Abuse potential and psychoactive effects of δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol oromucosal spray (Sativex), a new cannabinoid medicine.
Philip Robson
Expert Opinion on Drug Safety September 2011 DOI: 10.1517/14740338.2011.575778 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Multiple sclerosis patients in clinical trials and experienced cannabis smokers in an abuse liability study |
| Intervention | Sativex |
| Topics | Cannabis CBD |
| Key findings | Across clinical trials, Sativex produced low intoxication scores and euphoria in only 2.2% of patients, with no tolerance, formal withdrawal syndrome, or reported abuse or diversion. A formal abuse liability study in experienced cannabis smokers showed some abuse potential versus placebo at higher doses, but scores were consistently lower than equivalent THC doses. The authors conclude that abuse or dependence on Sativex is likely to occur in only a very small proportion of recipients. |
Abstract
There is a growing consensus that cannabis dependence is a substantial and underappreciated problem. The key component responsible for the euphoric effects of cannabis and its dependence potential is δ-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC-containing cannabinoid medicines theoretically pose a risk of abuse and dependence. In order to evaluate the potential of Sativex to cause cannabis-like psychoactivity, abuse or dependence relevant data from all published papers have been reviewed along with the integrated safety analysis for Sativex use in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients on file at GW Pharmaceuticals. In clinical trials, intoxication scores have been low and euphoria reported by only 2.2% of patients. Tolerance has not occurred, abrupt withdrawal has not resulted in a formal withdrawal syndrome, and no cases of abuse or diversion have been reported to date. A formal abuse liability study of Sativex in experienced cannabis smokers showed some abuse potential in comparison with placebo at higher doses, but scores were consistently lower than equivalent doses of THC. Evidence to date suggests that abuse or dependence on Sativex is likely to occur in only a very small proportion of recipients.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on CBD, most cited first.
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- A systematic review of the effects of cannabis on cognition in people with multiple sclerosis. Multiple sclerosis and related disorders October 1, 2021
- Tasty THC: Promises and Challenges of Cannabis Edibles November 15, 2016
- The subjective psychoactive effects of oral dronabinol studied in a randomized, controlled crossover clinical trial for pain. Clinical Journal of Pain June 2014