Nabiximols Plus Therapy Helped Cannabis Users Cut Their Use by 70%

Nabiximols was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events. Cannabis use was reduced in both groups (nabiximols 70.5% vs placebo 42.6%), though the difference was not statistically significant. Nabiximols reduced cannabis craving but did not significantly improve abstinence rates or withdrawal scores versus placebo. Participants could not distinguish nabiximols from placebo effects.

Double-blind, randomized clinical trial with 40 treatment-seeking cannabis-dependent participants. Self-titrated nabiximols (up to 113.4 mg THC/105 mg CBD daily) or placebo for 12 weeks, plus Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

There are no approved medications for cannabis use disorder. This pilot trial demonstrates that nabiximols is safe and tolerable in cannabis-dependent patients, and both groups achieved substantial use reductions when combined with behavioral therapy.

This pilot adds to growing evidence for cannabinoid agonist replacement therapy for cannabis dependence. While the between-group difference was not significant (likely due to small sample size), the trend and craving reduction support larger trials.

Small sample (n=40). Underpowered to detect between-group differences. Both groups received effective behavioral therapy, potentially masking medication effects. Self-titration may have led to suboptimal dosing.