Smoking Drug Cuts Cannabis Use 33% in Men With Addiction

Millions struggle with cannabis addiction, and until now, doctors had no proven medication to help them quit.

A groundbreaking trial at the Medical University of South Carolina just changed that. Researchers found that varenicline, a drug already FDA-approved for quitting smoking, helped men with cannabis use disorder cut their use by more than a third.

The study tracked 174 people who used cannabis at least three days per week and met criteria for cannabis use disorder. That means their use caused real problems in their lives, like skipping work or social activities, or continuing despite health issues. Half received varenicline twice daily for 12 weeks, while the other half got a placebo. Everyone also received weekly counseling sessions.

The results for men were striking. Men taking varenicline averaged just under 8 cannabis sessions per week, compared to more than 12 for men on placebo. That's a 33% reduction. After the study ended, their use dropped even further to fewer than 6 sessions weekly.

But the drug didn't work for women. Female participants taking varenicline used cannabis just as often as women on placebo, averaging around 10 sessions per week. The researchers noticed women taking varenicline reported stronger withdrawal symptoms, more cravings, and higher anxiety than any other group, which may explain why they also had lower medication adherence.

Why This Inspires

Cannabis use disorder affects roughly 3 in 10 cannabis users, and rates are climbing as more states legalize the drug. Unlike alcohol or opioid addiction, doctors have had zero approved medications to offer people who want to quit.

Lead researcher Professor Aimee McRae-Clark sees this as a crucial first step. The team is already planning larger studies focused specifically on women to understand the gender difference. Because varenicline is already approved and widely used for smoking cessation, doctors could potentially prescribe it off-label for male patients with cannabis use disorder right now.

The discovery matters because cannabis use disorder isn't just about frequency. It's linked to serious issues including psychosis, sleep disorders, depression, and anxiety. Having even one treatment option represents real progress for people whose lives have been derailed by their cannabis use.

For the first time, there's genuine hope that cannabis addiction doesn't have to be a life sentence.