Intervention for cannabis use in young adults
Official title: Development of a Novel Cannabis Brief Intervention for Frequently-Using Emerging Adults: Pilot Randomized Trial
Run by Medical University of South Carolina · NCT06395389 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing two short programs to help young adults aged 18-25 who might be using cannabis too much, to see which one works better for them.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 25 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 62 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Medical University of South Carolina Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charleston, South Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 18, 2024 |
| Main results expected | May 2028 |
| Study ends | May 2029 |
| Registry record updated | April 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06395389 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are emerging adults aged 18-25 who have used cannabis on at least 20 days in the past month.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients currently engaged in substance use treatment or with severe substance use disorders may not benefit from this intervention.
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 compare two brief interventions designed for emerging adults aged 18-25 who exhibit potentially problematic cannabis use. Participants will undergo a detailed cannabis assessment and then be randomly assigned to one of the two interventions, each consisting of two sessions lasting 40-50 minutes, separated by one week. Follow-up assessments will occur immediately after the second session and at one and three months post-intervention, with salivary samples collected to measure THC and CBD levels. The study seeks to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of these interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could help reduce problematic cannabis use among emerging adults, leading to improved health and social outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While several cannabis brief interventions have been tested, their efficacy for emerging adults has been mixed, indicating a need for novel approaches like this one.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Ages 18-25 2. Self-Report report cannabis use on at least 20 days of the past 30 days 3. Submit a positive urine cannabinoid test Exclusion Criteria: 1. Currently engaged in substance use treatment for any type of substance use or currently treatment seeking 2. History of substance use treatment for any type of substance 3. Severe alcohol use disorder or indication of any substance use disorder requiring a higher level of care (AUDIT score ≥14 or DUDIT score ≥2 for women, ≥6 for men) 4. Significant or acutely unstable medical or psychiatric problems (i.e., psychosis, mania) that would contraindicate research procedures, interfere with safety, compromise data integrity, or preclude consistent study participation (Screening psychosis score =7) 5. Significant risk of suicide or homicide 6. Currently pregnant or breastfeeding
Where it's running
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Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, South Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kathryn Gex, Ph.D. — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Kathryn Gex, Ph.D.
- Email: soltisk@musc.edu
- Phone: (843) 792-4904
Similar studies
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.