PK/PD of Oral and Vaporized Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Older Adults

Inclusion Criteria

• Healthy male and female participants aged 65 ≥ years old
• Prior exposure to THC or cannabis least once in the last 10 years; 1-10 times in the last 20 years; or more than 20 times in their lifetime
• Capable of providing informed consent in English.

Exclusion Criteria

• Meeting DSM-5 criteria for psychiatric/substance use disorders (SUD) other than tobacco use disorder, within the last year
• Current use of cannabinoid products, as evidenced by a urine drug screen
• Having a history of treatment for cannabis use disorder
• History of intent or current intent of abstaining from cannabis use
• Clinically significant medical disorders (e.g. liver/kidney dysfunction, immunosuppressing conditions, history or presence of epilepsy, seizures, head trauma with loss of consciousness)
• Medical conditions that increase the risk of respiratory problems (e.g. COPD, asthma, recuring bronchitis, reactive airway disorder)* (does not apply to the Oral THC Sub-Study)
• History of environmental sensitivities (e.g. bronchospastic allergies, multiple chemical sensitivities) or other airway sensitivities that require the use of an epi pen*(does not apply to the Oral THC Sub-Study)
• Neurological conditions that may change the response to nociceptive stimuli (e.g., stroke, neuropathy), or that lead to loss of balance, evidenced by a neuro-sensory exam
• Contraindications for exposure to nociceptive stimuli, such as untreated hypertension
• Current regular use of drugs known to affect pain, or that are prominent inducers or inhibitors of CYP2C9, CYP3A4, or UGTA19 (e.g., carbamazepine, valproate, fluvoxamine, and paroxetine)
• Major neurocognitive disorders precluding participation, evidenced by a clinical exam
• Abnormal EKG, arrythmia, vasospastic disease, chronic heart failure, or presence of a pacemaker
• Elevation of liver enzymes (ALT, AST) 2x the normal limit or higher
• Personal or family history of primary psychotic disorders, or mood disorders with psychotic features
• Current suicidal ideation
• Allergy or serious adverse reactions to sesame oil, THC, or cannabis
• Having received any drug as part of a research study within 30 days prior to receiving the study medication in the current study.