Despite the fact that rates of
cannabis dependence have increased substantially over the past several years, there are no medications approved for the treatment of
cannabis dependence. This paper reviews data from recent research on
cannabinoids that may be relevant for the development of
pharmacotherapies for
cannabis dependence. Included in the discussion are findings from studies that have assessed the ability of medications to ameliorate cannabis-related abstinence symptoms in laboratory animals and human research participants. Data from studies that have investigated the effects of pharmacological agents on cannabis
self-administration are also reviewed because these data may provide information critical for informing
relapse prevention medication development efforts. The majority of published studies evaluating cannabis
pharmacotherapies have focused on decreasing
withdrawal symptoms: a growing number of medications reduce symptoms in laboratory animals, but the majority of these medications have not been tested in humans. Fewer studies have assessed the effects of potential cannabis treatment medications on
cannabinoid-related reinforcing effects. In laboratory animals, only the CB1
cannabinoid antagonist rimonabant has shown promise. In humans, this medication has not been tested on cannabis reinforcing effects. To date, no medication has been shown to alter cannabis
self-administration by humans.