Does Wellbutrin Help Stop Smoking Weed? (3+ Strategies)

By Ivan Kahwa

Page last updated: 07/02/2024 | Next review date: 07/02/2026

Author bio

Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.

Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:

Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Professional Experience:

Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.

With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.

Education:

2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.

Publications:

▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7

▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60

▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.

https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683

▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.

https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004

▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.

https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2

▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.

https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600

Published book Chapter

▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.

https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4

Submitted manuscripts Under Review:

▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience

▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine

▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology

Submitted book chapters under review

1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.

2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press

You can view my works on the following professional sites:

Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437

Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159

Ivan Kahwa

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In this article, we will discuss whether Wellbutrin helps in the cessation of smoking weed. We will also discuss some research studies and approaches to quit smoking weed.

Does Wellbutrin help stop smoking weed?

Wellbutrin (Bupropion) can help stop smoking weed (marijuana). However, the efficacy of Wellbutrin in addressing marijuana dependence may vary from person to person.

Wellbutrin is a prescription medication primarily used to treat depression and to help people quit smoking tobacco. While it is not specifically approved for quitting marijuana or weed, some people have reported using it to reduce their use of cannabis (marijuana).

The mechanisms by which Wellbutrin may help with quitting smoking, tobacco or otherwise, are not fully understood but it is believed to work by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain (1).

If you are trying to quit smoking weed and are considering using Wellbutrin, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your specific situation and help determine whether Wellbutrin is an appropriate option for you.

Additionally, it is important to address the psychological and behavioural aspects of cannabis use in conjunction with any medication to increase your chances of successfully quitting.

What does research suggest?

There are several research studies indicating the use of Bupropion for smoking cessation. One study suggested that Bupropion could be a helpful option for alleviating certain withdrawal symptoms that arise when individuals stop using marijuana regularly (2).

Notable differences were observed in Bupropion-treated people reducing withdrawal discomfort and cravings. Although these findings are preliminary, they offer promising indications regarding the potential use of Bupropion as a medication to manage marijuana withdrawal (2).

Another study indicated that attention-improving properties of Bupropion play a significant role in its positive effects as a treatment for smoking addiction and the misuse of other substances (3)

Further research should explore the impact of Wellbutrin and D-amphetamine on attention in various groups, including healthy individuals, smokers, and individuals who use other drugs (3).

One study stated that Bupropion’s effectiveness in treating tobacco addiction likely arises from its impact on dopamine and nor-adrenaline systems, potentially through blocking nicotinic effects. Its primary benefits are likely seen during the withdrawal phase of quitting smoking, and it has not shown significant effectiveness in reducing nicotine intake before the cessation process begins (4).

Always consider your healthcare provider before using Welbutrin as it is also associated with certain side effects such as anger, anxiety, irritability, and headache.

What are the other approaches to quit smoking weed?

There are several approaches to help quit smoking weed, other than using medications like Bupropion. Here are some alternatives:

Counselling and therapy

Behavioural therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), and motivational enhancement therapy (MET) can be effective in addressing the psychological aspects of marijuana addiction.

These therapies can help you develop coping strategies and identify triggers for your marijuana use. Joining support groups or attending group therapy sessions can provide you with a sense of community and encouragement from people who are going through similar experiences.

Meditation and healthy lifestyle

Practising mindfulness and meditation can help you become more aware of your cravings and triggers. It can also provide relaxation techniques to manage stress and anxiety.

Regular exercise, physical activity and maintaining a healthy diet can help improve mood and overall well-being, making it easier to quit using marijuana.

Prescription medications

While Bupropion is one option, other medications like Naltrexone or Dornabinol can be considered in some cases.

Naltrexone is associated with treating opioid and alcohol addiction by blocking the effects of these substances in the brain. Dronabinol, on the other hand, a synthetic form of THC, may help some individuals quit smoking weed by reducing withdrawal symptoms like cravings and anxiety (5,6).

Always consult your healthcare provider to determine if these are suitable for you.

Seek professional help

If you find it difficult to quit marijuana use on your own, consider seeking professional help from addiction specialists, counsellors or addiction treatment centres.

Remember that quitting weed use, like quitting any substance, can be challenging, and it may require multiple strategies and support systems.

Conclusion

The use of Wellbutrin for quitting smoking weed is not well-established, as it is primarily approved for tobacco cessation. While some individuals have reported success in using Wellbutrin to reduce cannabis use, it is not specifically designed or approved for this purpose.

Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance and recommendations tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.