Cannabinoid study reveals how the brain handles fear in PTSD
NCT ID NCT02069366
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at how a single dose of dronabinol (a synthetic cannabinoid) affects fear-related brain activity in people with PTSD, trauma-exposed individuals without PTSD, and healthy controls. Using brain scans, researchers measured how the drug influences fear extinction circuits. The goal is to better understand PTSD and potentially develop new treatments.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Dronabinol (a synthetic cannabinoid)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this research could point toward new treatments for anxiety and fear-based disorders like PTSD.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study focused on understanding brain mechanisms, not testing a treatment. The drug is given only once, so results may not apply to real-world use.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Detroit, Michigan, 48201, United States
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