Cannabis is sometimes prescribed for extreme nervous system pain or nausea, although its medical use is controversial. When smoked, it is extremely difficult to know the exact dosage of the active substance, called cannabinoids.

Doctoral research conducted at the University of Kuopio has developed a way to safely and precisely measure out cannabinoids into a pill form. The pill is placed under the tongue, where the drug is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream.

Laboratory tests and animal testing trials have been positive, but it could be years before the pill becomes available to the public.

"One pharmaceuticals company is interested in the invention, and the developed product has been copyrighted," says the pill's inventor, Janne Mannila.