Using magnetic stimulation to treat 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 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.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

• 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

Similar studies

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

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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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• Home-based brain stimulation with guided mindfulness for cannabis use disorder

  This project tests whether daily at-home mild brain stimulation plus guided mindfulness can help adults with cannabis use disorder reduce or stop their cannabis use.

  Recruiting NYU Langone Health · New York, New York · NCT07184983

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.