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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

post-traumatic stress disorder

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