🏛️ Verified NIH Record • Updated 2026-04-01

Determining the Effect of Six Weeks of Cannabis Abstinence on Fronto- Striatal fMRI Markers in Adolescents With Cannabis Use Disorder (ABSCAN) (NCT06124846)

🟢 Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic 🧠 Behavioral & Psychological Program Sponsor: University of Minnesota

🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

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 9 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.

Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (12 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (12 items).

Location: University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota

Age range: 15 Years to 18 Years

🧪 Interventions in This Study

  • CB-Abst (BEHAVIORAL)
  • CB-Mon (BEHAVIORAL)

📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Check every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).

Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:

  • Exclusion Criteria:
  • Past twelve-month history of substance use disorders (except for Cannabis Use Disorder in CB-Abst and CB-Mon), assessed via semi-structured psychodiagnostics interview at baseline.
  • Contraindications for MRI (ascertained via participant and parent report), including but not limited to:
  • Metal implants such as surgical clips or pacemakers, or history of working with metal, unless the possibility of a metal fragment can be ruled out by recent orbital scans.
  • Prior head trauma with neurological sequelae.
  • Claustrophobia.
  • Weight incompatible with MRI safety.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Previous or current diagnosis of psychosis, cognitive disability, or bipolar disorder.
  • Active suicidality.
  • Taking a psychotropic medication that has not reached stability criterion (same medication 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 any study procedures by Dr. Tervo-Clemmens.

🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.

📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, Minnesota

💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

More studies in Cannabis Use Disorder

Explore by condition: All Cannabis Use Disorder clinical trials

💡 How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
🏛️ View Official NIH Record ↗