Psilocybin-assisted Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder

Last updated: November 8, 2024
Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

1

Condition

Substance Abuse

Treatment

Psilocybin

Clinical Study ID

NCT06660381
IRB00327911
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

This pilot study will evaluate the therapeutic potential of psilocybin in people with Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). This study will examine the impact of psilocybin treatment on cannabis use and related variables in 12 people with CUD. This is an open-label proof-of-concept trial in which participants will complete a 12-week course of study treatment including two psilocybin sessions with psychological support, and follow-up assessments 3 and 6 months after the first psilocybin session.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  • ≥ 18 years of age.

  • Capable of providing written informed consent for participation into the study.

  • Willingness to allow the study team to review past medical records.

  • Currently meets criteria for The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of MentalDisorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) diagnosis of Cannabis Use Disorder.

  • Be medically stable as determined by screening for medical problems via a personalinterview, a medical questionnaire, a physical examination, an electrocardiogram (ECG), and routine medical blood and urinalysis laboratory tests.

  • Concurrent pharmacotherapy with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs),serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and/or bupropion is allowed ifthe type and frequency of the therapy has been stable for at least two months priorto screening. Allowable bupropion doses for participants will be ≤300mg/day.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Meeting DSM-5 criteria for another moderate or severe substance use disorder (excluding tobacco) within the past 5 years.

  • Currently taking antipsychotics, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, orantidepressant medications other than SSRIs, SNRIs, or bupropion. Allowablebupropion doses for participants will be ≤300mg/day.

  • Currently taking lithium or other primary centrally-acting serotonergic medications,whether over-the-counter or prescription (e.g., efavirenz, 5-hydroxytryptophan, St.John's wort).

  • Cardiovascular conditions: angina, a clinically significant ECG abnormality (e.g.atrial fibrillation or corrected QT interval (QTc) > 450 msec), transient ischemicattack (TIA) in the last 6 months, stroke, artificial heart valves, or uncontrolledhypertension with resting blood pressure systolic >139 or diastolic >89, or heartrate >90 bpm.

  • Body weight at screening <50kg.

  • Renal disease (creatinine clearance < 60 ml/min using the Cockraft and Gaultequation).

  • Abnormal screening labs values for hemoglobin, white blood count, creatinine,potassium, and bilirubin outside of the normal lab reference rage.

  • Transaminases greater than x2 the upper limit of normal lab reference range.

  • Current or past history of meeting DSM-5 criteria for Schizophrenia, PsychoticDisorder (unless substance-induced or due to a medical condition), or Bipolar I orII Disorder.

  • Family (i.e., 1st degree relative) history of Schizophrenia, Psychotic Disorder (unless substance-induced or due to a medical condition), or Bipolar I Disorder.

  • Epilepsy with history of seizures.

  • Insulin-dependent diabetes; if taking oral hypoglycemic agent, then no history ofhypoglycemia.

  • Current dementia or related disorders including but not limited to, Alzheimer'sDisease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal disorders.

  • Current or past major immunosuppressive illness or medications.

  • Currently pregnant or nursing.

  • Currently of childbearing potential and not using effective methods of contraception (i.e., intrauterine systems/devices, hormonal methods including implant, shot,patch, ring, or oral contraceptive, condom, diaphragm, sterilization, abstinence,and fertility-awareness methods).

  • Not fluent in English.

  • High risk for suicidal ideation or behavior (i.e., individuals who report suicidalideation with intent or behavior on the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) at screening, or individuals with a suicide attempt within the past 3years).

Study Design

Total Participants: 12
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Psilocybin
Phase: 1
Study Start date:
November 08, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
September 30, 2026

Study Description

This pilot study will evaluate the therapeutic potential of psilocybin to produce significant reduction in cannabis use compared to pre-treatment in a sample of 12 treatment-seeking patients with Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). Upon enrollment, participants will complete a 12-week course of study treatment including two psilocybin sessions, with follow-up assessment 3 and 6 months after the first psilocybin session. After 4 weekly preparatory meetings including a targeted cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention for CUD, participants will receive a moderately high dose (25mg) of psilocybin in week 5 of the 12-week counseling, and either another moderately high dose (25mg) or a high dose (35mg) in week 7. After each psilocybin session, participants will complete a follow-up meeting within 3 days (i.e. integration meeting), as well as continued weekly meetings through week 12. Participants will complete post-session assessments in approximately weeks 12 (End of Treatment), 17 (3 months after 1st psilocybin session, and 29 (6 months after 1st psilocybin session). Some study meetings may be held virtually via a secure web-based video conference platform (e.g., Zoom).

Self-reported cannabis use and biomarkers of recent use will be assessed at baseline (screening), weekly throughout the 12-week intervention, and at approximately weeks 18 (3 months after 1st psilocybin session), and 31 (6 months after 1st psilocybin session).

Connect with a study center

  • Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research

    Baltimore, Maryland 21224
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

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