Behavioral Pharmacology of THC and Alpha-pinene

Behavioral Pharmacology of THC and Alpha-pinene

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

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.

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