RecruitingPhase 2

Sex Differences in Neurobehavioral Response to THC

United States40 participantsStarted 2026-04-27

Plain-language summary

This study investigates sex differences in reward processing following acute THC administration in adults with cannabis use disorder (CUD). Using multimodal neuroimaging (MRS and fMRI), the study will assess glutamate levels in the nucleus accumbens and striatal BOLD response to monetary reward anticipation. Participants will complete two counterbalanced dosing sessions (oral THC 40 mg vs. placebo).

Who can participate

Age range21 Years – 45 Years

SexALL

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AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 21-45 * DSM-5 criteria for CUD * Cannabis use ≥4 days/week * THC-positive urine * BMI 18-30 * Regular menstrual cycle (females) * Willingness to use non-hormonal birth control (females) Exclusion Criteria: * Lifetime psychotic or bipolar disorder * Recent drug use other than cannabis * Current psychotropic medication * Treatment-seeking for SUD * Current psychiatric disorder (except mild alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine use disorder) * Pregnancy/nursing * MRI contraindications

What they're measuring

Nucleus accumbens glutamate

Timeframe: 2 hours post-dose

Striatal reward anticipation

Timeframe: 3 hours post-dose

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07225777

SponsorMedical University of South Carolina

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-12-31

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cannabis Use Disorder trials