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

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• University of Minnesota
  Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Brenden Tervo-Clemmens, PhD — University of Minnesota
• Study coordinator: Venessa Fuentes
• Email: tclab@umn.edu

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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• Reducing cannabis use to improve daily functioning.

  This program will try an 8-week combination of motivational interviewing, computerized CBT (CBT4CBT), and small financial rewards to help adults with cannabis use disorder cut back on cannabis.

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• Home-based brain stimulation with guided mindfulness for cannabis use disorder

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.