Home-based brain stimulation with guided mindfulness for 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 is a sham-controlled, pilot randomized trial testing a one-month program of 20 home-based repeated-session transcranial direct current stimulation (RS-tDCS) paired with audio-guided mindfulness meditation. Eligible adults (ages 22–65) who meet DSM-5 criteria for cannabis use disorder and want to reduce use will be randomized to active or sham stimulation while completing guided mindfulness tracks. The trial focuses on feasibility, safety, and preliminary signals of reduced use or craving, with urine testing and clinical measures used for outcomes. Procedures include on-site screening and device training at NYU Langone followed by remote supervised sessions at home.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 22-65 years (inclusive)
2. Currently meets the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) criteria for CUD, as determined by DSM-V criteria (M.I.N.I)
3. Positive for cannabis on the 11-COOH-THC single panel urine test
4. Seeking treatment to reduce or discontinue cannabis use (Marijuana Ladder ranged between 5-8 \[inclusive\])
5. Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) score \< 35 (minimal to moderate distress)
6. Wide Range Achievement Test-5(WRAT-5) score ≥ 85
7. Ability to use mobile devices
8. Fluent in English or Spanish

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Cannabis is used exclusively as prescribed or directed by their provider
2. Meets DSM-V criteria for substance use disorder within the past six months for any psychoactive substance other than cannabis
3. Meets DSM-V criteria for alcohol use disorder within the past six months
4. Primary psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorder) as the principal diagnosis, independent of cannabis use disorder; or current diagnosis of bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, or any other alcohol/substance use disorder as defined by DSM-5-TR and confirmed via the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI).
5. Primary neurologic or major medical disorder that would interfere with study participation.
6. Enrolled in group or individual therapy for substance use disorder that would be concurrent with the study intervention
7. History of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury
8. Seizure disorder or recent (\<5 years) seizure history
9. Presence of metal or active implants in the head/neck
10. Any skin disorder or skin sensitive area near stimulation locations
11. Pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study period or breastfeeding

Where it's running

• NYU Langone Health
  New York, New York, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Leigh Charvet, PhD — NYU Langone Health
• Study coordinator: Shayna Pehel
• Email: Shayna.Pehel@nyulangone.org
• Phone: 929-455-5104

Similar studies

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

• Can tACS modulate motivation and reward signals in cannabis use disorder and depression

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• Semaglutide for cannabis use disorder: see if a medicine helps reduce use

  This study tests whether weekly injections of semaglutide can help adults with cannabis use disorder reduce their cannabis use compared with placebo.

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• Brain imaging to predict teens' response to cannabis treatment

  This project will test whether teens' brain activity during a learning task can predict how well 14–17-year-olds do in a 10-week virtual reward program to reduce cannabis use.

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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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• 12-week aerobic exercise program for people using cannabis

  This program will try a 12-week indoor cycling regimen to see if regular exercise reduces cannabis dependence and the severity of cannabis use disorder in adults aged 18–40.

  Recruiting The University of Hong Kong · Hong Kong · NCT07091292

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.