Using magnetic stimulation to treat cannabis use disorder
Development of a Novel, Scalable, Neurobiologically-Guided Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Protocol for the Treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder
This study is testing if a new treatment using magnetic stimulation can help people with cannabis use disorder reduce their cannabis consumption and improve their overall well-being.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 46 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT05859347 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a non-invasive treatment for individuals diagnosed with cannabis use disorder (CUD). The approach involves applying alternating magnetic fields to the scalp to modulate neural circuits associated with substance use disorders. Given the rising prevalence of CUD and the limited effectiveness of current treatment options, this study aims to explore the potential of rTMS in reducing cannabis consumption and improving patient outcomes. Participants will be carefully screened to ensure they meet specific criteria related to their cannabis use and overall mental health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 to 65 who have a diagnosis of cannabis use disorder and are seeking to reduce or abstain from cannabis use.
Not a fit: Patients with concurrent severe psychiatric disorders or those who are pregnant may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a novel and effective option for individuals struggling with cannabis use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of rTMS for various neuropsychiatric disorders has shown promise, its application specifically for cannabis use disorder is relatively novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Must be deemed to have capacity to provide informed consent 2. Age between 18 to 65 3. Diagnosis of cannabis use disorder according to the DSM-5 and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID for DSM-541) 4. Report cannabis as the primary drug of concern, a frequent pattern of use (≥5 days per week), and a goal of reduction or abstinence of cannabis use 5. CUDIT-R score ≥12 6. Marijuana Contemplation Ladder ≥7 7. Cannabis positive urine drug screen, with Narcochek baseline THC-COOH level of \>150 ng/ml. 8. On a stable regimen of their psychotropic medications for 14 days before enrolment. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Pregnant or intending to be pregnant during the study 2. Diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia spectrum disorder, or other active concurrent psychiatric disorder that is too unstable and may preclude safe participation in the trial as deemed by the PI. 3. Substance use disorder other than cannabis or nicotine, that is of moderate severity or greater, or is the primary substance of concern based on the SCID for DSM-5 4. Known active seizure disorder, significant head injury with an imaging verified lesion 5. Unstable medical illness 6. Presence of cardiac pacemaker, intracranial implant, or metal in the cranium 7. Participants taking \> 2 mg lorazepam (or a benzodiazepine at an equivalent dose) or taking any anticonvulsant medication during treatment.
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Victor Tang, MD
- Email: victor.tang@camh.ca
- Phone: (416) 535-8501
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.