Effects of cannabis abstinence on brain activity in adolescents with cannabis use disorder

Determining the Effect of Six Weeks of Cannabis Abstinence on Fronto- Striatal fMRI Markers in Adolescents With Cannabis Use Disorder (ABSCAN)

This study is testing how taking a break from cannabis for six weeks affects brain activity related to rewards in teenagers aged 15-18 who have cannabis use disorder and those who don’t.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 64 (estimated)
• Ages: 15 Years to 18 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Minnesota (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
• Trial ID: NCT06124846 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to investigate how six weeks of cannabis abstinence affects brain activity related to reward processing in adolescents aged 15-18 with and without cannabis use disorder (CUD). Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), researchers will assess changes in striatal reward activation and fronto-striatal connectivity at three different timepoints. The study will also evaluate self-reported impulsivity to understand the broader implications of cannabis abstinence on behavior and brain function. The findings could enhance our understanding of the neural changes associated with cannabis use and abstinence in adolescents.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adolescents aged 15-18 who have a history of cannabis use and meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have cannabis use disorder or are not within the specified age range may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the neural mechanisms of cannabis use disorder and inform treatment strategies for adolescents.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies examining the effects of cannabis on brain function, this specific approach focusing on abstinence and fMRI markers in adolescents is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Male and female adolescents between the ages of 15 and 18 (inclusive).
* Have a parent or legal guardian who is able and willing to provide written informed consent.
* Competent and willing to provide written informed assent (participants \<18) or consent (participants=18).
* Native English speaker.
* Have a parent or legal guardian who is fluent in English.
* Able to commit to 9 study visits in approximately 60 days (6 weeks).
* Able to safely participate in the protocol and appropriate for outpatient level of care, in the opinion of the PI.
* No active psychosis or current use of antipsychotic medications.
* Participants taking psychotropic medications will be included if the medications have been stable for 6 weeks and are expected to remain stable for the duration of their study participation (i.e., through the third MRI).
* For CB-Abst (n=24) and CB-Mon (n=20) groups: at least 5 days of use per week on average in the past two months and meet DSM-V cannabis use disorder (CUD; at least Mild) criteria. Cannabis use reported within seven days of baseline visit. Positive qualitative urine toxicology test at baseline for THC. No immediate plan to discontinue cannabis use.
* For Con (n=20): no lifetime history of cannabis use. Negative qualitative urine toxicology test at baseline for THC. No immediate plans to begin cannabis use.
* For optional components (A: daily remote assessments during and/or (B) after treatment period): access to a personal device (e.g., smartphone or computer) on which to complete daily remote assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Past twelve-month history of substance use disorders (except for Cannabis Use Disorder in CB-Abst and CB-Mon), assessed via semi-structured psychodiagnostics interview at baseline.
* Contraindications for MRI (ascertained via participant and parent report), including but not limited to:

  1. Metal implants such as surgical clips or pacemakers, or history of working with metal, unless the possibility of a metal fragment can be ruled out by recent orbital scans.
  2. Prior head trauma with neurological sequelae.
  3. Claustrophobia.
  4. Weight incompatible with MRI safety.
  5. Pregnancy.
* Previous or current diagnosis of psychosis, cognitive disability, or bipolar disorder.
* Active suicidality.
* Taking a psychotropic medication that has not reached stability criterion (same medication type and dose for 6 weeks with no planned changes over the study period).
* Any other medical or psychiatric condition deemed serious or contraindicated for any study procedures by Dr. Tervo-Clemmens.

Where this trial is running

Minneapolis, Minnesota

• University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Brenden Tervo-Clemmens, PhD — University of Minnesota
• Study coordinator: Venessa Fuentes

Conditions Cannabis Use Disorder