Study on THC's effects 'could impact on drug treatment'

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Home » News » Drugs » Study on THC's effects 'could impact on drug treatment'

by Change | 21 Jan 2009

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Recent research conducted into the active ingredients of cannabis have been described as furthering scientific understanding of the substance, which could affect cannabis addiction treatment programmes.

New studies on the chemicals forming part of cannabis could improve knowledge of how the drug affects the mind, leading to more effective rehab therapy.

Professor Phillip McGuire, an author of the research from the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London's, states their findings will further develop scientific understanding of the way the drug alter cognitive function.

Using functional magnetic resonance imaging and behavioural measures, the impact of active ingredients THC and CBD on the abilities of the subjects was assessed.

Mr McGuire states the results show these chemicals have "distinct effects" on the way the brain operates.

He says these "underlie" the various cognitive and psychiatric symptoms its use can create in people.

"Determining how the constituents of cannabis act on the brain is fundamental to understanding the role of cannabis use in the aetiology of psychiatric disorders," he claims.

In other news, the enrolment targets for the second phase of clinical trials for an anti-cocaine addiction drug have been reached.

CPP-109, a medicine based on vigabatrin, could also be used to treat methamphetamine dependency.

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