Cannabinoid Medications Show Promise for Treating Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms
A systematic review of 10 trials found that dronabinol, nabilone, and nabiximols all showed promise in reducing cannabis withdrawal symptoms with good safety and tolerability, potentially in a dose-dependent manner.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Dronabinol, nabilone, and nabiximols, used alone or in combination with other drugs, showed promise in reducing cannabis withdrawal symptoms. The effect appeared dose-dependent. These medications were considered safe with good tolerability and few adverse effects. About 30% of regular cannabis users experience withdrawal, rising to 50-95% among highly dependent/treatment-seeking users.
Key Numbers
30% of regular cannabis users experience withdrawal. 50-95% of highly dependent users experience withdrawal. 10 trials included in review. Three medications studied: dronabinol, nabilone, nabiximols.
How They Did This
Systematic review searching PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO through September 2017. 243 studies screened, 10 met inclusion criteria. Quality assessed using Cochrane tool. PROSPERO-registered protocol.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabis withdrawal was only recognized as a formal diagnosis in 2013 (DSM-5). With high relapse rates often driven by withdrawal symptoms, having effective treatments could significantly improve outcomes for people trying to quit.
The Bigger Picture
Cannabinoid agonist replacement therapy for cannabis use disorder mirrors the successful approach used for opioid (methadone, buprenorphine) and nicotine (patches, gum) dependence. The evidence is building that this strategy works for cannabis as well.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Only 10 studies available with methodological differences. No meta-analysis was performed. Most studies were small. Different cannabinoid medications make comparison difficult. Limited data on long-term outcomes.
Questions This Raises
- ?Which cannabinoid medication is most effective and at what dose?
- ?How long should agonist replacement therapy continue?
- ?Can withdrawal treatment alone prevent relapse, or is behavioral therapy also needed?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 30-95% of cannabis users experience withdrawal symptoms, and three cannabinoid medications (dronabinol, nabilone, nabiximols) show promise for treatment.
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate - registered systematic review with appropriate methodology, though only 10 studies were available and no meta-analysis was performed.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2018. Cannabis withdrawal treatment research has continued to expand.
- Original Title:
- A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Cannabinoid Agonist Replacement Therapy for Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms.
- Published In:
- CNS drugs, 32(12), 1113-1129 (2018)
- Authors:
- Werneck, Maira Aguiar, Kortas, Guilherme Trevizan(2), de Andrade, Arthur Guerra(2), Castaldelli-Maia, João Mauricio
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01874
Evidence Hierarchy
Analyzes all available research on a topic using a structured method.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Is there medication for cannabis withdrawal?
This systematic review found that three cannabinoid medications - dronabinol, nabilone, and nabiximols - show promise for reducing withdrawal symptoms like irritability, insomnia, decreased appetite, and anxiety. None are FDA-approved for this use yet.
How common is cannabis withdrawal?
About 30% of regular cannabis users experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop. Among highly dependent or treatment-seeking users, the rate is much higher at 50-95%. Symptoms include irritability, insomnia, decreased appetite, depressed mood, and restlessness.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01874APA
Werneck, Maira Aguiar; Kortas, Guilherme Trevizan; de Andrade, Arthur Guerra; Castaldelli-Maia, João Mauricio. (2018). A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Cannabinoid Agonist Replacement Therapy for Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms.. CNS drugs, 32(12), 1113-1129. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-018-0577-6
MLA
Werneck, Maira Aguiar, et al. "A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Cannabinoid Agonist Replacement Therapy for Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms.." CNS drugs, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40263-018-0577-6
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Cannabinoid Agonist R..." RTHC-01874. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/werneck-2018-a-systematic-review-of
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.