In heavy marijuana smokers, opioid receptor blockade increases the subjective and cardiovascular effects of marijuana. The current study was designed to clarify opioid-cannabinoid interactions by assessing how naltrexone shifts the dose-response function for marijuana-elicited effects in heavy marijuana smokers. For this within-subject, double-blind study, a marijuana smoking procedure was designed to characterize a dose-response relationship for marijuana's subjective and cardiovascular effects under blinded conditions.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
23
Marijuana cigarette containing 0% THC
Marijuana cigarette containing 5.5% THC
Marijuana cigarette containing 6.2% THC
New York State Psychiatric Institute
New York, New York, United States
Subjective Marijuana Effects
Subjective ratings of marijuana's quality and effect ('Strength', 'Good Effect', 'High', 'Stimulation') and craving ('Want Marijuana') as a function of active puffs and naltrexone, using a visual analogue scale with a series of 100 mm long lines labeled 'not at all' at one end (0 mm) and 'extremely' at the other end (100 mm). Participants were instructed to indicate how they felt at that particular moment. Higher ratings indicate more agreement with the statement.
Time frame: 180 minutes after marijuana administration, during each of 8 outpatient sessions over the course of 3-6 weeks.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Naltrexone (12mg/70kg)
Naltrexone (0mg)