CBD-Microglia PET Study

Effect of Cannabidiol on Microglial Activation and Central Pain-Sensitization

Status

Completed

Phases

Early Phase 1

Study type

Interventional

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT04398719

Enrollment

Registered

2020-05-21

Start date

2021-05-07

Completion date

2024-12-11

Last updated

2026-04-29

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

CBD, Healthy

Keywords

Control, PET Scan, MRI Scan, Central Pain-Sensitization, Cannabidiol

Brief summary

This study aims to examine the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) pre-treatment on brain microglial activation in healthy human subjects. Secondarily, this study aims to examine the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) pre-treatment on central pain-sensitization in healthy human subjects.

Detailed description

This study aims to examine the effect of cannabidiol (CBD), pre-treatment, as Epidiolex, on brain microglial activation in healthy human subjects using \[11C\]PBR28 PET imaging. Secondarily, this study aims to examine the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) pre-treatment on central pain-sensitization in healthy human subjects. Lastly, this research study will also examine the relationship between brain microglial activation and central pain sensitization with CBD pre-treatment.

Interventions

RADIATION[11C]PBR28

The radiotracer, \[11C\]PBR28, will be administered at the beginning of each PET scan

DRUGLow-dose lipopolysaccharide

Subjects will receive intravenous lipopolysaccharide.

DRUGIntradermal Capsaicin

A small dose of capsaicin will be administered by intradermal injection.

Study design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Intervention model

PARALLEL

Primary purpose

OTHER

Masking

TRIPLE (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

ALL

Age

18 Years to 55 Years

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

1. Men and women aged 18- 55 years 2. No significant medical or neurological illness 3. No implanted metal devices that may pose a risk during MRI scanning 4. Within the annual permissible radiation exposure 5. Able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion criteria

1. Current use of any medications 2. Presence of metal in the body 3. Pregnancy or lactation

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Microglial activation using [11C]PBR28 PET imaging	10 Days	Difference in microglial activation (\[11C\]PBR28 VT levels) between the 2 groups (e.g., CBD vs. placebo)

Secondary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Capsaicin-induced hyperalgesia	10 Days	Difference in capsaicin-induced hyperalgesia between the 2 groups (e.g., CBD vs. placebo)

Countries

United States

Contacts

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORMohini Ranganathan, MD

Yale University

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Apr 30, 2026