Implementing Medical CannabisStudy reveals global first for cannabis w

[OZ Stoners]

Thursday, 16 January 2014 – A successful, world-first study led by the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) at UNSW has revealed a break-through for dependent cannabis users, employing a cannabis-based medication, Sativex (nabiximols), that has been shown to provide significant relief from withdrawal symptoms.

“One in ten people who try cannabis go on to become dependent. As cannabis use increases around the world and more people seek treatment to help them quit, it is surprising there is no approved medication to alleviate symptoms of withdrawal. The success of this study offers considerable hope for those struggling to get through a cannabis withdrawal and remain abstinent into the future,” said Professor Jan Copeland, Director of NCPIC and Chief Investigator of the study.

“One of the greatest barriers to quitting cannabis is withdrawal and while symptoms aren’t life-threatening, they are of a severity level that causes marked distress. For many people, symptoms including irritability, depression, cannabis cravings and sleep problems can overcome their strong desire to quit and they find themselves using again.”

The study was conducted at inpatient services of South Eastern Sydney and Hunter New England Local Health Districts. Associate Professor Nicolas Lintzeris, Director of Drug and Alcohol Services at South Eastern Sydney Local Health District and a trial investigator stated, “The study found patients treated with Sativex stayed in treatment longer, and experienced a shorter and milder withdrawal than patients receiving placebo.”

Administered as an oral spray, Sativex is only licensed in Australia for the treatment of spasticity and pain in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients when other medications have failed. The spray contains the cannabis extracts, cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the substance primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis.

The lead author of the paper and study investigator Dr David Allsop noted, “While most people who use cannabis do not become dependent, those who use regularly or for an extended period run that risk. Sativex is not licensed or available for treating cannabis users at this time. Our hope is that this study will lead to further research, and possibly approval for use as a treatment for people experiencing problematic cannabis use.”

The full findings of this study have been published in international psychiatry journal, JAMA Psychiatry.

--Ends—

Individuals who currently have concerns or problems related to their cannabis use can access the free national Cannabis Information and Helpline on 1800 304050

For enquiries or to arrange an interview with Professor Jan Copeland or Dr David Allsop:

Matthew Tooth Amanda McDonald
Ph: 0434 928 348 Ph: 0479 154 603
E: m.tooth@unsw.edu.au E: amanda.mcdonald@unsw.edu.au

For enquiries about South Eastern Sydney Local Health District or to arrange an interview with A/Prof Nicholas Lintzeris, please contact:

Jane Grljusich Media and Communications Officer South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Ph: 612+ 0411 730 842 E: jane.grljusich@sesiahs.health.nsw.gov.au

For enquiries about Hunter New England Health District or to arrange an interview with Dr Adrian Dunlop, please contact:

Emma Gibbs
Communication Officer
Hunter New England Health
Ph: (02)6767 7137
E: emma.gibbs@hnehealth.nsw.gov.au

View the full article

[Frank Reynolds]

so they have used rthe same cannabinoids that we smoke to target cannabis withdrawal symptoms and this is news?

 

 I'm tempted to call up and ask for help just to troll these guys, ask them the differences between there Sativex and the one im smoking oh that's right the only difference is im taking it in raw form :S

[ZEN2U]

Are these people for anti raw med canna or for pro canna products made by Big Pharma?

[Faith]

they talk shit.  How many humans did aspirin kill last year?  their reward is waiting for them.

 

peace

faith

Edited May 22, 2014 by Faith

[Frank Reynolds]

zen2u - Afaik ncpic want to bring in Sativex, oral mouthspray of extracted cannibinoids from raw plant material (hash oil) and only sativex. 

 

It seems they are trying to market something that to me equates to something like those nicotine patches.

[ZEN2U]

It seems to me like double standards. As you say above, same dog, different leg action.

[Cacafogo]

This is the most interesting thing i've read this year.

 

Thankyou for linking this up.

[lookinggoodguys]

Jan copeland sees the potential beyond helping those with so called addictions as only a small percent ever get addicted. I believe she is using her position to bring these products to market knowing that these types of products will lead into other medical benefits eg diabetes epilepsy. She and her fellow colleagues are looking at this business for themselves to become rich in the medical canna business when they leave. That's why they control the drug debate in this country and stop others like Tony Bowser that threaten their future enterprise. They are the same as politicians and there multimillion dollar family businesses on the side. You will see her name pop up in the future on these types of products. Edited May 24, 2014 by lookinggoodguys

[Frank Reynolds]

I remember when ajn started an account on here, and claimed cannabis had no medical value

[lookinggoodguys]

I remember when ajn started an account on here, and claimed cannabis had no medical value

She is a smart women and with all the research , she knows the true potential. These products will be seen as socially acceptably to use compared to raw use.You will see more and more polititicans changing their opinion on this subject.

Edited May 24, 2014 by lookinggoodguys