235. Dr. Ginger Constantine | Medication for Cannabis Withdrawal235. Dr. Ginger Constantine | Medication for Cannabis Withdrawal
High Truths on Drugs and Addiction
Marijuana is addictive, especially with the high potency products. And with addiction come withdrawal. Withdrawal of THC is not like withdrawal from fentanyl or alcohol. It is more like withdrawal from nicotine - insomnia, anxiety, headaches. The symptoms last about 2 weeks and there are no medications to help. However, going up the FDA rapid approval pathway is a new medication. We talk about this treatment in this podcast. Ginger Constantine, M.D. is the Chairperson, Co-Founder & CEO of PleoPharma. Ginger Constantine, MD – Chairperson and CEO - with over 25 years of pharmaceutical regulatory and clinical development experience with the approval of more than 15 products filing numerous INDs, NDAs, and MAAs. Previous Vice President of Women's Health & Bone Repair Clinical Research at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals through its acquisition by Pfizer in 2010. Expertise in Phase 1 through 4 clinical development strategy and execution. Founded EndoRheum Consultants in 2010, a successful clinical development consulting firm. Member of multiple scientific advisory boards. Has planned, authored and presented numerous scientific studies. PheoPharma was granted fast-track designation for PP-01, a new investigational drug for cannabis withdrawal syndrome.
56:51•23 Jun 2025
235. Dr. Ginger Constantine | Medication for Cannabis Withdrawal
Episode Overview
- Cannabis withdrawal symptoms last about 2 weeks.
- Current treatments for THC withdrawal are limited.
- FDA is fast-tracking a new medication for withdrawal.
- Cannabis withdrawal is similar to nicotine withdrawal.
- Public health efforts are crucial in addressing addiction.
“Withdrawal of THC is not like withdrawal from fentanyl or alcohol. It is more like withdrawal from nicotine - insomnia, anxiety, headaches.”
In this insightful episode of High Truths, host Dr. Roneet Lev welcomes Dr. Ginger Constantine to discuss a pressing issue in the field of addiction medicine: cannabis withdrawal. Cannabis, particularly high-potency products rich in THC, is increasingly recognized for its addictive potential and the subsequent withdrawal challenges it presents. While withdrawal from substances like alcohol and opioids can be severe and even life-threatening, cannabis withdrawal tends to manifest in symptoms akin to nicotine withdrawal, such as insomnia, anxiety, and headaches.
These symptoms typically persist for approximately two weeks. Dr. Constantine, with her extensive background in pharmaceutical regulatory and clinical development, shares her expertise on the current landscape of treatment options for cannabis withdrawal. Unfortunately, there are no approved medications specifically for cannabis withdrawal, unlike the established treatments available for alcohol and opioid dependence. However, promising developments are on the horizon as the FDA is considering rapid approval pathways for new medications designed to alleviate cannabis withdrawal symptoms.
The discussion highlights the complexity of withdrawal treatment, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach that addresses both the physiological and psychological aspects of addiction. Dr. Lev and Dr. Constantine explore various withdrawal scenarios and compare them to familial withdrawal patterns seen in alcohol and opioid use disorders. The conversation also touches upon the importance of public health initiatives and awareness campaigns in preventing addiction and supporting recovery.
As the episode concludes, listeners are left with a sense of hope and anticipation for future advancements in the treatment of cannabis withdrawal. The episode underscores the importance of continued research and innovation in the field of addiction medicine, aiming to improve the quality of life for individuals struggling with substance use disorders.
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