COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF SMOKED MARIJUANA AND ORAL THC: AIDS WASTING

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This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of smoked marijuana and oral THC. Smoked marijuana and oral THC produce dose-related effects on assessments of subjective, cognitive, physiological, and analgesic responding differing in magnitude and/or duration. Marijuana smoking is the most prevalent form of illicit drug use in the U.S. Marijuana has also gained attention for its potential medicinal value. Supporters argue that smoked marijuana offers: relief from chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, stimulation of appetite for AIDS wasting syndrome and anorexia, reduction of intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients, and alleviation of disease-related pain. In addition, they suggest that the rapid onset, easy dose titration, and variety of cannabinoids available through smoked marijuana may provide a clear advantage over oral administration of a single cannabinoid, THC. The lack of systematic research comparing the effects of smoked marijuana to oral THC highlights the need for properly designed and well-controlled trials, including trials examining the analgesic efficacy of marijuana. There is growing evidence that cannabinoids are relevant to pain perception and analgesia. This protocol compares, in experienced marijuana users, two doses of oral THC with two doses of smoked marijuana on clinically relevant measures of cognitive and subjective effects, analgesia, and physiological response. Two control conditions are included: oral hydrocodone and placebo. Hydrocodone is included because it is expected to produce changes on many outcome measures relative to no medication, while placebo is included to control for any participant expectancies. Each participant will complete six dose conditions defined by a particular drug dose of oral THC, puffs from 3.1% THC-containing cigarettes provided by NIDA, oral oxycodone HCl, or placebo. Potential participants will be screened using an IRB-approved telephone interview. Participants who meet the inclusion criteria for the study will be dosed accordingly and will proceed to take computer driven testing throughout each session. Blood samples will be taken during each session.