The purpose of this study is to characterize the dose-related effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) in healthy individuals on cerebellum-dependent motor functions.
The overall aim of the current proposal is to investigate whether acute, IV ∆9-THC administration mediates cerebellar versus forebrain-dependent associative learning in humans as assessed with eyeblink conditioning (EBC). In addition, a battery of motor function tests will also be administered (the CANTAB motor screening test, Grooved Pegboard Motor Task, paced finger tapping).
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
57
Very low dose (0.0015 mg/kg = 0.21 mg in a 70 kg individual) THC, dissolved in alcohol. Administered intravenously over 10 minutes. Low Dose (0.015 mg/kg = 1.05 mg in a 70 kg individual) THC, dissolved in alcohol. This dose is roughly equivalent to smoking approximately ¼ of a marijuana cigarette, or "joint". Administered intravenously over 10 minutes. Medium dose (0.03 mg/kg = 2.1 mg in a 70 kg individual) THC, dissolved in alcohol. This dose is roughly equivalent to smoking approximately ½ of a marijuana cigarette, or "joint". Administered intravenously over 10 minutes.
Control: small amount of alcohol intravenous (quarter teaspoon), with no THC over 10 minutes.
VA Connecticut Healthcare System
West Haven, Connecticut, United States
Cerebellum Dependent Associative Learning (% CRs)
% conditioned responses (CRs) will be measured
Time frame: Measured +15 minutes after infusion
Cerebellum Dependent Associative Learning (CR Latency)
conditioned response (CR) Latency will be measured
Time frame: Measured +15 minutes after infusion
Completion of the Grooved Pegboard Motor Task (Reaction Time/Accuracy)
Total time taken to complete the grooved pegboard tasks will be the dependent measure.
Time frame: Measured +45 minutes after infusion
CANTAB Motor Screening Test (Reaction Time)
Using a touch screen, reaction time to touch a target will be the dependent measures.
Time frame: Measured +45 minutes after infusion
CANTAB Motor Screening Test (Accuracy)
Using a touch screen, accuracy to touch a target will be the dependent measures.
Time frame: Measured +45 minutes after infusion
Paced Finger Tapping (Correct Responses)
Using a button on a computer keyboard, correct responses will be measured.
Time frame: Measured +45 minutes after infusion
Paced Finger Tapping (Reaction Time)
Using a button on a computer keyboard, reaction time and tapping variability will be measured.
Time frame: Measured +45 minutes after infusion
THC intoxication, as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (Total Score)
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0 being none; 100 being completely
Time frame: Baseline; +45, +100, +240 minutes after infusion