Scientists scan brains to uncover cannabinoid receptor secrets in mental illness and addiction

NCT ID NCT01730781

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Yale University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study uses a special PET scan tracer called [11-C]OMAR to measure cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Researchers will compare healthy volunteers to people with schizophrenia, cannabis dependence, PTSD, opioid use disorder, and other conditions. The goal is to understand how these receptors differ across disorders, which may inform future research. Participants receive one or more PET scans, and cannabis users will be scanned at different stages of abstinence.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: [11-C]OMAR (a radioactive tracer for PET scans)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could help researchers understand how brain cannabinoid receptors differ in various mental health and addiction conditions, potentially guiding future treatments.
What could go wrong: This is an observational imaging study, not a treatment trial. It is early-stage research and may not directly lead to new therapies. Results may not apply to all populations.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cannabis dependence opiate dependence post-traumatic stress disorder schizoaffective disorder schizophrenia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CANNABIS DEPENDENCE FAMILY HISTORY OF ALCOHOLISM HEALTHY CONTROL OPIOID USE DISORDER POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER PRODROMAL FOR PSYCHOTIC ILLNESS SCHIZOPHRENIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Connecticut Mental Health Center, Clinical Neuroscience Research Unit
RECRUITING

New Haven, Connecticut, 06519, United States

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