CANNIC: Understanding the Clinical Pharmacology of Marijuana-Tobacco Co-administration

Study Details

Study Description

Brief Summary

This is a crossover, randomized, double-blinded clinical pharmacology study enrolling dual cannabis-tobacco smokers to better understand the combined effects of co-administering cannabis and tobacco. The project aims to describe the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of marijuana-tobacco co-administration by delivering THC and nicotine in various combinations. This foundational study will establish a research program focused on elucidating the public health consequences of marijuana-tobacco co-use.

Condition or Disease	Intervention/Treatment	Phase
THC Cannabis Cannabis Use Cannabis Smoking Tobacco Use Vaping	Drug: Cannabis Drug: Nicotine Device: Pax Loose Leaf Vaporizer	Phase 2

Detailed Description

This is a single-center, within-subject (crossover), randomized, double-blinded clinical pharmacology study of over 8 study visits (days). Participants will be non-treatment-seeking, healthy frequent users of both marijuana and tobacco/nicotine, age 21 to 65 years (21 years because of California tobacco control law). Participants will be marijuana users of any race who smoke or vape marijuana or THC extracts at least three days a week for the past 3 months or more. The study investigators will use positive urine toxicology THC results and self-report of marijuana smoking/vaping to determine eligibility. Participants must also be current users of inhaled forms of tobacco/nicotine (cigarettes, cigars, e-cigarettes) who use the product daily over the past 3 months.

Each study day will consist of a standardized session of 5 puffs of one of 8 study conditions using a PAX-3 vaporizer (PAX Labs, Inc.). Blood will be sampled multiple times for plasma THC, nicotine, and catecholamines, questionnaires administered for sensory and subjective effects, and heart rate, skin blood flow, and skin temperature will be measured. After 6 hours of abstinence, participants will have 60 minutes of ad libitum access to the assigned study condition, during which heart rate and blood pressure will be continuously monitored, blood sampled before and after for THC, nicotine, and platelet aggregation measured, and questionnaires administered.

Studies will be conducted at the CTSI Clinical Research Services-supported research ward at Zuckerberg San Francisco General.

Study Design

Study Type:

Interventional

Anticipated Enrollment :

48 participants

Allocation:

Randomized

Intervention Model:

Crossover Assignment

Masking:

Double (Participant, Investigator)

Primary Purpose:

Basic Science

Official Title:

Understanding the Clinical Pharmacology of Marijuana-Tobacco Co-administration

Anticipated Study Start Date :

Oct 31, 2023

Anticipated Primary Completion Date :

Oct 31, 2028

Anticipated Study Completion Date :

Oct 31, 2028

Arms and Interventions

Arm	Intervention/Treatment
Experimental: Placebo marijuana and regular cigarette Participants will vape a 50/50 mixture of placebo marijuana (0% THC) and regular cigarette (25.94 mg/g nicotine content)	Drug: Cannabis Participants will vape marijuana in varying doses from the PAX device Drug: Nicotine Participants will vape regular and Very Low Nicotine content cigarettes from the PAX device Device: Pax Loose Leaf Vaporizer In all arms, participants will be using the PAX Loose Leave Vaporizer.
Experimental: Placebo marijuana and Very Low Nicotine Content cigarette Participants will vape a 50/50 mixture of placebo marijuana (0% THC) and Very Low Nicotine Content cigarette (0.42 mg/g nicotine content)	Drug: Cannabis Participants will vape marijuana in varying doses from the PAX device Drug: Nicotine Participants will vape regular and Very Low Nicotine content cigarettes from the PAX device Device: Pax Loose Leaf Vaporizer In all arms, participants will be using the PAX Loose Leave Vaporizer.
Experimental: Medium marijuana and regular cigarette Participants will vape a 50/50 mixture of medium marijuana (<5% THC) and regular cigarette (25.94 mg/g nicotine content)	Drug: Cannabis Participants will vape marijuana in varying doses from the PAX device Drug: Nicotine Participants will vape regular and Very Low Nicotine content cigarettes from the PAX device Device: Pax Loose Leaf Vaporizer In all arms, participants will be using the PAX Loose Leave Vaporizer.
Experimental: Medium marijuana and Very Low Nicotine Content cigarette Participants will vape a 50/50 mixture of medium marijuana (<5% THC) and Very Low Nicotine Content cigarette (0.42 mg/g nicotine content)	Drug: Cannabis Participants will vape marijuana in varying doses from the PAX device Drug: Nicotine Participants will vape regular and Very Low Nicotine content cigarettes from the PAX device Device: Pax Loose Leaf Vaporizer In all arms, participants will be using the PAX Loose Leave Vaporizer.
Experimental: High marijuana and regular cigarette Participants will vape a 50/50 mixture of high marijuana (>10% THC) and regular cigarette (25.94 mg/g nicotine content)	Drug: Cannabis Participants will vape marijuana in varying doses from the PAX device Drug: Nicotine Participants will vape regular and Very Low Nicotine content cigarettes from the PAX device Device: Pax Loose Leaf Vaporizer In all arms, participants will be using the PAX Loose Leave Vaporizer.
Experimental: High marijuana and Very Low Nicotine Content cigarette Participants will vape a 50/50 mixture of high marijuana (>10% THC) and Very Low Nicotine Content cigarette (0.42 mg/g nicotine content)	Drug: Cannabis Participants will vape marijuana in varying doses from the PAX device Drug: Nicotine Participants will vape regular and Very Low Nicotine content cigarettes from the PAX device Device: Pax Loose Leaf Vaporizer In all arms, participants will be using the PAX Loose Leave Vaporizer.
Experimental: High marijuana only Participants will vape high marijuana (>10% THC)	Drug: Cannabis Participants will vape marijuana in varying doses from the PAX device Device: Pax Loose Leaf Vaporizer In all arms, participants will be using the PAX Loose Leave Vaporizer.
Experimental: Regular cigarette only Participants will vape a regular cigarette (25.94 mg/g nicotine content)	Drug: Nicotine Participants will vape regular and Very Low Nicotine content cigarettes from the PAX device Device: Pax Loose Leaf Vaporizer In all arms, participants will be using the PAX Loose Leave Vaporizer.

