Determining the Effect of Six Weeks of Cannabis Abstinence on Fronto- Striatal fMRI Markers in Adolescents With Cannabis Use Disorder (ABSCAN)

Last updated: August 7, 2025
Sponsor: University of Minnesota
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

N/A

Condition

Substance Abuse

Treatment

CB-Abst

CB-Mon

Clinical Study ID

NCT06124846
PSYCH-2023-32396
  • Ages 15-18
  • All Genders
  • Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Summary

The goal of this study is to understand the changes in neural correlates of reward in adolescents with and without Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). The study will collect functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data at 3 different timepoints with the primary goals of understanding striatal reward-based activation during a Monetary Incentive Delay Task and fronto-striatal fMRI resting-state functional connectivity. The study will also explore self-reported impulsivity. The long-term goal is to advance scientific understanding of neural changes associated with cannabis abstinence and inter-individual variability that cannot be otherwise measured in preexisting observational cohorts such as the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study.

This parallel intervention study will collect fMRI data in adolescents ages 15-18 years old with and without CUD at three different timepoints over the course of their intervention. Utilizing a validated paradigm, adolescents with CUD will be randomized to 6-weeks of either incentivized, biochemically verified abstinence via contingency management or monitoring with no required abstinence. Age- and sex-matched adolescents with no lifetime history of cannabis use will also complete the protocol. Participants will complete 8 study visits (3 with fMRI scans) involving urinalysis to confirm cannabis self-report and measures of impulsivity. Participants may additionally and optionally (1) complete daily remote self-report assessments of cannabis use, impulsivity, and mood throughout the 6-week treatment period, and (2) continue participation for an additional 6-week monitoring period after the treatment period, during which they complete daily remote self-report assessments of cannabis use, impulsivity, and mood.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Male and female adolescents between the ages of 15 and 18 (inclusive).

  • Have a parent or legal guardian who is able and willing to provide written informedconsent.

  • Competent and willing to provide written informed assent (participants <18) orconsent (participants=18).

  • Native English speaker.

  • Have a parent or legal guardian who is fluent in English.

  • Able to commit to 8 study visits in approximately 60 days (6 weeks).

  • Able to safely participate in the protocol and appropriate for outpatient level ofcare, in the opinion of the PI.

  • No active psychosis or current use of antipsychotic medications.

  • Participants taking psychotropic medications will be included if the medicationshave been stable for 6 weeks and are expected to remain stable for the duration oftheir study participation (i.e., through the third MRI).

  • For CB-Abst (n=24) and CB-Mon (n=20) groups: at least 5 days of use per week onaverage in the past two months and meet DSM-V cannabis use disorder (CUD; at leastMild) criteria. Cannabis use reported within seven days of baseline visit. Positivequalitative urine toxicology test at baseline for THC. No immediate plan todiscontinue cannabis use.

  • For Con (n=20): no lifetime history of cannabis use. Negative qualitative urinetoxicology test at baseline for THC. No immediate plans to begin cannabis use.

  • For optional components (A: daily remote assessments during and/or (B) aftertreatment period): access to a personal device (e.g., smartphone or computer) onwhich to complete daily remote assessments.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Past twelve-month history of substance use disorders (except for Cannabis UseDisorder in CB-Abst and CB-Mon), assessed via semi-structured psychodiagnosticsinterview at baseline.

  • Current daily nicotine use (e.g., via electronic and/or combustible cigarettes).

  • Contraindications for MRI (ascertained via participant and parent report), includingbut not limited to:

  1. Metal implants such as surgical clips or pacemakers, or history of working withmetal, unless the possibility of a metal fragment can be ruled out by recentorbital scans.

  2. Prior head trauma with neurological sequelae.

  3. Claustrophobia.

  4. Weight incompatible with MRI safety.

  5. Pregnancy.

  • Previous or current diagnosis of psychosis, cognitive disability, or bipolardisorder.

  • Active suicidality.

  • Taking a psychotropic medication that has not reached stability criterion (samemedication type and dose for 6 weeks with no planned changes over the study period).

  • Any other medical or psychiatric condition deemed serious or contraindicated for anystudy procedures by Dr. Tervo-Clemmens.

Study Design

Total Participants: 64
Treatment Group(s): 2
Primary Treatment: CB-Abst
Phase:
Study Start date:
April 01, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
April 15, 2028

Connect with a study center

  • University of Minnesota

    Minneapolis, Minnesota 55414
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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