[Nabiximols as a substitute for cannabis]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2020 Sep 24:164:D4578.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

Cannabis addiction is worldwide one of the most prevalent addictions, without any effective pharmacotherapeutic options. Nabiximols spray, consisting of 2.7 mg tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 2.5 mg cannabidiol (CBD), could serve as an effective substitution therapy for cannabis addiction. Researchers reported that patients who were treated for 12 weeks with nabiximols significantly reduced the number of days on which they used cannabis (18.6 days less compared to placebo users; 95% CI: 3.5-33.7). There was no difference between groups regarding general health, the use of other substances, cannabis craving, withdrawal symptoms or achieving abstinence.

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics / administration & dosage*
  • Cannabidiol / administration & dosage*
  • Cannabis / adverse effects*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Dronabinol / administration & dosage*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Marijuana Abuse / drug therapy*
  • Nasal Sprays
  • Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Drug Combinations
  • Nasal Sprays
  • Cannabidiol
  • Dronabinol
  • nabiximols