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcome Measures

Change in peak plasma concentration of THC [Baseline and Day 1]
To assess the differences between THC dosages, the study investigators will determine maximum plasma THC concentration (Cmax) using plasma THC concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Change in peak plasma concentration of THC [Day 1 and Day 2]
To assess the differences between THC dosages, the study investigators will determine maximum plasma THC concentration (Cmax) using plasma THC concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Change in peak plasma concentration of THC [Day 2 and Day 3]
To assess the differences between THC dosages, the study investigators will determine maximum plasma THC concentration (Cmax) using plasma THC concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Change in peak plasma concentration of THC [Day 3 and Day 4]
To assess the differences between THC dosages, the study investigators will determine maximum plasma THC concentration (Cmax) using plasma THC concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Change in peak plasma concentration of THC [Day 4 and Day 5]
To assess the differences between THC dosages, the study investigators will determine maximum plasma THC concentration (Cmax) using plasma THC concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Change in peak plasma concentration of THC [Day 5 and Day 6]
To assess the differences between THC dosages, the study investigators will determine maximum plasma THC concentration (Cmax) using plasma THC concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Change in peak plasma concentration of THC [Day 6 and Day 7]
To assess the differences between THC dosages, the study investigators will determine maximum plasma THC concentration (Cmax) using plasma THC concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Change in peak plasma concentration of THC [Day 7 and Day 8]
To assess the differences between THC dosages, the study investigators will determine maximum plasma THC concentration (Cmax) using plasma THC concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Change in Peak plasma concentration of nicotine [Baseline and Day 1]
To assess the differences between nicotine dosages, the study investigators will determine maximum plasma nicotine concentration (Cmax) using plasma nicotine concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Change in Peak plasma concentration of nicotine [Day 1 and Day 2]
To assess the differences between nicotine dosages, the study investigators will determine maximum plasma nicotine concentration (Cmax) using plasma nicotine concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Change in Peak plasma concentration of nicotine [Day 2 and Day 3]
To assess the differences between nicotine dosages, the study investigators will determine maximum plasma nicotine concentration (Cmax) using plasma nicotine concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Change in Peak plasma concentration of nicotine [Day 3 and Day 4]
To assess the differences between nicotine dosages, the study investigators will determine maximum plasma nicotine concentration (Cmax) using plasma nicotine concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Change in Peak plasma concentration of nicotine [Day 4 and Day 5]
To assess the differences between nicotine dosages, the study investigators will determine maximum plasma nicotine concentration (Cmax) using plasma nicotine concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Change in Peak plasma concentration of nicotine [Day 5 and Day 6]
To assess the differences between nicotine dosages, the study investigators will determine maximum plasma nicotine concentration (Cmax) using plasma nicotine concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Change in Peak plasma concentration of nicotine [Day 6 and Day 7]
To assess the differences between nicotine dosages, the study investigators will determine maximum plasma nicotine concentration (Cmax) using plasma nicotine concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Change in Peak plasma concentration of nicotine [Day 7 and Day 8]
To assess the differences between nicotine dosages, the study investigators will determine maximum plasma nicotine concentration (Cmax) using plasma nicotine concentrations from the standardized sessions.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Cardiovascular effects among dosages using heart rate as a measure [Baseline and Day 1]
The investigators will compare maximum change in heart rate as well as an integrated measure of heart rate over the first 180 minutes after the standardized session among dosages.
Cardiovascular effects among dosages using heart rate as a measure [Day 1 and Day 2]
The investigators will compare maximum change in heart rate as well as an integrated measure of heart rate over the first 180 minutes after the standardized session among dosages.
Cardiovascular effects among dosages using heart rate as a measure [Day 2 and Day 3]
The investigators will compare maximum change in heart rate as well as an integrated measure of heart rate over the first 180 minutes after the standardized session among dosages.
Cardiovascular effects among dosages using heart rate as a measure [Day 3 and Day 4]
The investigators will compare maximum change in heart rate as well as an integrated measure of heart rate over the first 180 minutes after the standardized session among dosages.
