A recent study by NYU Langone Health has found that a noninvasive device delivering weak electrical currents to the brain may help women with multiple sclerosis reduce their cannabis use. The research focused on 47 women diagnosed with both multiple sclerosis and cannabis use disorder, who used an at-home transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) device in combination with guided mindfulness meditation over four weeks.
Cannabis is often used by people with multiple sclerosis to manage symptoms such as sleep issues, pain, and muscle spasms. However, up to 20 percent may develop cannabis use disorder, which is characterized by frequent and difficult-to-control consumption.
Participants in the study completed daily tDCS sessions, resulting in average cannabis use dropping from about five days per week to two days per week after treatment. The tDCS device targets the prefrontal cortex through electrodes placed on the scalp. This part of the brain is involved in decision-making and emotional regulation. Researchers believe that stimulating this area enhances neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt—which can help patients manage cravings and reduce their reliance on cannabis during mindfulness exercises.
“Our initial study suggests that at-home transcranial direct current stimulation may offer a safe, portable option that people with cannabis use disorder can use daily to support their recovery,” said Giuseppina Pilloni, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
Currently, there are no approved treatments for long-term or heavy cannabis use. Cannabis use disorder has been associated with problems related to memory, attention, mood, and overall quality of life.
The findings were published online May 8 in Drug and Alcohol Dependence. According to Dr. Pilloni, this investigation is the first clinical study of tDCS among patients diagnosed with both conditions.
During the trial, participants received 20 sessions—five each week lasting 20 minutes—paired with online guided mindfulness meditation administered remotely via telehealth. The study compared outcomes between those receiving active stimulation and those given a placebo mimicking electrical current without actual stimulation.
Results showed reduced withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, decreased appetite, and irritability.
“Cannabis use disorder is often overlooked and undertreated,” said Leigh E. Charvet, PhD, professor in the Department of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. “This study highlights that transcranial direct current stimulation may be a scalable, accessible intervention that could fill a critical gap in care.”
Following these results, Dr. Charvet stated that a nationwide pilot study will investigate this therapy for people without multiple sclerosis who have cannabis use disorder. The team also plans larger studies including men as well as women with multiple sclerosis to explore whether reducing cannabis consumption improves neurological disease symptoms along with daily functioning.
Funding was provided by National Institutes of Health grant R21DA055427.
Drs. Pilloni and Charvet have received speaking fees from Soterix Medical; their relationships are managed according to NYU Langone Health’s policies.
Other NYU Langone researchers involved were Shayna Pehel; Timothy Ko; Carrie L. Sammarco; and Robert W. Charlson.
