Evaluating the Acute Effects of the Cannabinoid Dronabinol and the Opioid Hydromorphone Alone and in Combination: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial in Knee Osteoarthritis

Abstract Background: This within-subject, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study aimed to determine the acute analgesic and drug effects and the risk for extramedical use, of synthetic delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and hydromorphone, alone and in combination, in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Methods: Participants (N = 21; 57% women; mean age = 63.4 ± 6.4 yr) with knee osteoarthritis received oral combinations of placebo, hydromorphone (2 mg), and dronabinol (10 mg). In the initial session, participants received hydromorphone + placebo, and the remaining sessions were