Cannabis and Processing Emotions Study

This study is looking for 24 participants aged 18 to 50 who have severe Cannabis Use Disorder. Researchers want to understand if changing brain activity in a specific area (the medial orbitofrontal cortex) can affect how people recognize problems related to their cannabis use. They will use a non-invasive treatment called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells. You will receive three different types of TMS: active intermittent TMS, active continuous TMS, and a sham (placebo) TMS. The study will measure blood flow in your brain and your brain's responses to information about cannabis use to see if these changes occur. To be eligible, you must meet criteria for severe Cannabis Use Disorder and use cannabis at least four days a week.

Study design: This is an interventional study involving 24 participants. Each participant will receive three different forms of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in a counterbalanced order.
What's involved: The study involves multiple lab visits (days 8, 15, and 22) where brain blood flow and neurophysiological responses will be measured. You will also provide a urine sample.
Compensation: Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up: Measurements will be taken at lab visits on days 8, 15, and 22.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

Cannabis and Processing Emotions Study

Recruiting

NAAges 18–50InterventionalBasic science

Auburn University

~24 participants

Updated 2026-05-06 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What's tested:TMS - ShamTMS - Active iTBSTMS - Active cTBS

At a glance

Recruiting sites

1 of 1 listed site is recruiting right now

RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open

What they're measuring

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the medial orbitofrontal cortex

Measured over Lab Visits 2 (day 8), 3 (day 15), and 4 (day 22)

+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Cannabis Use Disorder, Severe

Where it's being run

1 sites across 1 states

Alabama1

Who to contact

Brandon Schermitzler, M.S.

[email protected]

334-844-6642

Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

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

Medical contraindications for transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS; i.e., presence of a neurological disorder known to alter risk for seizures \[e.g., stroke, aneurysm, brain surgery, structural brain lesion, brain injury, frequent/severe headaches\], current medication therapy known to alter seizure threshold \[e.g., clomipramine, Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors, imipramine, clozapine\], recurrent seizures or epilepsy or family history of hereditary epilepsy, pregnancy, metallic implants in the body or other devices that may be affected by magnetic fields, or significant heart disease or cerebrovascular disease)

History of allergies to cosmetics/lotions or EEG gel

History of migraines

Currently engaged in treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder

Exclusion

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

What this trial measures

Cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the medial orbitofrontal cortexLab Visits 2 (day 8), 3 (day 15), and 4 (day 22)
Function magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) will be used to measure cerebral blood flow (CBF) in the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) using a 3-Tesla magnet. CBF values will be compared within-subject across stimulation conditions.
Amplitude of neurophysiological responses to self-referential cannabis use-related informationLab Visits 2 (day 8), 3 (day 15), and 4 (day 22)
Electroencephalogram (EEG) will be used to measure late positive potential (LPP) amplitudes to personalized auditory statements about cannabis-related positive expectancies and negative consequences, along with neutral stimuli. LPP amplitudes will be compared within-subject across stimulation conditions.

Trialytics