CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCSC) — A new randomised controlled trial has found evidence that the smoking cessation medication varenicline can help people who have a cannabis use disorder reduce their use.

The disorder is characterized by the continued use of cannabis such as ignoring important social, occupational or recreational activities and persistent use despite physical or psychological problems associated with the drug. The use is also associated with psychosis, sleep disorders, withdrawal and mood and anxiety disorders.

Chantix/Champix, the brand name of varenicline, is an effective medication for quitting tobacco. Studies say that the disorder has been rising globally, partly because of its legalization in several countries and U.S. states.

A trial conducted at the Medical University of South Carolina tested men and women on whether varenicline could help with cannabis use disorder and the results showed that it helped men to reduce cannabis use, but not women. It also showed that the men in the study used cannabis an average of 3.8 days per week, compared to the female group, who used cannabis an average of 4.9 days per week.

Researchers said the findings open the door for future studies and new treatment options despite the differences between the genders.

“Our next step is to further explore varenicline forcannabisuse disorder, using a larger sample size of women, to better understand this sex difference in the treatment outcome. In the meantime, we are encouraged that varenicline shows potential promise in treating this fast-growing problem,” Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at MUSC said.

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