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

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.

This is a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, with two sub-studies each focusing on different routes of THC administration.

Oral THC Sub-Study: 20 men and women aged 65 years or older, will be randomized to two doses of oral THC (5 mg and 10 mg). Across three, 8-hour test sessions, participants will receive a random sequence of 3 conditions: 5 mg oral THC; 10 mg oral THC; oral placebo.

Vaporized THC Sub-Study: 20 men and women aged 65 years or older will be randomized to two doses of vaporized THC (2 mg and 4 mg). Across three 8-hour test sessions, participants will receive a random sequence of 3 conditions: 2 mg vaporized THC; 4 mg vaporized THC; and vaporized placebo.

For both the Oral and Vaporized THC Sub-Studies, blood samples will be regularly collected from an intravenous line, up to 8 hours post-dose, and at 24 hours post-dose, to assess the PK of THC and its phase I and II metabolites. PD effects of THC on pain will be measured with Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST), a psychophysical technique used to reliably measure pain sensitivity and investigate pain modulatory mechanisms. The abuse liability of THC will be measured using an established drug reinforcement paradigm. General adverse, cardiovascular, and cognitive/psychomotor effects of THC will be thoroughly assessed with behavioral, physiological, and neuropsychological methods.

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.