RecruitingNot Applicable

Cannabis and Processing Emotions Study

United States24 participantsStarted 2026-01-22

Plain-language summary

The goal of this study is to test a causal neural mechanism of cannabis use-related problem recognition in individuals with severe cannabis use disorder using a non-invasive form of neuromodulation called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The main question it aims to answer is: -Does manipulating neural activity in the medial orbitofrontal cortex of the brain affect cannabis use-related problem recognition? Researchers will compare three forms of theta burst stimulation (TBS; sham, intermittent, and continuous) in each participant to see if manipulations in neural activity lead to changes in cannabis use-related problem recognition. Participants will complete a screening interview about their mental health and substance use history and complete four in-person laboratory sessions, which involve questionnaires, four brief magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, three TBS sessions, and three electroencephalogram (EEG) sessions. Participants will also be asked to provide urine samples and take saliva and/or breathalyzer tests at some of the lab visits.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 50 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: * Meets criteria for current, severe Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), as assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) during the screening interview * Reports engagement in cannabis use at least four days per week, on average, over the past year * Provide a urine sample positive for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) * Able to read and write in English * Has used cannabis at least 20 days in the past month * Endorses at least 10 distinct (of 40 possible) cannabis use-related problems across the screening interview and Lab Visit 1 questionnaires Exclusion Criteria: * Other non-cannabis illicit substance use more than once per month, on average, over the past year * Current DSM-5 moderate or severe Alcohol Use Disorder, as assessed by the Structured Clinical Interview (SCID) for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) during the screening interview * History of bipolar I or psychosis spectrum disorders, as assessed by the SCID for DSM-5 during the screening interview * Acute suicidality requiring treatment escalation, as assessed during the screening interview * Currently taking any daily psychotropic medication * Failure to meet standard MRI inclusion criteria (i.e., no presence of claustrophobia; cardiac pacemakers; neural pacemakers; surgical clips in the brain or blood vessels; surgically implanted metal plates, screws, or pins; cochle…

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

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the medial orbitofrontal cortex

Timeframe: Lab Visits 2 (day 8), 3 (day 15), and 4 (day 22)

Amplitude of neurophysiological responses to self-referential cannabis use-related information

Timeframe: Lab Visits 2 (day 8), 3 (day 15), and 4 (day 22)

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06907979

SponsorAuburn University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-05

Contact for this trial

Brandon Schermitzler, M.S.

334-844-6642 bzs0103@auburn.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Cannabis Use Disorder, Severe trials