Could a Marijuana-Derived drug help treat sleep apnea?

NCT ID NCT06477952

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This early-phase trial is testing whether dronabinol, a synthetic form of THC, can reduce the severity of obstructive sleep apnea. 120 adults with moderate to severe sleep apnea will take the drug for two weeks. Sleep studies before and after treatment will measure changes in breathing interruptions and oxygen levels.

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 new medication option for people with obstructive sleep apnea who cannot use standard treatments like CPAP.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase open-label trial with no placebo group, so results may be biased. Dronabinol can cause side effects like dizziness or drowsiness, and it is not yet proven to be safe or effective for sleep apnea.

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.

obstructive sleep apnea syndrome sleep apnea syndrome

As listed by the trial registrant

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

OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Chicago, IL
RECRUITING

Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States

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