Obesity drug trial using cannabis compound halted early
NCT ID NCT04801641
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This small pilot study tested whether nabilone, a synthetic drug similar to cannabis, could help obese adults lose weight. The trial aimed to check safety and feasibility, but it was terminated early, so we don't have clear results. Only 18 people were enrolled, making it too small to draw firm conclusions.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Nabilone (a synthetic cannabinoid similar to THC)
- What this could lead to
- If it had worked, this could have pointed toward a new weight-loss treatment using cannabis-like compounds.
- What could go wrong
- The trial was terminated early and only enrolled 18 people, so we have very little data. Nabilone can cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and mood changes.
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
-
Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
-
18 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Sep 2021
- Finished
-
Aug 2023
- 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
-
25 to 45 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: * Obese adults (BMI \> 30.0 kg/m2). * For the optional imaging component of the study, a maximum weight (315 lbs) and a maximum girth in line with capacity of the machine (60 cm horizontal and 45 cm vertical; therefore, circumference of scanner is 166.6 cm) * For women of reproductive potential (WORP) and men whose sexual partners are WORP: use of adequate methods of contraception (effective barrier methods such as male condoms, female condoms, cervical caps, diaphragms, or contraceptive sponges; and highly effective methods of contraception such as oral hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine devices (IUDs), vasectomy, or tubal ligation) * AST/ALT, bilirubin, and kidney function tests within normal limits at screening. Exclusion Criteria: * Unstable gastrointestinal, respiratory, endocrinological, cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases that would prevent participation in the trial at QI (or its delegate) discretion, * Unstable major psychiatric disorder(s) (i.e. Axis I Disorders) that would prevent participation in the trial at QI (or its delegate) discretion, * Current substance use disorders (DSM-V) (excluding tobacco and caffeine), * History of, or current neurological illnesses, that would prevent participation in the trial, * Current use or use during the previous month of antipsychotic medications, * Learning disability, amnesia or other conditions that impede memory and attention, * Visual impairments that prevent participation in the study, * Personal or family history of schizophrenia, or psychosis (or psychosis-related) disorders, * Antibiotic use in the last 4 weeks, * Previous bariatric surgery, * Current use or use in the past month of other weight-loss pharmaceuticals, * Cannabis use in last 6 months, * Known sensitivity to cannabis or other cannabinoid agents, * Pregnancy or lactation (females), and * For the optional imaging component of the study: * Presence of metal implants or objects unsafe for MRI such as cardiac pacemakers, metal fragments in the eye, and aneurysm clips in your brain * Piercings or jewelry that are unable to be removed * Tattoos inked with metal dyes
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Obesity are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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
-
Center for Addiction and Mental Health
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2S1, Canada
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Custom knee guides put to the test in obese patients
- A pill for obesity? early human trial puts MDR-001 to the test
- Can a weekly shot help people who still struggle with weight after bariatric surgery?
- Do GLP-1 Weight-Loss drugs change how teens eat and feel?
- Can electrical muscle stimulation boost exercise benefits after menopause?
- Can a cold cloth on the neck calm Post-Surgery nausea?