Scientists might have discovered a cure for marijuana addiction.
Researchers from the Columbia University Irving Medical Center and Aelis Farma had success in a clinical trial using a new drug to treat cannabis addiction. The researchers detailed the results of their study in the journal Nature Medicine on Thursday.
One of more than a dozen substances tested in the clinical trial lowered the effects of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana, for chronic smokers.
“This is the first [of the substances tested] to decrease both the positive mood effects of cannabis and the decision to use cannabis by daily smokers,” said Dr. Margaret Haney, Ph.D., Columbia professor of neurobiology and director of the Cannabis Research Laboratory, in a press release.
The new drug, developed by Aelis Farma, is known as AEF0117. Researchers claim that this is the first drug of its kind that can treat the signs of addiction without inhibiting normal bodily functions, such as sleep patterns, memory, emotions, and more.
“The unique pharmacological profile of AEF0117 is also illustrated by its ability to decrease self-administration, addiction-related subjective effects, and the unconditioned effects of cannabis and THC without precipitating withdrawal,” scientists in the study said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that about 30% of people who use marijuana suffer from addiction, otherwise known as marijuana or cannabis use disorder (CUD). After studying samples of this drug, the CDC said researchers found that the average amount of delta-9 THC, the predominant form of THC, in marijuana had doubled in concentration from 9% in 2008 to 17% in 2017.
According to the Columbia University study, about 14.2 million Americans were diagnosed with CUD in 2020, and 14% of those receiving treatment for substance abuse recorded cannabis as their drug of choice.
A second phase of the study is underway.
The Texas House of Representatives recently approved a bill that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of marijuana, as previously reported by The Dallas Express.
American Addiction Centers at Laguna Treatment Hospital reported that marijuana consumption can generate a number of health complications, such as heightened blood pressure and cholesterol, symptoms commonly found in those who are overweight or obese. While the drug does not necessarily directly affect one’s BMI, it does affect areas associated with it, such as cardiovascular problems and eating habits.
Studies have found an association between smoking two or three marijuana cigarettes and increased caloric intake compared to individuals who smoked less than that amount or not at all.
Obesity is one of the most critical problems facing our nation, especially in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
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