Behavioral Pharmacology of THC and Alpha-pinene

Phase 1

Completed

Brief Summary: This study will evaluate the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of vaporized alpha-pinene and THC administered via inhalation.

Detailed Description: The proposed study will be conducted at the Johns Hopkins Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit (BPRU). Participants will complete 6 acute drug administration periods in which they will administer THC alone, pinene alone, THC and pinene together, or placebo. Subjective drug effects, cognitive performance, and vital signs will be assessed following drug administration. Each participant will receive all 6 dose conditions in a randomized order using a placebo controlled within-subject crossover design. The study will help the investigators understand the individual and interactive effects of THC and pinene, two common constituents found in cannabis.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Have provided written informed consent
Be between the ages of 18 and 55
Be in good general health based on a physical examination, medical history, vital signs, 12-lead ECG and screening urine and blood tests
Test negative for drugs of abuse other than cannabis, including breath alcohol at the screening visit and at clinic admission
Not be pregnant or nursing (if female). All females must have a negative serum pregnancy test at the screening visit and a negative urine pregnancy test at clinic admission.
Have a body mass index (BMI) in the range of 18 to 36 kg/m2
Blood pressure at Screening Visit does not exceed a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 150 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90 mmHg
Have no allergies to any of the ingredients used to prepare vapor (THC, pinene).
Demonstrate competency on cognitive performance measures at screening visit (e.g., PASAT score of 75/90).

Exclusion Criteria

Non-medical use of psychoactive drugs other than, nicotine, alcohol, or caffeine 3 month prior to the Screening Visit;
History of or current evidence of significant medical (e.g. seizure disorder) or psychiatric illness (e.g. psychosis) judged by the investigator to put the participant at greater risk of experiencing an adverse event due to exposure or completion of other study procedures.
Use of an over-the-counter (OTC), systemic or topical drug(s), herbal supplement(s), or vitamin(s) within 14 days of experimental sessions; which, in the opinion of the investigator or sponsor, will interfere with the study result or the safety of the subject.
Use of a prescription medication (with the exception of birth control prescriptions) within 14 days of experimental sessions; which, in the opinion of the investigator or sponsor, will interfere with the study result or the safety of the subject.
Use of dronabinol (Marinol®) within the past month.
Average use of cannabis more than 2 times per week in the prior 3 months.
History of clinically significant cardiac arrhythmias or vasospastic disease (e.g., Prinzmetal's angina).
Abnormal EKG result that in the investigator's opinion is clinically significant.
Enrolled in another clinical trial or have received any drug as part of a research study within 30 days prior to dosing.
Having previously sought medical attention to manage adverse effects following acute cannabis use.
Individuals with anemia or who have donated blood in the prior 30 days

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Placebo	Placebo	Placebo (5mL distilled water)
Vaporized Pinene	Alpha-Pinene	15mg vaporized alpha-pinene
Vaporized THC and low alpha-pinene	THC	30mg vaporized delta-9-THC and 0.5mg of vaporized alpha-pinene
Vaporized THC and low alpha-pinene	Alpha-Pinene	30mg vaporized delta-9-THC and 0.5mg of vaporized alpha-pinene
Vaporized THC	THC	30mg vaporized delta-9-THC
Vaporized THC and alpha-pinene	THC	30mg vaporized delta-9-THC and 5mg of vaporized alpha-pinene
Vaporized THC and alpha-pinene	Alpha-Pinene	30mg vaporized delta-9-THC and 5mg of vaporized alpha-pinene
Vaporized THC and high alpha-pinene	THC	30mg vaporized delta-9-THC and 15mg of vaporized alpha-pinene
Vaporized THC and high alpha-pinene	Alpha-Pinene	30mg vaporized delta-9-THC and 15mg of vaporized alpha-pinene

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Mean Peak Change From Baseline Drug Effect as Assessed by the Drug Effect Questionnaire (DEQ)	0-6 hours, assessed at baseline, 0-hour, and 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 hours post dosing.	Mean Peak change from baseline rating (0-100) of Drug Effect on the DEQ, a visual analog scale (VAS) self-report questionnaire, with 0 being no effect and 100 being maximum effect.
Mean Peak Change From Baseline Psychomotor Performance as Assessed by the Digit Symbol Substitution Task (DSST)	0-6 hours, assessed at baseline, 0-hour, and 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 hours post dosing.	Computerized version of Digit Symbol Substitution Task will be administered to assess psychomotor performance. Mean peak change from baseline total correct trials in 90-seconds. Minimum score of 0 but no maximum score (higher scores indicate better performance).
Mean Peak Change From Baseline Working Memory Performance as Assessed by the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task (PASAT)	0-6 hours, assessed at baseline, 0-hour, and 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 hours post dosing.	Computerized version of Paced Auditory Serial Addition Task administered to assess working memory performance. Mean peak change from baseline total correct trials out of 90 recorded is primary outcome (higher scores indicate better performance).