Study to Evaluate Aerobic Exercise for Treating Cannabis Dependence and Use Disorder in Adults Aged 18 to 40

What this Trial Is About

Cannabis misuse is increasing in Hong Kong despite an overall decline in drug abuse, leading to concerns about dependence, use disorders, and potential development of psychotic disorders and schizophrenia. Researchers are evaluating whether a 12-week aerobic exercise program can reduce cannabis dependence and the severity of cannabis use disorder CUD as a low-cost, low-stigma alternative to traditional treatments. This randomized controlled trial is sponsored by The University of Hong Kong and aims to provide evidence on exercise as a treatment option for people with cannabis dependence. Participants with cannabis dependence will be randomly assigned to one of two groups an exercise group or a control group. The exercise group will engage in vigorous-intensity indoor cycling at 60-70% heart rate reserve for 30 minutes, while the control group will perform very light-intensity indoor cycling at 20-30% heart rate reserve for 30 minutes. The 12-week study is divided into three phases an intensive intervention phase with supervised exercise twice a week for 4 weeks, an active intervention phase with supervised exercise once a week for 4 weeks, and a passive maintenance phase with no supervised sessions but weekly exercise reminders. Participants will undergo regular assessments of cannabis use, withdrawal symptoms, cognitive function, and physical health throughout the study. Cannabis use disorder diagnosis and psychological dependence will be measured at enrollment and every 4 weeks. Urine tests and withdrawal symptoms will be checked weekly. Other outcomes include cannabis craving, cannabis-related problems, self-efficacy in reducing use, cognitive and psychomotor function, body measurements, cardiopulmonary capacity, energy expenditure, and physical activity participation. The study will monitor these outcomes closely over the 12-week period to evaluate the effects of the exercise intervention.

Exercise Intervention as Treatment for People Using Cannabis (ExIT-C)