Cannabis use disorder
Cannabis use disorder (CUD), also known as cannabis addiction or marijuana addiction, is a psychiatric disorder defined in the fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and ICD-10 as the continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment.[2][3]
Cannabis use disorder
Cannabis addictions, marijuana addiction
Dependency of THC and withdrawal signs such as dysphoria (anxiety, irritability, depression, depersonalization, restlessness), disturbed sleep, gastrointestinal problems, and decreased appetite
Potential progression to additional substance use disorders
Adolescence and high-frequency use
None approved, experimental only
There is a common misconception that cannabis use disorder does not exist.[4][5]
Epidemiology[edit]
According to the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, cannabis is one of the most widely used drugs in the world.[65] Research by the Pew Research Center from 2012 claims 42% of the US population have claimed to use cannabis at some point.[3] According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 46% of U.S. adults say they have ever used marijuana.[66] An estimated 9% of those who use cannabis develop dependence.[16][67]
In the U.S., cannabis is the most commonly identified illicit substance used by people admitted to treatment facilities.[6] Most of these people were referred there by the criminal justice system. Of admittees 16% either went on their own, or were referred by family or friends.[68]
Of Australians aged 14 years and over 34.8% have used cannabis one or more times in their life.[69]
In the European Union (data as available in 2018, information for individual countries was collected between 2012 and 2017), 26.3% of adults aged 15–64 used cannabis at least once in their lives, and 7.2% used cannabis in the last year. The highest prevalence of cannabis use among 15 to 64 years old in the EU was reported in France, with 41.4% having used cannabis at least once in their life, and 2.17% used cannabis daily or almost daily. Among young adults (15–34 years old), 14.1% used cannabis in the last year.[70]
Among adolescents (15–16 years old) in a European school based study (ESPAD), 16% of students have used cannabis at least once in their life, and 7% (boys: 8%, girls: 5%) of students had used cannabis in the last 30 days.[71]
Globally, 22.1 million people (0.3% of the worlds population) were estimated to have cannabis dependence.[72]
Research[edit]
Medications such as SSRI antidepressants, mixed action antidepressants, bupropion, buspirone and atomoxetine may not be helpful to treat cannabis use disorder, but the evidence is very weak and further research is required.[50] THC preparations, gabapentin, oxytocin, and N-acetylcysteine also require more research to determine if they are effective as the evidence base is weak.[50]
Heavy cannabis use has been associated with impaired cognitive functioning; however, its specific details are difficult to elucidate due to the potential use of additional substances of users, and lack of longitudinal studies.[73]