Clinical Research Studies

Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is a common problem for people living with MS. While less likely than the general population to use alcohol or tobacco, more than one half of all patients with MS use cannabis. The large majority of this use is outside of medical direction, typically either as recreational or self-directed management of nonspecific problems (e.g., mood, pain, sleep). While cannabis is thought to be benign or even health-promoting among some patients with MS, it is only prescribed in a minority (˜4%) where available, with insufficient evidence to support any therapeutic use in MS other than for spasticity (modest evidence for treating spasticity, insufficient for all other symptoms, including neuropathic pain). As a result, many patients with MS have become frequent and habitual users in the cycle of addiction. We will recruit 46 patients with MS and CUD, and elevated distress (K10 score 10-35) in a double-blinded, parallel-arm, sham-controlled trial of a completely at-home intervention. We will test 20x20-minute RS-tDCS (2.0 mA, DLPFC: left anodal) paired with guided mindfulness meditation to decrease distress and cannabis use. Participants will be randomized 2:1 to active vs. sham tDCS. Participants will have a research eligibility screening with a study physician, a baseline visit, 20x20minute RS-tDCS sessions combined with mindfulness meditation, and 3 follow-up visits.