e.g., carbamazepine, valproate, fluvoxamine, and paroxetine) 11. Major neurocognitive disorders precluding participation, evidenced by a clinical exam 12. Abnormal EKG, arrythmia, vasospastic disease, chronic heart failure, or presence of a pacemaker 13. Elevation of liver enzymes (ALT, AST) 2x the normal limit or higher 14. Personal or family history of primary psychotic disorders, or mood disorders with psychotic features 15. Current suicidal ideation 16. Allergy or serious adverse reactions to sesame oil, THC, or cannabis 17. Having received any drug as part of a research study within 30 days prior to receiving the study medication in the current study.
About the study
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.
What is being tested
- Dronabinol 5 MG (drug)
- Dronabinol 10 MG (drug)
- 2mg Purified THC in an ethanolic solution (drug)
- 4mg Purified THC in an ethanolic solution (drug)
- Placebo (drug)
Sponsor: Yale University · Participants: 20 · Started: Oct 17, 2023
Contact the study team
- Julia Meyerovich, M.S. · Phone: 203-623-7493
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT05906511
Locations in the U.S.
| Connecticut | VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.