Psychiatrists' opinions about non-medicalization of cannabis use disorder in Iran

Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is a significant challenge in public health and treatment policy. While medicalization has facilitated greater access to treatment services, it may also lead to dependency on pharmacological treatments and increased unnecessary healthcare costs. This study aimed to explore psychiatrists' perspectives on the demedicalization of CUD.

This qualitative study employed a phenomenological approach and was conducted in Iran. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 16 psychiatrists experienced in the field of addiction. The qualitative data were analyzed using inductive content analysis, by the Graneheim and Lundman approach.

Four main themes obtained from the interviews: "Advantages of Demedicalization", "Disadvantages of Demedicalization", "Social and Cultural Impacts", and "Policy Making and Suggested Interventions". Key perceived benefits included reducing social stigma, enhancing patient empowerment, reducing dependency on pharmacological treatments, and addressing the socio-economic and psychological roots of cannabis use. The main reported disadvantages included increasing treatment challenges and exacerbation of social damages. Regarding sociocultural effects, participants emphasized improved social interactions and changes in cultural attitudes. In terms of policy making and interventions, the psychiatrists recommended modifying legal approaches, adopting a comprehensive and multifaceted treatment model, and preventing the dangerous normalization of cannabis use.

The psychiatrists emphasized that the demedicalization of CUD could offer potential benefits, such as reducing social stigma and improving social acceptance, while they also highlighted some potential risks. These insights may inform future policies and practices regarding CUD.