Actively Recruiting
Cannabis and Processing Emotions Study
Led by Auburn University · Updated on 2026-05-06
24
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
66 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
A
Auburn University
Lead Sponsor
S
Society of Addiction Psychology
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
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.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Cannabis and Processing Emotions Study
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Meets criteria for current, severe Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) assessed by structured interview
- Uses cannabis at least four days per week on average over the past year
- Provides a urine sample positive for THC
- Able to read and write in English
- Used cannabis at least 20 days in the past month
- Reports at least 10 distinct cannabis use-related problems during screening and first lab visit
You will not qualify if you...
- Uses non-cannabis illicit substances more than once per month on average over the past year
- Has current moderate or severe Alcohol Use Disorder
- History of bipolar I or psychosis spectrum disorders
- Experiencing acute suicidality requiring treatment escalation
- Currently taking any daily psychotropic medication
- Does not meet standard MRI safety criteria (e.g., claustrophobia, metal implants, pregnancy)
- Has medical conditions contraindicating TMS (such as neurological disorders, certain medications, epilepsy, pregnancy, metallic implants, significant heart or cerebrovascular disease)
- History of allergies to cosmetics, lotions, or EEG gel
- History of migraines
- Currently undergoing treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Auburn University Neuroimaging Center
Auburn, Alabama, United States, 36849
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Brandon Schermitzler, M.S.
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
SINGLE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
CROSSOVER
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
3
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