The University of California San Diego (UCSD) continues to seek participants for six clinical trials focused on marijuana and its compounds.
Each study explores unique aspects of marijuana’s potential therapeutic effects. In one trial, researchers are examining the brain mechanisms behind cannabis-induced pain relief. This study seeks to identify how vaporized cannabis alleviates acute pain by focusing on neural activity and the pathways activated during pain relief. Insights from this research could enhance the development of targeted pain therapies.
Another trial investigates the effects of cannabis on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people with HIV. This two-phase study involves assessing chronic cannabis use’s impact on ART drug levels, mood, and cognitive function in 120 participants, followed by a controlled phase where cannabis or a placebo is administered to evaluate its acute effects on ART metabolism and neurotoxicity.
A related study explores cannabis use, cognition, and the endocannabinoid system in people with HIV. Participants will undergo baseline cognitive assessments and biomarker analyses before receiving THC, CBD, or a placebo over five days. The research aims to understand how cannabis impacts decision-making, risk behaviors, and the endocannabinoid system in this population.
The role of cannabis in gut health and neuroinflammation is being studied in participants with and without HIV. Researchers are focusing on how cannabinoids influence gut microbiota, inflammation, and blood-brain barrier integrity. Using advanced sequencing techniques, this trial will assess whether THC and CBD reduce inflammation and improve gut barrier function.
For veterans with chronic neuropathic pain, a randomized trial evaluates the effects of THC, CBD, and their combination. This large-scale study includes 320 participants and aims to determine whether cannabis can provide a safe and effective alternative for pain management, especially for those dissatisfied with conventional treatments.
Finally, a study on complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) investigates the mechanisms behind cannabinoid-induced pain relief. Participants undergo a six-week treatment period involving psychological and inflammatory marker testing to determine how cannabinoids stabilize pain and reduce related symptoms.
These studies offer a significant opportunity for participants to contribute to advancing medical knowledge on marijuana’s therapeutic potential. You can find detailed information on all six studies, including information on how to apply, by clicking here.
