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Cannabis use and cannabis use disorder
Jason P Connor1,2, Daniel Stjepanović3, Bernard Le Foll4,5
1National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. jason.connor@uq.edu.au.
Nature Reviews. Disease Primers
|February 25, 2021
Summary
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) affects millions globally. While therapies help reduce use, enduring abstinence remains challenging, and no approved medications exist for CUD treatment.
Area of Science:
- Addiction Medicine
- Public Health
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Cannabis use disorder (CUD) affects approximately 10% of global cannabis users.
- CUD represents a significant portion of individuals seeking treatment for substance use disorders.
- High global cannabis use prevalence contributes to the burden of CUD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current landscape of cannabis use disorder (CUD).
- To highlight treatment challenges and potential therapeutic avenues.
- To discuss the public health implications of cannabis legalization.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on CUD prevalence, treatment, and related issues.
- Analysis of the efficacy of current behavioral therapies for CUD.
- Examination of potential pharmacotherapies and their current research status.
Main Results:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management show effectiveness in reducing cannabis use but not always achieving sustained abstinence.
- No pharmacotherapies are currently approved for CUD, though some drug classes show promise.
- Comorbid mental health and substance use disorders complicate CUD treatment.
Conclusions:
- Enduring abstinence from cannabis remains a challenge in CUD treatment.
- Further rigorous evaluation of potential pharmacotherapies is needed.
- Cannabis legalization may increase CUD prevalence, necessitating user education on risks and available assistance.
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