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Endocannabinoids in Reward
The Contribution of the Endocannabinoid System to Sex Differences in THC-associated Reward
Who can join
Ages 21 to 45 · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Able and willing to provide informed consent 2. Age 21-45 3. Meet DSM-5 criteria for CUD 4. Report cannabis use ≥4 days/week on average in the last 30 days at screening 5. Provide a THC-positive urine sample at screening 6. BMI between 18-30 kg/m2 7. Regular menstrual cycle (females only) 8. Willing to use non-hormonal birth control for the duration of study participation (females only) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Meet DSM-5 criteria for any lifetime psychotic or bipolar disorder 2. Urinalysis results indicative of recent drug use other than cannabis 3. Current use of any psychotropic medication or over-the-counter supplements deemed by the investigator to have the potential to interfere with study outcomes 4. Current treatment-seeking for CUD or other SUDs 5. Meet DSM-5 criteria for any current psychiatric disorder other than nicotine or caffeine use disorder, mild alcohol use disorder, CUD, or ADHD 6. Females who are pregnant, nursing, or planning to become pregnant 7. MRI contraindications (e.g., metallic implants, claustrophobia) 8. Significant history of nausea associated with the use of cannabis and/or THC 9. History of cardiac or seizure disorders 10. Allergy to sesame oil
About the study
This study will examine sex differences in the effects of cannabis in people that regularly use it. Men and women that use cannabis at least 4 days a week will participate in a study involving 3 in-person visits. The first visit will be used to determine eligibility for the study. The other two visits will last 7 hours each and take place at least two days apart. Visits include administration of either THC, the chemical responsible for many of the psychoactive effects of cannabis, or a placebo; completion of questionnaires; and a 1-hour brain scan. One visit will also include a blood draw for genetic testing.
What is being tested
- Dronabinol (drug)
- Placebo (drug)
Sponsor: Medical University of South Carolina · Participants: 78 · Started: Oct 1, 2026
Contact the study team
- Erin Martin, Ph.D. · Phone: 843-876-3528
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT07815691
Locations in the U.S.
| South Carolina | Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.