Patients with cannabis dependence may reduce their use of the illicit drug with the aid of the cannabis agonist nabiximols alongside CBT counselling, an Australian study shows.

A randomised placebo-controlled trial in NSW has found that patients using the oromucosal nabiximols spray, Sativex, reduce their number of days using illicit cannabis.

Researchers say it’s the first real-world evidence that nabiximols helps heavy recreational cannabis users cut back on daily use. 

Lead author Professor Nick Lintzeris, an addiction medicine specialist, says the medication affords patients a “much better success story” compared with a 12-week counselling treatment program alone.