Cannabinoid replacement therapy (CRT): Nabiximols (Sativex) as a novel treatment for cannabis withdrawal

D J Allsop; N Lintzeris; J Copeland; A Dunlop; I S McGregor

doi:10.1002/cpt.109

Cannabinoid replacement therapy (CRT): Nabiximols (Sativex) as a novel treatment for cannabis withdrawal

Clin Pharmacol Ther. 2015 Jun;97(6):571-4. doi: 10.1002/cpt.109. Epub 2015 Apr 17.

Authors

D J Allsop^{1

2}, N Lintzeris^{2

3}, J Copeland⁴, A Dunlop^{5

6}, I S McGregor¹

Affiliations

¹ Psychopharmacology Laboratory, School of Psychology, Faculty of Science, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
² Discipline of Addiction Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Sydney, NSW, Australia.
³ Drug and Alcohol Services, South East Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales Health, NSW, Australia.
⁴ National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre, UNSW Medicine, Australia.
⁵ Drug & Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, New South Wales Ministry of Health, Australia.
⁶ School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Newcastle, Australia.

PMID: 25777582
DOI: 10.1002/cpt.109

Abstract

Cannabis is a common recreational drug that is generally considered to have low addictive potential. However, an increasing number of cannabis users are seeking treatment for dependence on the drug. There is interest in using agonist (substitution) pharmacotherapies to treat cannabis dependence and here we outline a novel approach involving a buccal spray (nabiximols) that contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). We review recent research with nabiximols and highlight findings relevant to clinical practice.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cannabidiol / therapeutic use*
Dronabinol / therapeutic use*
Drug Combinations
Humans
Marijuana Abuse / drug therapy*
Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / drug therapy*

Substances

Drug Combinations
Cannabidiol
Dronabinol
nabiximols