Cannabis Use for Depression in Adolescents

(Cann-Teen Trial)

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Vilma Gabbay, MD, JD, MS

Age: < 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Miami

Must not be taking: Psychotropics, Stimulants

Disqualifiers: MRI contraindications, Pregnancy, Neurological illnesses, Low IQ, SUD, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

280 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

If you are a depressed THC non-user, you must be free of psychotropic medications (drugs that affect mood, perception, or behavior) for more than 1 month before joining the study, or more than 3 months for medications with a long half-life like fluoxetine.

Is cannabis use safe for adolescents with depression?

Cannabis use in adolescents may increase the risk of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, especially with frequent use or high-potency varieties. It can also interact with antidepressant medications, potentially causing side effects like dizziness and fatigue. Therefore, it's important to discuss cannabis use with a healthcare provider if you're taking antidepressants. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How does cannabis use differ from other treatments for depression in adolescents?

Cannabis use for depression in adolescents is unique because it involves the use of a substance that may affect brain function and motivation, potentially leading to changes in mood and behavior. Unlike traditional antidepressants, cannabis use is associated with both increased depression severity and the risk of developing anhedonia (inability to feel pleasure), which may be linked to genetic factors and changes in brain structure. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this study is to investigate the effects of cannabis on brain function among adolescents with depression.

Research Team

Vilma Gabbay, MD, JD, MS

Principal Investigator

University of Miami

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adolescents who use cannabis and are experiencing depression. Specific eligibility criteria have not been provided, but typically participants would need to meet certain age requirements and have a diagnosis of depression.

Inclusion Criteria

Cannabis users: Participants with a significant cannabis use (self-reported use on ≥15 of the prior 30 days and positive tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) urine toxicology)

I have depression with a specific score on a depression scale.

Exclusion Criteria

MRI contraindications such as claustrophobia, metallic ink tattoos, orthodontic braces, or pacemakers

Positive pregnancy tests

Estimated full-scale Intelligence Quotient (IQ) ≤80

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Neuroimaging Investigation

Participants receive neuroimaging investigation to study the effects of cannabis on brain function

Up to 2 years

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after neuroimaging investigation

Up to 1 year

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Neuroimaging Investigation

Trial Overview The study aims to explore how cannabis affects brain function in depressed teens using neuroimaging techniques. This will involve scanning the brains of participants to observe any changes or patterns associated with cannabis use.

Participant Groups

Group I: Neuroimaging Investigation Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants in this group will receive neuroimaging investigation for up to 2 years.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Miami

Lead Sponsor

Trials

976

Recruited

423,000+

Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research

Collaborator

Trials

40

Recruited

3,300+

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Collaborator

Trials

2,658

Recruited

3,409,000+

Findings from Research

In a study of 600 adolescents aged 12-18 with cannabis use disorder, both cannabis use and depressive symptoms decreased over time, indicating a potential link between the two, where reducing cannabis use may also help alleviate depression.

Interestingly, the presence of depressive symptoms did not hinder the effectiveness of substance use treatment, suggesting that improvements in cannabis use frequency can occur independently of changes in depressive symptoms.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Temporal dynamics of the relationship between change in depressive symptoms and cannabis use in adolescents receiving psychosocial treatment for cannabis use disorder. Arias, AJ., Hammond, CJ., Burleson, JA., et al.[2021]

References

1. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Adolescent Cannabis Use on Motivation and Depression: A Systematic Review. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cannabis use and mental health in young people: cohort study. [2022]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Depression Onset in Long-term Adolescent Cannabinoid Use: A Neurobiological Review. [2020]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cannabis Use and the Risk for Psychosis and Affective Disorders. [2021]

5. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Impact of Marijuana on Antidepressant Treatment in Adolescents: Clinical and Pharmacologic Considerations. [2022]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Cannabis Use Is Associated With Depression Severity and Suicidality in the National Comorbidity Survey-Adolescent Supplement. [2023]

7. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Temporal dynamics of the relationship between change in depressive symptoms and cannabis use in adolescents receiving psychosocial treatment for cannabis use disorder. [2021]