In the first study of its kind, Australian scientists have found an effective and safe way to beat cannabis addiction. 

Scientists from the University of Sydney’s have found strong evidence that cannabis replacement therapy coupled with counselling support can significantly reduce the rate of relapse.

A 12 week NSW Health clinical trial of 128 patients found that the patients that took the cannabis-based nabiximols medication, reduced how much illegal cannabis they used.

Nabiximol is compromised of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and is sprayed under the tongue, therefore avoiding respiratory issues associated with smoking cannabis.

We spoke to Professor Nicholas Lintzeris who is the lead author of this study. He is the Director of Drug & Alcohol Services at South East Sydney Local Health District and Conjoint Professor at the faculty of Medicine and health from the University of Sydney.