This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University
Concerns about cannabis use disorder (CUD) are growing with the rise in cannabis use. One emerging treatment option gaining attention is ketamine therapy. This therapy has shown the potential to help break cannabis dependency. It may offer relief for individuals struggling with substance use disorders, including CUD.
However, recent events have also highlighted the risks of ketamine. The tragic death of actor Matthew Perry, reportedly from ketamine, has raised public awareness about the drug. Although Perry was receiving ketamine infusion therapy at a clinic, the New York Times reported that he was also illegally administered ketamine at home. Five individuals, including two doctors, were charged in connection with his death.
Despite such risks, ketamine has proven to be a safe treatment for various conditions when administered under medical supervision.
Ketamine's role in treating Cannabis Use Disorder
Ketamine is a legal anesthetic agent in the United States, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). More recently, medical professionals accredited with expertise in ketamine-infusion therapy are utilizing it to treat various mental health areas, including depression, anxiety, chronic pain, and substance use disorders.
For instance, Dr. Erin Boyd, founder of Lumina Mind in North Florida, is one of the practitioners utilizing ketamine for treatment-resistant mood disorders and cases of substance abuse. Dr. Boyd specializes in administering ketamine therapeutically to patients who are resistant to more traditional forms of treatment. Often, these patients present with complications from conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression.
Increasingly, Dr. Boyd and other health practitioners and providers are investigating possible applications for cases of cannabis use disorder.
As the use of marijuana is increasing, concern over cannabis use disorder (CUD) is also increasing. Despite the perception that marijuana use is generally harmless, CUD is recognized as a challenging and debilitating disorder that impacts the daily lives of individuals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that CUD can lead to potentially damaging health and/or social problems, including memory problems, lethargy, stated withdrawal symptoms, unmet responsibilities, and social consequences.
Dr. Boyd states that ketamine can help patients struggling with cannabis dependency as it can reduce cravings and may shift how the brain processes the desire for addictive substances. For patients who have failed previous treatments, this is an exciting new area of hope.
How Ketamine therapy works
Ketamine infusion therapy is a highly regulated and precise procedure. At Lumina Mind, Dr. Boyd administers the drug IV over a 40-minute infusion period. During the infusion, patients generally experience a sense of calm and euphoria, which can lead to patients initiating detachment from their cannabis cravings and compulsive behaviors.
After the infusion, patients will remain at rest for 20 minutes before engaging in a 1-hour consultation with a psychiatric nurse practitioner who is board-certified.
Most patients will require a series of six infusions over a time period of a few weeks before the infusion therapy has a chance to take effect. However, Dr. Boyd states ketamine therapy is not a quick fix. She states that meaningful change occurs when patients can identify their dependencies. If infusions are combined with therapy and support, these therapy sessions may assist patients in recovery from CUD.
Long-term impact of Ketamine therapy
Although there is clinical evidence of ketamine's effectiveness, research on sustained efficacy is ongoing. Dr. Boyd emphasizes the necessity for patients to partner with licensed and experienced medical professionals for the administration of ketamine.
For those looking for reputable ketamine infusion clinics, she recommends consulting the American Society of Ketamine Physicians, Psychotherapists & Practitioners (ASKP), an organization that maintains a directory of qualified providers.
The possibility of ketamine in reducing cannabis dependency is attributed to its use as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Therapy and lifestyle changes, along with continuous support, are all important to break from cannabis use addiction. When traditional addiction treatment plans are ineffective, ketamine serves as a promising alternative.
Ketamine Therapy and Cannabis Use Disorder: A New Approach
Dr. Boyd's research with individuals suffering from treatment-resistant substance use disorders, particularly CUD, suggests ketamine is a viable treatment modality when paired with other forms of treatment.
As more researchers investigate the role of ketamine in the treatment of cannabis dependence, it should be recognized that there are both potential benefits and risks associated with treatment with ketamine. Ketamine treatment exists as a potential lifeline for people suffering from cannabis use disorder. With appropriate care and in conjunction with a number of other pre-existing treatment approaches, ketamine may offer individuals struggling with various substance use disorders the opportunity to progress where other treatment methods have proved inadequate.
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