Sydney Morning Herald: January 9, 2012

NCPIC’s world first study aimed at testing whether a new medication, Sativex, may help people manage their withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop smoking cannabis was featured in this and many other articles in the media. The mouth-spray (that is prescribed overseas for those with multiple sclerosis), contains two of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis; tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Unlike much of the cannabis available on the market (which is predominantly devoid of CBD), Sativex contains both cannabinoids. This means that the psycho-active effects of THC are counterbalanced by the CBD, potentially making Sativex an ideal treatment for cannabis withdrawal. NCPIC’s Professor Copeland says Sativex may “dampen down the effects of THC on the patients’ receptor systems without getting them stoned.”

This study is suitable for those who are over 18 years of age, are daily cannabis users with a desire to quit, have tried and failed to quit cannabis in the past, and are able to undertake an eight-night stay in hospital in Newcastle or Sydney. For more information and to arrange a brief phone interview contact Dr David Allsop on (02) 9385 0448 during office hours, or email: cannabiswithdrawal@unsw.edu.au. Please click here to download a flyer about the study. Click here to read the media release associated with this study.