Brazilian University Researcher Testing Cannabidiol to Treat Crack Addicts

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Research developed at the University of Brasília (UnB) is testing the effects of cannabidiol — a substance derived from Cannabis sativa, known as marijuana — in the treatment of crack addicts.

Some three years ago, professor and researcher Andrea Gallassi requested the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) to import the extract and test it on addicts of the synthetic drug.

According to Gallassi, the substance has the potential to relieve virtually all symptoms of abstinence, such as anxiety, insomnia, lack of appetite, and the overwhelming craving for the use of the narcotic.

“Today, we do not have a reference treatment for chemical dependency. We do not have a drug with an assertiveness regarded as ideal for these people to quit the drug and be able to control the main symptoms that cause them to resume use. The major challenge is to develop drugs that effectively address the main symptoms of crack addicts, cocaine addicts, and alcohol addicts.”

The researcher told G1 news site that the treatments currently provided involve a variety of drugs — each with a different effect. “The individual takes various medications, such as antidepressants, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, which were developed for other purposes.”

With this research, she believes that all this can be summed up in a single 100 percent natural substance, which is cannabidiol: “It would be a unique drug and not a cocktail,” she says.

“Cannabidiol combines many advantages from both positive and adverse effects. The worst it can do is cause drowsiness. Furthermore, it has a very low toxicity rate for the liver and kidneys, for instance.”

In addition to the advantages pointed out by Gallassi, the research suggests that the treatment should be carried out without internment so that patients would be able to quit using crack without giving up their routines. “The goal is that they keep on living normally.”

Andrea Galassi says that, before starting the therapeutic process, she advises patients on the substance used, its effects, and myths. “We explain to the patients that it is a medicine derived from marijuana, but that it does not have the active ingredient, which is THC. It’s also a way to counter misinformation with correct information, based on scientific evidence.”