Can a Cannabis-Derived drug ease pain without raising opioid risks?

NCT ID NCT04025359

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Yale University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This early-phase trial at Yale tests whether dronabinol (Marinol), a synthetic form of THC, can reduce pain sensitivity and improve attention and mood in 36 adults with opioid use disorder who are stable on methadone or buprenorphine. Participants receive either 2.5 mg, 5 mg of dronabinol, or a placebo before their daily opioid dose. The study measures pain via cold and heat tests, questionnaires, and cognitive tasks, with a one-week follow-up for safety.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Dronabinol (Marinol)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a way to manage pain in people on opioid maintenance therapy without increasing opioid use.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early-phase study with only 36 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Dronabinol can cause side effects like dizziness or confusion.

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.

opiate dependence Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PAIN

Contacts and locations

Locations

VA Connecticut Healthcare System
RECRUITING

West Haven, Connecticut, 06516, United States

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