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Behavioral Pharmacology of Orally Administered THC and D-limonene

Behavioral Pharmacology of Orally Administered THC and D-limonene

Status
Recruiting
Phases
Phase 1
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT06378957
Enrollment
65
Registered
2024-04-23
Start date
2025-02-14
Completion date
2027-12-31
Last updated
2026-05-28

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

Conditions

D-limonene, Subjective Drug Effects, THC

Brief summary

The current clinical trial will investigate the effects of orally administered d-limonene (limonene), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and the combination in healthy adult volunteers.

Detailed description

The current clinical trial will investigate the interaction of orally administered d-limonene (limonene) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Limonene is a flavor/fragrance component common to many plants, including cannabis. The investigators have previously demonstrated that vaporized limonene can impact the acute effects of THC. The purpose of this study is to examine whether orally administered limonene modulates the acute effects of orally co-administered THC in a manner similar to when these substances are inhaled A controlled laboratory study will be completed at Johns Hopkins evaluating placebo, THC alone, and four ascending doses of d-limonene in combination with THC. Participants will be healthy adults with experience using cannabis. A total of 6 outpatient drug administration sessions will be conducted for each evaluable participant. The investigators will recruit study volunteers until 20 participants complete the protocol.

Interventions

Oral Limonene administered via capsule

Oral delta-9-THC in ethanol vehicle administered via capsule

DRUGPlacebo

Placebo (cellulose) administered via capsule

Sponsors

Johns Hopkins University
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
CROSSOVER
Primary purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Outcomes Assessor)

Masking description

place controlled, double-blind

Intervention model description

Within-subjects design where participants are randomly assigned to dose conditions

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
21 Years to 55 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Have provided written informed consent * Be between the ages of 21 and 55 * Be in good general health based on a physical examination, medical history, vital signs, and screening urine and blood tests * Test negative for drugs of abuse other than cannabis, including breath alcohol at the screening visit and at clinic admission * Not be pregnant or nursing (if female). All females must have a negative serum pregnancy test at the screening visit and a negative urine pregnancy test at clinic admission. * Have a body mass index (BMI) in the range of 18 to 36 kg/m2 * Blood pressure at Screening Visit does not exceed a systolic blood pressure (SBP) of 150 mmHg or a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of 90 mmHg * Have no allergies to any of the ingredients used to prepare (cellulose, THC, d-limonene). * Report having used a high THC cannabis product in the past 3 years and having experienced anxiety after consuming cannabis at least once in lifetime.

Exclusion criteria

* Non-medical use of psychoactive drugs other than, nicotine, alcohol, or caffeine 3 month prior to the Screening Visit; * History of or current evidence of significant medical (e.g. seizure disorder) or psychiatric illness (e.g. psychosis) judged by the investigator to put the participant at greater risk of experiencing an adverse event due to exposure or completion of other study procedures. * Use of an over the counter (OTC), systemic or topical drug(s), herbal supplement(s), or vitamin(s) within 14 days of experimental sessions; which, in the opinion of the investigator or sponsor, will interfere with the study result or the safety of the subject. * Use of a prescription medication (with the exception of birth control prescriptions) within 14 days of experimental sessions; which, in the opinion of the investigator or sponsor, will interfere with the study result or the safety of the subject. * Average use of cannabis more than 2 times per week in the prior 3 months. * History of clinically significant cardiac arrhythmias or vasospastic disease (e.g., Prinzmetal's angina). * Enrolled in another clinical trial or have received any drug as part of a research study within 30 days prior to dosing. * Individuals with anemia or who have donated blood in the prior 30 days

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Subjective Drug Effect as assessed by Visual Analog Scale8 hours after dosingSubjective drug effect will be measured on a 100 point visual analog scale (VAS) where 0 = no drug effect and 100 = strongest drug effect imaginable

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Subjective Drug Liking as assessed by Visual Analog Scale8 hours after dosingSubjective drug liking will be measured on a 100 point visual analog scale (VAS) where 0 = no drug effect and 100 = strongest drug effect imaginable
Subjective anxiety as assessed by Visual Analog Scale8 hours after dosingSubjective anxiety will be measured on a 100 point visual analog scale (VAS) where 0 = no drug effect and 100 = strongest drug effect imaginable
Subjective hunger as assessed by Visual Analog Scale8 hours after dosingSubjective hunger will be measured on a 100 point visual analog scale (VAS) where 0 = no drug effect and 100 = strongest drug effect imaginable
Subjective paranoia as assessed by Visual Analog Scale8 hours after dosingSubjective paranoia will be measured on a 100 point visual analog scale (VAS) where 0 = no drug effect and 100 = strongest drug effect imaginable

Countries

United States

Contacts

CONTACTAustin Zamarripa, PhD
czamarr2@jhmi.edu410-550-6969
CONTACTLauren S Pollak, MSc
lschoen7@jhmi.edu410-550-0586
PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATORAustin Zamarripa, PhD

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: May 29, 2026