There is evidence that cannabinoids, including delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), reduce responses to acute stress and fear-related stimuli, but few studies have examined the effects of THC on memories of stressful experiences. The researchers hypothesize that THC will attenuate behavioral and physiological responses to negative valence stimuli, including memories of aversive experiences.
The current study will use a between subject, randomized, placebo-controlled design to assess the effects of low doses of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on stress memories. Healthy male and female participants (N=48) will be randomly assigned to one of the three drug conditions (5 mg THC \[n=16\], 10 mg THC \[n=16\], or placebo \[n=16\]). Each subject will participate in 3 sessions. In the first session, they will undergo the TSST procedure. Researchers will obtain ratings of subjective distress, heart rate variability, and cortisol levels to assess response to the stressor for each individual. On the second session, one week later, participants will receive either THC or placebo and they will then be presented with TSST-related cues during a stress-memory retrieval session.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
36
University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Emotional Responses After Stress Memory Cues Compared to Control Cues After Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (5 mg, 10 mg) vs. Placebo
Using a visual analog scale participants will rate feelings of 'distress' 'arousal' and 'valence'. Scores range from 0-100 with higher scores indicating greater responses on particular items
Time frame: 20 seconds after each cue presentation during the task
Mean Physiological Responses After Stress Memory Cue Presentation Compared to Control Cues
Researchers will assess changes in cardiac output (pre-ejection period) after presentation of cues. This will be measured in milliseconds. Lower values indicate greater sympathetic activation.
Time frame: difference between values during 20 seconds of task cue presentations
Mean Emotional Responses One Week Later During Non-drug Retrieval Session
Using a visual analog scale from 0-100 participants will rate feelings of 'distress' 'arousal' and 'valence' in a non-drug state. Scores range from 0-100 with higher scores indicating greater responses on particular items
Time frame: 1 week after the first exposure they will complete the memory task again. The timeframe for assessing mean emotional responses will be at baseline (5 minutes pre-memory task) and 20 seconds after each cue presentation
Mean Negative Facial Emotion Expressions During Cue Presentation After THC (5 and 10 mg) vs Placebo
Using facial expression model, researchers will assess changes in the intensity (0-1) of negative facial emotions during presentation of memory cues, comparing control vs. stress memory cues. higher values indicate greater intensity.
Time frame: During 20 seconds cue presentation
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.