Brain Stimulation via Telehealth Reduced Cannabis Use and Withdrawal in Women with MS | Research

The takeaway

In a pilot RCT of 52 women with MS and cannabis use disorder, home-based brain stimulation (tDCS) paired with mindfulness reduced weekly cannabis use days from 5.3 to 3.9 and significantly decreased withdrawal symptoms.

People with cannabis use disorder seeking non-drug treatments, MS patients, telehealth researchers

Cannabis use days dropped from 5.3 to 3.9 per week with active brain stimulation

What the researchers found

The active tDCS group showed significant reductions in weekly cannabis use (5.3 to 3.9 days, p=0.014) and withdrawal symptoms (CWS, p<0.001). A trend toward reduced MS symptoms was observed (p=0.031). The active group also showed significant cognitive improvement (p=0.011), while the sham group did not. 83% of participants completed the 20-session intervention.

Why it matters

There are no FDA-approved treatments for cannabis use disorder. This telehealth-delivered brain stimulation approach is novel, accessible, and showed promising results in a medically complex population. The home-based format overcomes mobility and transportation barriers common in MS.

The numbers in context

N=52 randomized (31 active, 16 sham), 39 completed (83%). Age: 44 +/- 10 years. Active tDCS: cannabis use days reduced 5.3 to 3.9 (p=0.014). Withdrawal symptoms: p<0.001. MS symptoms trend: p=0.031. Cognitive improvement: active p=0.011 vs sham p=0.172. 20 sessions, 5 days/week, 4 weeks.

How the study worked

Randomized, sham-controlled pilot trial of 52 women with MS and CUD. Active group received 20 sessions of home-based remotely supervised tDCS (2.0mA for 20 min targeting left DLPFC) paired with mindfulness meditation, 5 days/week for 4 weeks. Sham group received the same protocol without active stimulation.

What this study cannot tell us

Small pilot study with more participants in the active than sham group (2:1 randomization). Women with MS only, limiting generalizability. Short 4-week intervention with no long-term follow-up. Cannot separate effects of tDCS from mindfulness meditation. Open-label mindfulness component.

How to read the evidence

Preliminary evidence from a small pilot RCT with promising results requiring confirmation in larger trials.

When this study was published

2025 pilot randomized controlled trial of telehealth brain stimulation for cannabis use disorder.

The bigger picture

The combination of brain stimulation with mindfulness meditation represents a novel, non-pharmacological approach to cannabis use disorder. The telehealth delivery model makes it scalable beyond MS to other populations with CUD, and the cognitive benefits suggest that reducing cannabis use may itself improve brain function.

Questions still open

Would the effects persist beyond the 4-week intervention? How much of the benefit is from tDCS versus mindfulness? Would this approach work in people without MS who have CUD? What is the optimal number of sessions?

Common questions

What is tDCS and how might it help with cannabis use?

Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) delivers a mild electrical current to the brain through electrodes on the scalp. In this study, it targeted the left prefrontal cortex, a brain area involved in decision-making and impulse control. Combined with mindfulness meditation, it significantly reduced cannabis use and withdrawal symptoms.

Can this treatment be done at home?

Yes, the entire intervention was delivered via telehealth. Participants used a home tDCS device while supervised remotely by trained technicians. This makes it accessible for people with mobility limitations, like many MS patients, and potentially scalable to broader populations.

Read the original research

Telehealth tDCS to reduce cannabis use: A pilot RCT in multiple sclerosis as a framework for generalized use.

Drug and alcohol dependence, 272, 112706

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Pilloni, Giuseppina; Pehel, Shayna; Ko, Timothy; Sammarco, Carrie; Charlson, R Erik; Hanlon, Colleen A; Charvet, Leigh. (2025). Telehealth tDCS to reduce cannabis use: A pilot RCT in multiple sclerosis as a framework for generalized use.. Drug and alcohol dependence, 272, 112706. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2025.112706