Oral delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol suppresses cannabis withdrawal symptoms.
BACKGROUND
This study assessed whether oral administration of delta-9-tetrahydrocannbinol (THC) effectively suppressed cannabis withdrawal in an outpatient environment. The primary aims were to establish the pharmacological specificity of the withdrawal syndrome and to obtain information relevant to determining the potential use of THC to assist in the treatment of cannabis dependence.


METHODS
Eight adult, daily cannabis users who were not seeking treatment participated in a 40-day, within-subject ABACAD study. Participants administered daily doses of placebo, 30 mg (10 mg/tid), or 90 mg (30 mg/tid) oral THC during three, 5-day periods of abstinence from cannabis use separated by 7-9 periods of smoking cannabis as usual.


RESULTS
Comparison of withdrawal symptoms across conditions indicated that (1) the lower dose of THC reduced withdrawal discomfort, and (2) the higher dose produced additional suppression in withdrawal symptoms such that symptom ratings did not differ from the smoking-as-usual conditions. Minimal adverse effects were associated with either active dose of THC.


CONCLUSIONS
This demonstration of dose-responsivity replicates and extends prior findings of the pharmacological specificity of the cannabis withdrawal syndrome. The efficacy of these doses for suppressing cannabis withdrawal suggests oral THC might be used as an intervention to aid cannabis cessation attempts.
Budney
Alan J
AJ
Department of Psychiatry, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA. ajbudney@uams.edu
Vandrey
Ryan G
RG
Hughes
John R
JR
Moore
Brent A
BA
Bahrenburg
Betsy
B
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D002188:Cannabis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D013759:Dronabinol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006213:Hallucinogens / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002189:Marijuana Abuse / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D006213:Hallucinogens; D013759:Dronabinol