Cannabinoid helps drug withdrawals: study

If you can fight fire with fire can you fight cannabis with cannabis?

According to a world-first study out of the University of NSW, it's possible.

Research led by the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) has revealed dependant cannabis users were relieved from withdrawal symptoms when they used the cannabis-based medication Sativex.

Sativex is an oral spray containing cannabis extracts only administered in Australia to alleviate multiple sclerosis spasticity and pain.

Cannabis withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening, or as severe as those seen in heroin users, but include depression, cannabis cravings and sleep problems.

Fifty-one patients from the South Eastern Sydney and Hunter New England health districts participated in the research, which has been published in the JAMA Psychiatry medical journal.

Dr David Allsop, an investigator in the UNSW study, said sativex totally subdued the whole spectrum of cannabis withdrawal symptoms in patients involved in the study.

He told AAP cannabis withdrawal, while a very mild syndrome, was "significantly suppressed by the drug".

He said he hoped the study would lead to further research and the possible approval of sativex to treat people for problematic cannabis use.

Chief study investigator and NCPIC director Professor Jane Copeland said one in 10 people who tried cannabis became 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," she said.

"The success of this study offers considerable hope for those struggling to get through a cannabis withdrawal and remain abstinent into the future."