Intervention for cannabis use in young adults

Development of a Novel Cannabis Brief Intervention for Frequently-Using Emerging Adults: Pilot Randomized Trial

NA · Medical University of South Carolina · NCT06395389

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

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment62 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 25 Years
SexAll
SponsorMedical University of South Carolina (other)
Locations1 site (Charleston, South Carolina)
Trial IDNCT06395389 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are emerging adults aged 18-25 who have used cannabis on at least 20 days in the past month.

Not a fit: Patients currently engaged in substance use treatment or with severe substance use disorders may not benefit from this intervention.

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 performed: 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.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Charleston, South Carolina

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Cannabis Use Disorder, Early intervention, Emerging adults

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.