Human trials are about to begin for an anti-obesity drugs derived from the cannabis plant, Reuters reported Jan. 30.

GW Pharmaceuticals said that the drug helps suppress hunger; anecdotally, marijuana use is known to effect hunger, although usually increasing desire for food. "The cannabis plant has 70 different cannabinoids in it, and each has a different affect on the body," said GW Managing Director Justin Gover. "Some can stimulate your appetite, and some in the same plant can suppress your appetite. It is amazing both scientifically and commercially."

Clinical trials of the drug are slated to begin later this year. GW already produces Sativex, a drug to treat spasticity in multiple-sclerosis patients that also is derived from the cannabis plant. Sativex has been approved for use in Canada but not in the U.S. or Great Britain.