Using magnetic stimulation to help people with cannabis addiction

Substance Misuse To Psychiatric Disorders-Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation to People With Cannabis Use Disorder

NA · The University of Hong Kong · NCT05292547

This study is testing whether a type of magnetic stimulation can help people with cannabis addiction reduce their cravings and use less cannabis.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment18 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe University of Hong Kong (other)
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT05292547 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study explores the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in reducing cravings, frequency of cannabis use, and the severity of cannabis use disorder (CUD) among participants. The research will compare different rTMS treatment schedules to determine their impact on these factors. Participants diagnosed with CUD will receive multiple rTMS sessions, and the study aims to assess the differences in outcomes based on the treatment schedule used.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults diagnosed with cannabis use disorder who can communicate in English or Chinese.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those with severe substance use disorders or contraindications to rTMS may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a novel therapeutic option for individuals struggling with cannabis use disorder.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using rTMS for various substance use disorders, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Able to read and communicate in English and/or Chinese SToP-C-rTMS x CUD
* Able to give informed consent
* Using cannabis or marijuana as the primary psychoactive substance of abuse
* Diagnosed with Cannabis Use Disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th Edition (DSM-5) by the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Disorders (SCID-5)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Age \<18 years old
* Unable to read English or Chinese
* Unable to give informed consent
* Had been diagnosed with the following disorders, including neurodevelopmental disorders, DSM-5 defined substance use disorder greater than moderate in severity, and neurocognitive disorders
* Contra-indicated to have rTMS, including subjects with electronic and/or magnetic implants (e.g. pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator \[ICD\], cerebral shunts, cochlear implant, etc.), with metallic or mechanic fragments (e.g., screws, plates, stents, clips, etc.), pregnant, with any known or history of neurological conditions including cerebral vascular accidents, epilepsy, brain tumor or space occupying lesion, poorly controlled or unstable diabetes mellitus, and receiving unstable dose(s) of antipsychotics, antidepressants, benzodiazepines and/or anticonvulsants in the past 6 months

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

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, Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation, Cannabis, TMS

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.