Evidence for the Endocannabinoid System as a Therapeutic Target in the Treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder

AbstractPurpose of ReviewCannabis use disorder (CUD) is highly prevalent. Psychotherapeutic treatment alone is not adequately effective, with few individuals achieving abstinence. Pharmacotherapeutic supplementation may improve efficacy, and the endocannabinoid system presents a target specifically dysregulated by heavy cannabis use. This review compiles current literature evaluating endocannabinoid modulation as a treatment strategy for CUD, with implications for future research.Recent FindingsCannabinoid receptor agonists have been found to reduce cannabis withdrawal symptoms without a notable effect on relapse, and antagonists can produce severe psychiatric symptoms. Fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors and cannabidiol demonstrate the most promise in treating CUD thus far, but research with these compounds is still preliminary.SummaryComponents of the endocannabinoid system may serve as unique treatment targets with differential efficacy for the treatment of cannabis use disorder as a whole. Further research is needed exploring novel methods for targeting endocannabinoid dysfunction in CUD.

Source: Current Addiction Reports - November 9, 2020 Category: Addiction Source Type: research