RS-tDCS for Cannabis Use Disorder: The C.A.R.E.S. Initiative

Recruiting now · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Cannabis Use Disorder

In brief

The purpose of this sham-controlled pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) is to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of a one-month intervention consisting of 20 home-based active or sham RS-tDCS sessions paired with audio track guided mindfulness meditation practice in otherwise healthy adults seeking to reduce cannabis use in the context of cannabis use disorder (CUD).

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07184983

Run by

NYU Langone Health

People needed

46

Starts

2025-11-12

Expected to finish

2026-10-01

Last updated by the study team

2026-04-21

Who can join

Age: 22 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Aged 22-65 years (inclusive)
• 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)
• Positive for cannabis on the 11-COOH-THC single panel urine test
• Seeking treatment to reduce or discontinue cannabis use (Marijuana Ladder ranged between 5-8 [inclusive])
• Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) score < 35 (minimal to moderate distress)
• Wide Range Achievement Test-5(WRAT-5) score ≥ 85
• Ability to use mobile devices
• Fluent in English or Spanish

You may not qualify if…

• Cannabis is used exclusively as prescribed or directed by their provider
• Meets DSM-V criteria for substance use disorder within the past six months for any psychoactive substance other than cannabis
• Meets DSM-V criteria for alcohol use disorder within the past six months
• 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).
• Primary neurologic or major medical disorder that would interfere with study participation.
• Enrolled in group or individual therapy for substance use disorder that would be concurrent with the study intervention
• History of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury
• Seizure disorder or recent (<5 years) seizure history
• Presence of metal or active implants in the head/neck
• Any skin disorder or skin sensitive area near stimulation locations
• Pregnant or planning pregnancy during the study period or breastfeeding

Where it is running

• NYU Langone Health — New York, New York, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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