cannabidiol + delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol at a glance
Medicine class
Cannabis-based cannabinoid treatment containing CBD and THC.
Licensed use
Symptom improvement in selected adults with moderate-to-severe spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis.
How it is used
A metered spray applied under the tongue or inside the cheek.
Driving
It can impair thinking, balance and alertness; do not drive if affected.
Legal status
Sativex is a prescription-only, Schedule 4 Part I controlled drug.
What is cannabidiol + delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol used for?
The authorised oromucosal product is licensed for:
Improving spasticity-related symptoms in adults with multiple sclerosis when symptoms are moderate to severe, other anti-spasticity medicines have not worked adequately and an initial therapeutic trial demonstrates clinically significant improvement.
How does cannabidiol + delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol work?
THC partially activates CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors. This alters neurotransmitter release and may lessen the abnormal muscle stiffness and spasms associated with multiple sclerosis.
How to take cannabidiol + delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
Use only inside the mouth as instructed by the specialist team.
Shake the container gently and hold it upright.
Apply under the tongue or onto the inside of the cheek.
Change the application site to reduce local soreness.
Do not inhale the spray; rinse the eyes promptly with water after accidental exposure.
Use it consistently in relation to food because food can alter cannabinoid absorption.
Do not apply to sore, inflamed or ulcerated areas of the mouth.
cannabidiol + delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol side effects
Common or expected effects
- Dizziness, tiredness or sleepiness
- Reduced attention, memory difficulty or balance problems
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation or dry mouth
- Altered taste, mouth discomfort, oral pain or mouth ulcers
- Blurred vision or vertigo
- Reduced appetite, muscle weakness or falls
- Feeling disorientated, unusually elated, depressed or detached
Get urgent medical advice
- Hallucinations, delusions, paranoia or a psychotic reaction
- Suicidal thoughts or severe mood disturbance
- Fainting or loss of consciousness
- Marked heart-rate changes with severe dizziness or collapse
- Persistent mouth ulceration, soreness, peeling or discolouration
cannabidiol + delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol in pregnancy
Human pregnancy experience is insufficient. It should not be used during pregnancy unless a specialist considers the expected benefit greater than the potential fetal risk. Discuss pregnancy planning promptly. Hormonal contraception may be less reliable, so additional reliable barrier contraception is advised.
cannabidiol + delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol while breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is contraindicated because cannabinoids and their metabolites can enter milk and a developmental risk to the infant cannot be excluded.
cannabidiol + delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol interactions
Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about all medicines, herbal products and alcohol use. Important examples include:
Sedatives, hypnotics and benzodiazepines
May increase sleepiness, muscle relaxation, impaired coordination and fall risk.
Baclofen and other anti-spasticity medicines
Combined effects on muscle tone or strength may increase fall risk.
Alcohol
May worsen balance, concentration and reaction time, increasing accident and fall risk.
Common questions about cannabidiol + delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is it the same as CBD oil?
No. Sativex contains standardised amounts of both THC and CBD. Consumer CBD products have different compositions, quality controls and authorised uses.
Can it make me feel high?
THC can cause euphoria, intoxication, altered perception or impaired thinking. Seek urgent assessment for hallucinations, paranoia or loss of contact with reality.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.