Actively Recruiting
Determining the Effect of Six Weeks of Cannabis Abstinence on Fronto-Striatal fMRI Markers in Adolescents With Cannabis Use Disorder (ABSCAN)
Led by University of Minnesota · Updated on 2026-04-07
64
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
N/A
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying changes in brain activity related to reward in adolescents aged 15 to 18 years old with and without Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). The study aims to understand how abstaining from cannabis affects brain function, particularly in areas involved in reward processing and connectivity between brain regions. It also explores self-reported impulsivity to better understand individual differences that cannot be captured by previous studies. Adolescents with CUD will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will undergo a 6-week program encouraging verified cannabis abstinence through rewards, while the other group will be monitored without required abstinence. A control group of age- and sex-matched adolescents without any history of cannabis use will also participate. The study involves nine visits over about six weeks, including three visits with brain scans using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Participants may also choose to complete daily remote reports on cannabis use, impulsivity, and mood during and after the treatment period. Participants will have brain scans at baseline, week 3, and week 6 to measure brain activation during a reward task and resting-state connectivity. Urinalysis will be conducted to confirm cannabis use reports, and impulsivity will be measured using a questionnaire at multiple points. Optional daily remote assessments may continue for an additional six weeks after treatment. The study tracks brain changes, behavior, and self-reported experiences to better understand the effects of cannabis abstinence in adolescents.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Determining the Effect of Six Weeks of Cannabis Abstinence on Fronto- Striatal fMRI Markers in Adolescents With Cannabis Use Disorder (ABSCAN)
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Male and female adolescents between the ages of 15 and 18 (inclusive).
- Have a parent or legal guardian who can provide written informed consent.
- Able and willing to provide written informed assent (if under 18) or consent (if 18).
- Native English speaker.
- Have a parent or legal guardian who is fluent in English.
- Able to attend 9 study visits over about 6 weeks.
- Safe to participate and suitable for outpatient care as determined by the investigator.
- No active psychosis or current use of antipsychotic medications.
- Psychotropic medications allowed if stable for 6 weeks and expected to remain stable.
- For cannabis groups: use cannabis at least 5 days per week on average in past 2 months, meet DSM-V criteria for cannabis use disorder (mild or more), positive urine test at baseline, and no immediate plans to stop using cannabis.
- For control group: no lifetime cannabis use, negative urine test at baseline, and no plans to start cannabis use.
- Access to a personal device for optional daily remote assessments.
You will not qualify if you...
- Substance use disorders in past 12 months except Cannabis Use Disorder in cannabis groups.
- MRI contraindications such as metal implants, prior head trauma with neurological effects, claustrophobia, weight incompatible with MRI, or pregnancy.
- Past or current diagnosis of psychosis, cognitive disability, or bipolar disorder.
- Active suicidality.
- Psychotropic medications not stable for 6 weeks or planned changes during study.
- Any serious medical or psychiatric condition that prevents safe participation as judged by the investigator.
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 weeks
Participants undergo behavioral interventions including incentivized abstinence or monitoring without required abstinence to study brain function changes.
9 study visits over about 6 weeks
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55414
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
V
Venessa Fuentes
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Number of Arms
3
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