Grant: Catalyst Grant: Prevention and Treatment of Illicit Substance Use

Cannabis (marijuana) is one of the most widely used psychoactive substances in the world. Cannabis dependence is currently regarded as affecting around 10% of those ever exposed to cannabis. Current psychological treatments for cannabis dependence have been proven to be only mildly effective and there is no pharmacological treatment for cannabis dependence today. Most effective medical treatments for addictions are currently based on substitution medication (for example, nicotine replacement therapy for cigarette smokers). Sativex is a drug based on substances derived from the marijuana plant. As Sativex contains the two main substances that are present in cannabis, it may be the ideal substitution therapy in cannabis users. Here, a team of researchers with complementary expertise will explore the possibility of using Sativex in treatment of cannabis users. This preliminary study may lead to a novel treatment for cannabis dependence.