Marijuana use has always been tainted with issues as dependence to it is almost sure to happen. Being a problem all over the world, arguably more so in Australia where marijuana use is widespread, a new study may change the face of cannabis withdrawal treatment for the better.

The new study, done by the researchers from the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre, or NCPIC, assesses the potential of the pharmaceutical drug Sativex in helping people better manage cannabis withdrawal symptoms.

The mouth spray, Sativex, which is used as treatment for the symptomatic relief of neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis, contains cannabis extracts in low levels. This low level of cannabis extracts of the drug is believed to be the one that will aid those experiencing symptoms of withdrawal from cannabis.

But amidst this potentially world-changing study, how will it change Australia's relationship with cannabis? NCPIC's director, Professor Jan Copeland, in an interview with International Business Times, gave her two cents on the matter.

What is your opinion on the study to assess Sativex as a potential aid in managing withdrawal from cannabis? Is it promising?

This world-first study will make a significant contribution to the development of a targeted intervention for cannabis withdrawal management. There are currently no medications available to assist those who experience distressing withdrawal symptoms that impede their ability to achieve abstinence from cannabis. It will smooth the peaks of withdrawal distress and enable them to more fully engage with the tailored cognitive behavioural therapy that is offered as part of the treatment in the study.

How can this study change the way withdrawals are treated, especially in Australia?

As cannabis dependent individuals become aware of this new effective intervention it should encourage them to seek treatment. As general medical practitioners are more comfortable with prescribing medications they may also be more willing to provide interventions for cannabis use disorder with this option available.

How do you think this study will affect policy makers in dealing with cannabis? Will it have an effect on civil penalties' mandatory treatment?

Just as interventions for alcohol use disorder do not affect supply control strategies neither will this intervention for cannabis use disorder affect cannabis policy.

Currently, how big is the cannabis problem in Australia?

Around 1% of the Australian population meets criteria for cannabis use disorder, around 200,000 uses every day.

Do you think the study can be used by those pushing for legalization of marijuana use?

I do not believe it has anything to do with that agenda directly but given Sativex is a superior delivery system for cannabinoids than smoking, it would seem to mitigate the need for herbal cannabis for medicinal use at least.

Amidst being illegal, does the promise of a way of treating withdrawals affect the availability or prices of cannabis?

Given no demand or supply reduction activity greatly affects this market, I would guess not.

What could the reaction of the people be with this study?

The most common reaction of service providers, users and their families is positive that something innovative that has a good potential for success is being offered for testing.

With the promise to deal with withdrawals, would people be encouraged to try out or continue cannabis use?

Discussion of the reality of cannabis dependence and withdrawal is more likely to deter than attract new users.

Jan Copeland is the founding professor and director of the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre at the University of New South Wales. She has gained strong reputation both nationally and internationally, having developed major programs of research in brief interventions for cannabis use disorder; development of treatment outcomes monitoring systems; and psychostimulants.

Working with a number of community based agencies on service evaluation and executive management, she is also currently supervising a number of doctoral students at NDARC in addition to a number of Masters Students at different universities.