Can a headset zap cannabis cravings? new study tests At-Home brain stimulation
NCT ID NCT07184983
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study is testing whether a noninvasive brain stimulation device, used at home along with guided mindfulness, can help people with cannabis use disorder reduce their use. Forty-six adults who want to cut back on cannabis will receive either real or sham stimulation over 20 sessions in one month. The study focuses on safety, feasibility, and early signs of effectiveness.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a safe, at-home treatment to help people cut back on cannabis use.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early pilot study with only 46 participants, so results may not apply widely. The treatment is not a cure and may not work for everyone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 46 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Nov 2025
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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22 to 65 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Aged 22-65 years (inclusive) 2. Currently meets the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V) criteria for CUD, as determined by DSM-V criteria (M.I.N.I) 3. Positive for cannabis on the 11-COOH-THC single panel urine test 4. Seeking treatment to reduce or discontinue cannabis use (Marijuana Ladder ranged between 5-8 \[inclusive\]) 5. Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) score \< 35 (minimal to moderate distress) 6. Wide Range Achievement Test-5(WRAT-5) score ≥ 85 7. Ability to use mobile devices 8. Fluent in English or Spanish Exclusion Criteria: 1. Cannabis is used exclusively as prescribed or directed by their provider 2. Meets DSM-V criteria for substance use disorder within the past six months for any psychoactive substance other than cannabis 3. Meets DSM-V criteria for alcohol use disorder within the past six months 4. Primary psychiatric disorder (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or psychotic disorder) as the principal diagnosis, independent of cannabis use disorder; or current diagnosis of bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder, or any other alcohol/substance use disorder as defined by DSM-5-TR and confirmed via the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). 5. Primary neurologic or major medical disorder that would interfere with study participation. 6. Enrolled in group or individual therapy for substance use disorder that would be concurrent with the study intervention 7. History of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury 8. Seizure disorder or recent (\<5 years) seizure history 9. Presence of metal or active implants in the head/neck 10. Any skin disorder or skin sensitive area near stimulation locations 11. Pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study period or breastfeeding
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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NYU Langone Health
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10016, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can a sleep pill curb cannabis addiction?
- Pharmacies vs. street: does regulated cannabis improve health?