Psilocybin in the Treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder: A-Proof-of-Concept Study (NCT06225232) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingPhase 2
Psilocybin in the Treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder: A-Proof-of-Concept Study
Canada16 participantsStarted 2025-03
Plain-language summary
Cannabis is the most commonly used psychoactive substance in Canada (Lowry \& Corsi, 2020). A sub-group of cannabis users develop a condition known as Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), which is defined as a regular pattern of cannabis use that causes performance difficulty at work, school and relationships (Hasin et al., 2013). A review of current treatments available for CUD indicate the lack of a pharmacological and psychological treatment with high success rates, which highlights the importance of exploring potential psychosocial interventions for the treatment of CUD. Given the evidence of psilocybin's therapeutic potential in the treatment of substance use disorders (de Veen et al., 2017), we aim to conduct a study using psilocybin-assisted-psychotherapy in the treatment of CUD. The study aims to evaluate the feasibility, safety, tolerability and potential therapeutic effect of 2 doses \[25 mg\] of psilocybin administered as part of an 8-week Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) and supportive therapy. This trial will be the first to evaluate the potential treatment effects of psilocybin on symptoms of CUD.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. Signed Informed Consent Form.
. Able to show documentation of identity.
. Fluent in speaking and reading English and able to complete rating scales and assessments.
. Between the ages of 18 to 65.
. At Screening, meet criteria for CUD diagnosis of at least moderate severity as per the MINI Plus
. Expressed a wish to reduce or stop cannabis use.
. Medically healthy based on physician review of CBC, electrolytes, liver function test, kidney function tests and ECG.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Incidence of spontaneously reported adverse events and serious adverse events from baseline to the nine-week endpoint
Timeframe: 9 weeks
2
Percent of recruited participants who discontinue or are lost to follow up before completing the 9-ween treatment protocol
. Has a stable residence for the duration of the study.
Exclusion criteria
. Meet DSM-5 criteria for lifetime history of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorders, personality disorders, delirium, dementia and amnesic and other cognitive disorders, or are in a current agitated state.
. Have first-degree biological relatives (parents or full siblings) with past or present history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and any other psychosis.
. Meet DSM-5 criteria for panic disorder or seizure disorders.
. Meet DSM-5 criteria for dependence of any substance other than cannabis or tobacco in the past 6 months.
. Positive urine drug screen for substances tested with the exception of cannabis
. History of serotonergic psychedelic use in the past year and over 5 times of lifetime use (psilocybin, LSD, Ayahuasca, mescaline, DMT).
. Current treatment with psychotropic agents including stimulants, anti-psychotic agents, benzodiazepines and tri-cyclic anti-depressants. Concurrent treatment with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Serotonin Noradrenalin Reuptake Inhibitors will be allowed, provided the dose has been stable for 4 weeks and remains stable during the study.
. History of cardiovascular diseases or uncontrolled hypertension that is not successfully treated or any other medical condition that might pose a risk to the participant in the opinion of the study physician.