Cardiovascular effects among dosages using heart rate as a measure [Day 4 and Day 5]
The investigators will compare maximum change in heart rate as well as an integrated measure of heart rate over the first 180 minutes after the standardized session among dosages.
Cardiovascular effects among dosages using heart rate as a measure [Day 5 and Day 6]
The investigators will compare maximum change in heart rate as well as an integrated measure of heart rate over the first 180 minutes after the standardized session among dosages.
Cardiovascular effects among dosages using heart rate as a measure [Day 6 and Day 7]
The investigators will compare maximum change in heart rate as well as an integrated measure of heart rate over the first 180 minutes after the standardized session among dosages.
Cardiovascular effects among dosages using heart rate as a measure [Day 7 and Day 8]
The investigators will compare maximum change in heart rate as well as an integrated measure of heart rate over the first 180 minutes after the standardized session among dosages.
Area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) [Baseline and Day 1]
To assess the differences of absorption among dosages, the study investigators will determine the AUC using plasma nicotine and THC concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) [Day 1 and Day 2]
To assess the differences of absorption among dosages, the study investigators will determine the AUC using plasma nicotine and THC concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) [Day 2 and Day 3]
To assess the differences of absorption among dosages, the study investigators will determine the AUC using plasma nicotine and THC concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) [Day 3 and Day 4]
To assess the differences of absorption among dosages, the study investigators will determine the AUC using plasma nicotine and THC concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) [Day 4 and Day 5]
To assess the differences of absorption among dosages, the study investigators will determine the AUC using plasma nicotine and THC concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) [Day 5 and Day 6]
To assess the differences of absorption among dosages, the study investigators will determine the AUC using plasma nicotine and THC concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) [Day 6 and Day 7]
To assess the differences of absorption among dosages, the study investigators will determine the AUC using plasma nicotine and THC concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Area under the plasma concentration versus time curve (AUC) [Day 7 and Day 8]
To assess the differences of absorption among dosages, the study investigators will determine the AUC using plasma nicotine and THC concentrations from the standardized sessions.
Change in subjective effects scores using the Marijuana Cravings Questionnaire (MCQ) [Baseline and Day 1]
Self-assessed cravings will be measured using the MCQ. Questions on the MCQ are scored on a 7 point scale of 1 = Strongly Disagree and 7 = Strongly Disagree, with higher scores indicating increased cravings.
Change in subjective effects scores using the Marijuana Cravings Questionnaire (MCQ) [Day 1 and Day 2]
Self-assessed cravings will be measured using the MCQ. Questions on the MCQ are scored on a 7 point scale of 1 = Strongly Disagree and 7 = Strongly Disagree, with higher scores indicating increased craving of marijuana.
Change in subjective effects scores using the Marijuana Cravings Questionnaire (MCQ) [Day 2 and Day 3]
Self-assessed cravings will be measured using the MCQ. Questions on the MCQ are scored on a 7 point scale of 1 = Strongly Disagree and 7 = Strongly Disagree, with higher scores indicating increased cravings.
Change in subjective effects scores using the Marijuana Cravings Questionnaire (MCQ) [Day 3 and Day 4]
Self-assessed cravings will be measured using the MCQ. Questions on the MCQ are scored on a 7 point scale of 1 = Strongly Disagree and 7 = Strongly Disagree, with higher scores indicating increased cravings.
Change in subjective effects scores using the Marijuana Cravings Questionnaire (MCQ) [Day 4 and Day 5]
Self-assessed cravings will be measured using the MCQ. Questions on the MCQ are scored on a 7 point scale of 1 = Strongly Disagree and 7 = Strongly Disagree, with higher scores indicating increased cravings.
Change in subjective effects scores using the Marijuana Cravings Questionnaire (MCQ) [Day 5 and Day 6]
Self-assessed cravings will be measured using the MCQ. Questions on the MCQ are scored on a 7 point scale of 1 = Strongly Disagree and 7 = Strongly Disagree, with higher scores indicating increased cravings.
Change in subjective effects scores using the Marijuana Cravings Questionnaire (MCQ) [Day 6 and Day 7]
Self-assessed cravings will be measured using the MCQ. Questions on the MCQ are scored on a 7 point scale of 1 = Strongly Disagree and 7 = Strongly Disagree, with higher scores indicating increased cravings.
Change in subjective effects scores using the Marijuana Cravings Questionnaire (MCQ) [Day 7 and Day 8]
Self-assessed cravings will be measured using the MCQ. Questions on the MCQ are scored on a 7 point scale of 1 = Strongly Disagree and 7 = Strongly Disagree, with higher scores indicating increased cravings.

