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NCT Number: NCT06378957

Behavioral Pharmacology of Orally Administered THC and D-limonene

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.

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Key information

Age range

21 year–55 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 1

Primary location

Johns Hopkins Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit

Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Austin Zamarripa

CONTACT

Austin Zamarripa, PhD

PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

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

Treatment and study plan

D-Limonene

Drug

Oral Limonene administered via capsule

Delta-9-THC

Drug

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

Other names: THC

Placebo

Drug

Placebo (cellulose) administered via capsule

Primary outcomes

  1. Subjective Drug Effect as assessed by Visual Analog Scale

    Time frame: 8 hours after dosing

    Subjective 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 outcomes

  1. Subjective Drug Liking as assessed by Visual Analog Scale

    Time frame: 8 hours after dosing

    Subjective drug liking will be measured on a 100 point visual analog scale (VAS) where 0 = no drug effect and 100 = strongest drug effect imaginable

  2. Subjective anxiety as assessed by Visual Analog Scale

    Time frame: 8 hours after dosing

    Subjective anxiety will be measured on a 100 point visual analog scale (VAS) where 0 = no drug effect and 100 = strongest drug effect imaginable

  3. Subjective hunger as assessed by Visual Analog Scale

    Time frame: 8 hours after dosing

    Subjective hunger will be measured on a 100 point visual analog scale (VAS) where 0 = no drug effect and 100 = strongest drug effect imaginable

  4. Subjective paranoia as assessed by Visual Analog Scale

    Time frame: 8 hours after dosing

    Subjective paranoia will be measured on a 100 point visual analog scale (VAS) where 0 = no drug effect and 100 = strongest drug effect imaginable

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Austin Zamarripa, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

410-550-6969

Lauren S Pollak, MSc

CONTACT

[email protected]

410-550-0586

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Johns Hopkins University

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Apr 23, 2024
Registry last updated
May 28, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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