Mindfulness-Based Therapy Showed Promising But Not Significant Results for Cannabis Reduction | Research

The takeaway

In a small French trial of 40 active cannabis users, mindfulness-based relapse prevention showed trends toward more durable cannabis reduction compared to standard treatment, though between-group differences were not statistically significant.

People trying to reduce cannabis use, addiction therapists, mindfulness practitioners

MBRP group had significantly better treatment adherence (p=0.01)

What the researchers found

There was no significant difference between MBRP and treatment-as-usual groups on primary and secondary endpoints. However, among participants who attended all MBRP sessions, cannabis units consumed decreased significantly from week 1 to 8 (p<0.05), while the TAU group showed no significant reduction. After treatment (weeks 8-12), the MBRP group's consumption increased by 1.5 units compared to 3.4 in the TAU group, suggesting more durable effects.

Why it matters

Current cannabis cessation therapies are only moderately effective. Mindfulness-based approaches offer a non-pharmacological alternative that could be particularly appealing to people who prefer psychotherapy over medication. While this pilot study didn't reach significance, the trends suggest mindfulness deserves further investigation.

The numbers in context

N=40 (20 per group). No significant between-group differences on primary endpoint. Treatment adherence significantly better in MBRP (p=0.01). MBRP group: significant within-group reduction weeks 1-8 (p<0.05). Post-treatment consumption increase: MBRP 1.5 units vs TAU 3.4 units (p=0.2, not significant).

How the study worked

Randomized clinical trial (MACBETH project) comparing mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP, N=20) to treatment as usual (TAU, N=20) for active cannabis users in France over 12 weeks.

What this study cannot tell us

Very small sample (N=40) underpowered to detect between-group differences. No significant primary outcome. Open-label design. Active cannabis users, not necessarily treatment-seeking. French single-site study. No long-term follow-up beyond 12 weeks.

How to read the evidence

Preliminary evidence from a small pilot RCT that did not reach significance on primary outcomes but showed promising trends.

When this study was published

2025 publication of a French pilot randomized clinical trial.

The bigger picture

Mindfulness-based relapse prevention was originally developed for alcohol and substance use disorders and has shown promise in those areas. Adapting it for cannabis users is logical given the overlap between stress, craving, and relapse. The better treatment adherence in the MBRP group suggests the approach is engaging and acceptable to cannabis users.

Questions still open

Would a larger trial confirm the trends seen here? Does mindfulness training specifically help with cannabis cravings, or does it improve general emotion regulation? Would combining MBRP with other interventions enhance effectiveness?

Common questions

Can mindfulness help with cannabis reduction?

In this small pilot trial, mindfulness-based relapse prevention showed trends toward more durable cannabis reduction compared to standard treatment. While the differences were not statistically significant, the mindfulness group had significantly better treatment attendance and smaller increases in consumption after the program ended.

What is mindfulness-based relapse prevention?

MBRP is a structured group therapy program that combines mindfulness meditation practices with relapse prevention skills. It teaches participants to notice cravings and urges without automatically acting on them, potentially breaking the automatic patterns that lead to substance use.

Read the original research

Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for cannabis regular users: Finally outcomes of a randomized clinical trial.

L'Encephale, 51(5), 519-525

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Pélerin, Jean-Marc; Gegout, Thomas; Schwitzer, Thomas; Schwan, Raymund; Albuisson, Eliane; Gédor, Maud; Laprévote, Vincent; Bourgognon, François. (2025). Mindfulness-based relapse prevention for cannabis regular users: Finally outcomes of a randomized clinical trial.. L'Encephale, 51(5), 519-525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.encep.2024.11.014