The University of California, San Diego (UCSD) is currently seeking participants for five clinical trials focused on marijuana and its potential therapeutic benefits.
These studies are part of the university’s ongoing efforts to explore the medical applications of marijuana, which is becoming increasingly relevant as more states legalize its use for both recreational and medicinal purposes, and as marijuana is rescheduled at the federal level.
The first trial investigates the neural mechanisms behind marijuana-induced pain relief. Pain is often referred to as a “silent epidemic,” affecting over 100 million Americans and costing society more than $500 billion annually. This study aims to identify how vaporized marijuana alleviates acute pain by mapping the brain’s response, potentially leading to more effective and targeted pain therapies.
The second study will assess the interaction between cannabis use and antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people with HIV. This trial involves two phases: an observational phase with 120 participants to gauge the effects of chronic cannabis use on ART drug levels, mood, and cognitive function, and a second phase where 40 participants will receive cannabis or a placebo to evaluate its acute impact on these factors.
The third trial explores how marijuana affects cognitive behaviors like risk-taking and decision-making in people with HIV. It will specifically look at the effects of THC and CBD on cognitive function, motivation, and reward learning, and assess changes in biomarkers related to the endocannabinoid system and dopamine activity.
The fourth study will investigate the combined effects of marijuana use and HIV on brain health and inflammation. This research could contribute to new strategies for treating brain-related diseases and inflammation, providing critical insights into the interplay between marijuana and HIV.
Finally, the fifth trial aims to uncover the mechanisms of marijuana-induced pain relief in patients with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). This comprehensive study will involve a variety of tests to determine how cannabinoids might stabilize and improve CRPS-related pain and associated conditions.
These clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to contribute to pioneering research that could shape the future of marijuana and cannabinoid-based therapies. Interested individuals can find more information and apply for participation through the UCSD Clinical Trials website.
