Can Marijuana Help Treat Heroin Addicts?

A recent study by researchers at Columbia University found that medical marijuana improves the treatment outcome of heroin addicts. Patients who were given dronabinol — a prescription drug that contains THC, the active ingredient in marijuana — had lower withdrawal symptoms compared than those given a placebo. In addition, patients who smoked marijuana regularly during the outpatient phase of treatment had fewer sleeping problems, less anxiety and were more likely to finish treatment.