Cannabis withdrawal: a PET study of endocannabinoid metabolism
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute
We are interested in understanding the cause of cannabis withdrawal syndrome and how it affects the brain. We are looking for participants who are 19-65 years of age who regularly use cannabis are willing to abstain from using cannabis for approximately 1 week.
More information may be found at: http://camhstudies.ca/cgi-bin/findCAMHstudy_study.php?d=244
Your Impact
The objective of the proposed study is to use PET imaging using a tracer ([C-11] CURB) to visualize a protein in the brain (FAAH). We want to investigate whether FAAH levels in the brain contribute to withdrawal symptoms.This study will provide the first long term data on how cannabis related molecule metabolize in the brain during metabolism cannabis withdrawal.
Eligibility Criteria
All genders
19 to 65 years old
You must be 19-65 years
You must have recently experienced problems with excessive cannabis use - you must use cannabis everyday
You must not have an unstable medical condition
You must not have current psychiatric disorders
You must not have past or current neurological illness or head trauma
You must not have a history of suicide attempts or suicidality
You must not have metal implants in your body
You must not be pregnant or breastfeeding
You cannot have claustrophobia
Your exposure to radiation in the past 12 months cannot exceed the permissible limit for subjects participating in research
Study Tasks
Session 1: We will obtain your consent and screen you for suitability for the study (about four hours).
Session 2: •Each MRI scan lasts approximately 2 hours. This may be done on the same day or separate day as the PET scan(s).
Session 3/4: Each PET scan lasts approximately 4 hours. During the scan(s) we will collect blood samples needed for the PET, but also to measure inflammatory protein levels. We will ask you to fill out some questionnaires and complete some memory/ decision making tasks on this day. Your 2nd PET scan will take place ~1 week after the 1st PET scan.
Between PET scan 1 and PET scan 2 you will be enrolled in abstinence monitoring (~1hr) sessions to help you maintain abstinence.
Ethics
029-2017
Keywords
Activity and Time
Health and Wellness
Clinical Trial
Weekdays
30 minute(s) - 4 hour(s) per session
4 session(s)
The study has three parts: - An in-person interview - Two - three MRI sessions - Two - three positron emission tomography (PET) scans - Abstinence monitoring sessions in between PET scans (~1hr per session)
Compensation
$800
All meals on scan days covered
Reimbursement
All transportation covered e.g. round trip public transportation and in special occasions taxis and Ubers
Study Address
250 College St Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5T 1R8