Analysis of the effects of Acute Cannabinoid Administration on the sensitivity and cognitive processing of experimental pain

• Grant number: 24/00325-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: June 01, 2025
• End date: May 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Psychiatry
• Principal Investigator: Flávia de Lima Osório
• Grantee: Flávia de Lima Osório
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Jaime Eduardo Cecilio Hallak ; José Alexandre de Souza Crippa

Abstract

The present proposal aims to investigate the effects of acute administration of 3 ml of cannabis extract (96 mg/ml CBD + 24 mg/ml THC) on pain sensitivity (intensity, threshold, tolerance and unpleasantness) and on the cognitive processing of painful stimuli. A randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial will be conducted. Participants will be recruited through advertisements and calls for proposals on social networks and other media. The sample of 70 participants was calculated based on a meta-analysis on the subject. To conduct the study, the Pain Assessment Task will be adapted for use in the Brazilian context, as part of its secondary objectives. This instrument may contribute to the conduct of future studies in the area, given the scarcity of tasks with this characteristic. The aim is to expand the available knowledge regarding the possible effects of cannabinoids in humans, especially in domains associated with pain, which negatively impacts the functionality and quality of life of a large part of the population, with partial therapeutic response to current pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. (AU)