Cannabis clinical trials at UCSD

7 in progress, 4 open to eligible people

Showing trials for

  • Brain Mechanisms Supporting Cannabis-induced Pain Relief

    open to eligible people ages 21-65

    Chronic low back pain is a common and disabling condition that affects millions of people in the United States. Many people with chronic low back pain do not get enough relief from current treatments. Cannabis may help reduce pain, but researchers do not fully understand how it affects the brain in people with chronic pain. The purpose of this study is to examine how inhaled cannabis changes brain activity and reduces pain in people with chronic low back pain. Results from this study may help researchers better understand how cannabis works for pain and support the development of improved pain treatments.

    La Jolla, California

  • Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol on Microbiome and Neuroinflammation in HIV

    open to eligible people ages 21-70

    This study has the potential to contribute to a more complete understanding of the independent and combined effects of cannabis use and HIV on the brain and on inflammation. Such knowledge may inform future strategies for treating brain disease and inflammation. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups, both of which will receive the same treatment in a different order over a period of about 6 weeks. The visits include physical examinations, blood tests, and other procedures designed to monitor subject safety and measure the effects of the study drug.

    San Diego, California

  • Cannabis Derivatives in Neuropathic Pain

    open to eligible people ages 21 years and up

    Chronic neuropathic pain (CNP) is disabling. Research on frontline treatments for CNP, shows inconsistent outcomes and dissatisfaction among Veterans. Veterans and clinicians have shown significant interest in cannabis derivatives (THC, CBD) for neuropathic pain control, but there are no well-controlled trials guiding expectations for benefit and adverse outcomes associated with cannabis for CNP. Because Veterans are likely to present with pain and pain-related polymorbidity significantly differing from that of civilians, a well-structured clinical trial of cannabinoids for Veterans with CNP is vital.

    San Diego, California and other locations

  • Effects and Mechanisms of a High CBD Cannabis Extract (BRC-002) for the Treatment of Pain and Health in Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

    open to eligible people ages 21-75

    The aim of this trial is to determine the potential effects and mechanisms of cannabinoid-induced pain relief in complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Multiple psychophysical approaches will be conducted in conjunction with psychological and inflammatory marker testing to determine if and how cannabinoids produce stabilized improvement in CRPS-related pain and comorbidities. The trial consisted of a pre-treatment screening period, six-week treatment period and a two-week follow-up.

    La Jolla, California and other locations

  • Applying Mixed Methods to Identify Links Between PTSD Symptoms, Cannabis Use, and Functional Behaviors With Personalized Feedback Intervention Development

    Sorry, not yet accepting patients

    Many Veterans live with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and use cannabis to manage distress, despite limited supportive evidence. Veterans with PTSD who use cannabis often struggle with sleep, physical activity, and social connection, which are factors critical to health and well-being. This project will use smartphones and wearable devices to track symptoms and daily behaviors in real time and provide personalized feedback to help Veterans understand and manage the impact of PTSD and cannabis use in their lives. The study will develop a motivational interviewing-based personalized feedback approach that uses real-time data to help Veterans make data-informed decisions about their mental health, cannabis use, and functional behaviors. Findings will support development of scalable, Veteran-centered tools to promote healthier coping, functional recovery, and quality of life, even if they are not currently in treatment. The goal is to develop supportive, real-time strategies that meet Veterans where they are and promote better outcomes across the VA healthcare system.

    San Diego, California

  • Cannabis Effects on Antiretroviral Therapy Pharmacokinetics and Neurotoxicity

    Sorry, in progress, not accepting new patients

    This study will address whether cannabis affects antiretroviral therapy (ART) drug concentrations, mood, and thinking. The project will have two phases. Phase 1 is an observational study, in which 120 people will be assessed to evaluate the effects of chronic cannabis use on ART drug concentrations, mood, and thinking. In Phase 2, the study will administer cannabis (or placebo) to 40 people to examine its acute effects on ART drug concentrations.

    San Diego, California

  • Inhaled Cannabis for Acute Migraine Treatment

    Sorry, currently not accepting new patients, but might later

    This pilot crossover study will evaluate 3 different potencies of inhaled cannabis (2.5%, 5%, and 10%) and inhaled placebo cannabis for the acute treatment of migraine.

    La Jolla, California

Our lead scientists for Cannabis research studies include .

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