Experts say that as marijuana use among young adults in the United States hits new highs, it is becoming more important to deal with its addiction potential.
A small study published in Nature Medicine on Thursday showed that an experimental pill, which is the first of a new class, could be effective in treating cannabis-use disorder.
Researchers at Columbia University found that the drug AEF-0117 reduced perceived “good effects”, of cannabis, by up to 38% in a phase 2a controlled double-blind trial. Researchers are usually determining dosages for phase 2a.
Meg Haney is the lead author and director of Columbia University’s cannabis research lab. She described the findings as “very promising.”
No drugs have yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat cannabis use disorder, which is estimated to affect up to 30 percent of marijuana users, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cannabis use disorder can be diagnosed by the inability to quit using marijuana even when it is causing significant disruptions to everyday life such as affecting relationships or work.
According to a Report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 14 million Americans will be affected by cannabis use disorder by 2021.
Haney stated that “this is one of the few medications I have tested directly decreasing the effects of marijuana.” The question I asked myself was: Can I change how people feel, and help them abstain from marijuana?
The drug was tested on 29 adults diagnosed with cannabis-use disorder. The average daily marijuana consumption was 3 grams.
The drug was studied at a dose of 0.06 mg and 1 mg.
The participants were given either the drug or a placebo for five days. The drug was taken at 9 am each day, and the controlled amount of marijuana was smoked about 3.5 hours after.
Then, they were asked five questions like “I’m high” or “I have a good feeling” from 20 minutes to 2 hours after smoking.
The higher dose was able to reduce the subjective “good effect” of cannabis by 38 percent.
Only the higher dosage was able reduce the amount that participants used in the end.
The drug did not cause any withdrawal symptoms and had no side effects.
Haney said that the findings of this small trial would need to be confirmed by larger trials, which are already underway. Around 300 patients will be enrolled across the country in a Phase 2b trial. Results should come as early as next year.
What is the effect of cannabis on the brain?
Haney stated that the drug’s uniqueness is in its specific targeting of the brain.
Cannabis primarily exerts its effects on the brain via its psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which binds to a receptor in the brain called CB1.
“This compound can only block certain receptor actions,” explained Dr. Scott Hadland of Mass General Hospital for Children, a Boston addiction specialist. This way, you can block the euphoric effect of cannabis without having to suffer from these side effects.
Hadland , who was not a part of the study, said that this medication will be most effective in patients motivated to quit smoking.
He said: “We must remember that because this medication blocks the rewarding effects that cannabis has, patients have to want to take it.” “In order for the medication to work, we’ll need motivated cannabis users to take it.”
Harms associated with high-potency cannabis
Hadland stated that while marijuana is used by many without any problems, he fears there may be an under-awareness of its potential dangers in the public.
He said that, “We’re underrecognized as a society because we’ve increased access to cannabis,” some people have severe problems.
Hadland stated that signs of cannabis abuse disorder in youth can include
- Struggles at school such as declining grades.
- Relationships can change.
- They give up things they love to do, such as being a part of the school club or sports team.
Haney is concerned about the health risks that may arise from more states legalizing adult marijuana use.
She said, “There is no honest discussion.” “I believe that the public is unaware of the dangers associated with cannabis use and they only speak in glowing terms about it.”
Hadland, a doctor who treats teens and young adults with marijuana addiction, believes that effective medications are needed.
He said that the lack of effective medications for treatment has hampered his care. “This is different than other substances such as opioids, alcohol and nicotine, where we have medications that are effective.”
Hadland stated that further studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine any possible side effects.
David Kroll is a toxicologist at the University of Colorado Skaggs School of Pharmacy and co-director of cannabis science and medicine programs. He also called the drug promising but pointed out that the product was tested with lower potency than the products available on the market.
The cannabis puffs contained 7 percent THC which is equivalent to approximately 67 mg THC. This is a dosage that is usually a third less than what he finds in Colorado’s joints today.
He said, “The products available today are mind-blowing.” “There is no connection to the cannabis your parents and grandparents may have smoked.”
