Stress pills may reveal why you crave cannabis
NCT ID NCT06430580
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 21, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study gives people with Cannabis Use Disorder drugs that mimic stress to see how it affects their desire for cannabis. Researchers measure brain activity and decision-making during four lab visits. The goal is to understand the link between stress and cannabis use motivation.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Hydrocortisone and Yohimbine Hydrochloride
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could help explain how stress triggers cannabis cravings, pointing toward better treatments for Cannabis Use Disorder.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small study (36 people) testing temporary stress-like effects, not a treatment. Results may not lead to real-world therapies.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Early phase 1
The earliest testing in people: a first look at safety, in a very small group.
- Participants
-
38 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Sep 2024
- Finished
-
Aug 2026
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 to 50 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Meets criteria for current, moderate to severe Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) as assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) during the screening interview. * Reports engagement in near-daily/daily cannabis use. * Provide a urine sample positive for THC. * Must be in generally good health as determined by a physical exam, EKG, and blood tests * Must be adequately informed of the nature and risks of the study and given written informed consent prior to screening. * Able to read and write in English. Exclusion Criteria: * Has a history of serious psychiatric problems (i.e., psychosis, Bipolar Disorder I) or meets criteria for a current Major Depressive Episode, as assessed by the SCID-V-RV. * Reports current suicidal ideation. * Meets DSM-5 criteria for any other current, moderate to severe substance use disorder (other than CUD or Tobacco Use Disorder * Has a positive result urine drug screen for all other drugs aside from THC (i.e., amphetamine, methamphetamine, benzodiazepine, cocaine, MDMA, morphine, oxycodone, methadone, buprenorphine) at screening or at any lab visit. * Has structural brain abnormalities (e.g., neoplasms), stroke, seizures, infectious disease, a history of other neurological diseases, or a history of head trauma resulting in unconsciousness. * Has a history of cardiovascular disease, myocardial infarction, chest pain, or palpitations on exertion or drug use, edema, hypertension, resting heart rate \<50 BPM or \>100 BPM. Cardiovascular diseases include: . a. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) b. Post-myocardial infarction * Demonstrates systolic BP outside of acceptable range (80-140mmHG), or diastolic BP outside of acceptable range (50-90 mmHG) * Has a history of cor pulmonale, dyspnea, orthopnea, tachypnea (\>24 breaths per minute), or uncontrolled chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma. * Currently taking any daily psychotropic medication * Currently taking any of the following medications: 1. Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors including Lisinopril, Enalapril, Benazepril, and Bamipril 2. Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARB) including Losartan, Valsartan, and Olmesartan 3. Thiazide Diuretics including Hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), Chlorthalidone 4. Calcium Channel Blockers including Amlodipine, Diltiazem, and Verapamil 5. Beta-blockers including Carvedilol, Metoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol 6. Anti-Arrythmic Medication including Disopyramide, Flecainide, and Mexiletine 7. Edema (Diuretics) 8. Thiazide Diuretics (as above) 9. Loop Diuretics including Furosemide and Torsemide 10. Potassium Sparing Diuretics: Spironolactone and Eplerenone 11. Anti-Platelet Medications such as Clopidogrel, Prasugrel, and Ticagrelor * Reproductively capable candidates who are pregnant (based on urine test at screening or at any lab visit) or are heterosexually active and not using medically approved birth control measures (oral contraceptives, IUD, condom, sterilization). * Self-reports currently seeking or engaging in CUD treatment or any other alcohol or drug treatment. * Self-reports intent to imminently quit cannabis use. * Has a Blood-Injection-Injury Phobia, as determined by scores greater than 15 on the Injection and Blood Draw subscale of the Medical Fear Survey
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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
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The BRAINS Lab at Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida, 32306-4301, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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