Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Cannabinoids in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders due to Psychostimulants

• Grant number: 24/15025-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: February 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Psychiatry
• Principal Investigator: João Mauricio Castaldelli Maia
• Grantee: Heitor Nascimento Gouvea de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Centro Universitário FMABC (FMABC). Santo André , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: The use of psychoactive substances is very prevalent in the world population and has a major impact on the lives of individuals in the social, economic and interpersonal spheres. It is a great challenge for users to go through the period of drug abstinence and therefore effective treatments are necessary, including the use of cannabinoids. The efficacy of cannabinoids with therapeutic potential in the treatment of substance use disorders has gained prominence in recent decades, since preliminary studies suggest that certain cannabinoids can alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce relapse rates; however, the results are inconsistent and the existing literature is fragmented.Objectives: This meta-analysis project will investigate the effect of different cannabinoids in the treatment of substance use disorders. Based on a broad review of randomized clinical and observational studies, this study seeks to quantify the efficacy and safety of cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), in the management of chemical dependence on stimulants. The present study aims to elucidate the relationship between the beneficial effects of cannabinoids and the treatment of substance use disorders.Methods: Search for the following keywords in the Pubmed, LILACS and Google Scholar databases: "stimulants" AND "withdrawal" AND "cannabinoid". Original articles in English or Portuguese would be included in this review.Expected Results: It is expected to find a therapeutic relationship between the effects of cannabinoids in the treatment of Substance Use Disorders due to psychostimulants.Keywords: Substance Use Disorder, psychostimulants, withdrawal syndrome, cannabinoids, endocannabinoid system.