Eligibility Criteria

Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study:

21 Years to 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study:

All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers:

Yes

Inclusion Criteria:

Heart rate < 105 BPM*
Systolic Blood Pressure < 160 and > 90*
Diastolic Blood Pressure < 100 and > 50*

*Considered out of range if both machine and manual readings are above/below these thresholds.

Body Mass Index ≤ 38.0 (at investigator's discretion for higher BMI if no other concurrent health issues)
Current regular user of cannabis who smokes or vapes cannabis or THC extracts at least three days a week for the past 3 months or more
Test positive for D-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) at screening and self-report of cannabis use
Current user of inhaled forms of tobacco/nicotine (cigarette, cigars, e-cigarettes) who use the product daily for the past 3 months or more
Saliva cotinine ≥ 30 ng/mL

Exclusion Criteria:

Unstable medical conditions:
Heart disease
Seizures
Cancer
Thyroid disease (okay if controlled with medication)
Diabetes
Hepatitis B or C or Liver disease
Glaucoma
Kidney disease or urinary retention
An ulcer in the past year
Active use of an inhaler for asthma or COPD
Hypertension if uncontrolled (meaning participant has a diagnosis, but they are not taking medication/under treatment (e.g., diet or exercise plan)
Drug/Alcohol Dependence
Alcohol or illicit drug dependence within the past 12 months (currently in treatment) with the exception of those who recently completed an alcohol/drug treatment program
Positive toxicology test at the screening visit (THC & prescribed medications okay)
Opioid replacement therapy (including methadone, buprenorphine, or other)
Psychiatric conditions
Current or past schizophrenia, and/or current or past bipolar disorder
Major depression, current or within the past year
Major personality disorder
Participants with current or past minor or moderate depression and/or anxiety disorders will be reviewed by the PI [study physician] and considered for inclusion
History of psychiatric hospitalizations are not exclusionary, but study participation will be determined as per PI's [study physician's] approval
Current regular use of any psychiatric medications with the exception of SSRIs and SNRIs and current evaluation by the PI that the participant is otherwise healthy, stable, and able to participate
Congenital or acquired immunodeficiency disorders (i.e. HIV, congenital immune deficiency syndrome, chronic diseases)
Other disorders (i.e. ICU, malnutrition, immunosuppressive therapy)
Traumatic brain injury
Recent onset or change (worsening) in cough, fever and/or abdominal symptoms (vomiting or pain) in the past two weeks
Medications
Use of medications that are inducers of nicotine metabolizing enzyme CYP2A6 (Example: rifampicin, dexamethasone, phenobarbital, and other anticonvulsant drugs)
Concurrent use of nicotine-containing medications
Any stimulant medications (ex. Adderall) generally given for ADHD treatment
Other/Misc. Chronic Health Problems
Oral thrush
Fainting
Other "life threatening illnesses" as per study physician's discretion
Pregnancy
Pregnancy (self-reported and urine pregnancy test)
Breastfeeding (determined by self-report)
Concurrent participation in another clinical trial
Inability to communicate in English
History of marijuana-induced psychosis or paranoia after smoking marijuana
Scoring a 7 or higher on the Severity of Dependence Scale (SDS) for cannabis use
Planning to quit smoking or vaping within the next 60 days
Planning to quit cannabis use within the next 60 days
Uncomfortable with getting blood drawn
Willingness to abstain from tobacco smoking and all combustible products for 13 hours before admission
Willingness to abstain from smoking/ingestion of cannabis 13 hours before
Willingness to abstain from nicotine products 13 hours before each admission