Brain scans reveal sex differences in THC effects for cannabis users
NCT ID NCT07225777
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Sep 09, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study looks at how men and women with cannabis use disorder react differently to THC, the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Researchers will give 40 adults either a THC pill or a placebo and use brain scans to measure changes in reward-related brain activity. The goal is to understand sex-specific brain responses, which could lead to more tailored treatments in the future.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Dronabinol (synthetic THC)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward personalized treatments for cannabis use disorder based on sex differences.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small early-phase study with only 40 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. It is designed to understand brain mechanisms, not to test a new treatment.
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
-
5 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Apr 2026
- 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
-
21 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: * Age 21-45 * DSM-5 criteria for CUD * Cannabis use ≥4 days/week * THC-positive urine * BMI 18-30 * Regular menstrual cycle (females) * Willingness to use non-hormonal birth control (females) Exclusion Criteria: * Lifetime psychotic or bipolar disorder * Recent drug use other than cannabis * Current psychotropic medication * Treatment-seeking for SUD * Current psychiatric disorder (except mild alcohol, nicotine, or caffeine use disorder) * Pregnancy/nursing * MRI contraindications
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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
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, 29403, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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