Cannabioids as a New Intervention for Amphetamine Dependence

Addiction to amphetamine is characterized by alternating phases of intoxication and short abstinence, followed by recurrent drug-craving episodes which result in distress and relapse. Addiction involves a number of neurotransmission systems, including the endocannabinoid system (ECBS). It has been demonstarted that cannabidioids can have physiological, anxiolytic and neuroprotective properties. It has been shown to have multiple therapeutic properties for treating anxiety, schizophrenia and interestingly cannabinoids have been shown to be potentially helpful in treating addiction, due to their effects on various neuronal circuits involved in this disorder. The investigators overall hypothesis is that cannabinoids are an interesting pharmacological contender to decrease amphetamine craving and treat amphetamine addiction.

Inclusion Criteria: Current DSM-V criteria for amphetamine use disorder Ability to give valid, informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Severe and/or unstable hepatic, neurologic (including diagnosis of seizures), cardiac (including arrhythmias) or renal disease, or any other severe or unstable medical condition that precludes safe participation in the study according to the study physician. Severe psychiatric condition (history of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or bipolar disorder; current acute psychosis, mania or severe suicidality Any serious medical condition or psychiatric illness that precludes the subject from signing the informed consent form