Cannabis for Vaping

This trial examines how different doses of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, affect people who use e-cigarettes. Researchers aim to understand THC's impact on cravings, mood, heart rate, and other physical responses. Participants will try both smoked and vaporized THC in a controlled setting. This trial suits healthy adults who use e-cigarettes daily and consume cannabis at least once a week. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this treatment.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must not have a substance use disorder other than alcohol, cannabis, or nicotine, and you cannot test positive for illicit drugs other than cannabis and tobacco.

Research has shown some safety concerns with both smoked and vaporized THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). For vaporized THC, studies have found that although it may release fewer harmful chemicals than smoking, it has been linked to lung injuries. Additionally, insufficient long-term safety information about THC vaping products makes their safety uncertain.

For smoked THC, common side effects include red eyes, dry mouth, and drowsiness. It can also affect memory and cause anxiety. Long-term use might lead to cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, which causes severe nausea and vomiting.

Researchers are excited about these treatments because they explore a new way of delivering THC for potential therapeutic benefits, using both smoked and vaporized methods. Unlike traditional oral or topical cannabis treatments, these methods allow THC to be absorbed more rapidly through the lungs, which might lead to quicker effects. Additionally, the combination of THC with varying nicotine levels in e-cigarettes could offer insights into how these substances interact, potentially leading to more personalized and effective treatment options. This approach could open up new avenues for managing conditions that respond to THC, offering a fresh perspective on cannabis-based therapies.

This trial will compare the effects of smoked THC with vaporized THC. Research has shown that vaping THC can produce stronger effects than smoking it. For instance, one study found that people who vaped a 25-milligram dose of THC experienced stronger effects on average than those who smoked the same amount. Both smoking and vaping THC can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Vaping typically results in higher levels of THC in the blood, leading to more noticeable effects. These findings suggest that both methods can significantly impact sensations and the body's response.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