Cannabis Use Disorder

About Cannabis Use Disorder

Cannabis use disorder is a problematic pattern of cannabis use leading to significant impairment or distress. Features include using more than intended, unsuccessful efforts to cut down, craving, reduced involvement in important activities, continued use despite physical or psychological problems, and tolerance. DSM-5 also recognized cannabis withdrawal, which can include irritability, sleep difficulty, decreased appetite, restlessness and low mood after stopping heavy use. Most people who use cannabis do not develop the disorder, but the risk is higher with frequent use, use of high potency products and starting in adolescence. Heavy use is associated with problems with attention and memory, and with an increased risk of psychosis in vulnerable people. Changes in legal status in many places have increased public interest in the condition. The best supported treatments are psychological, including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy and contingency management, and no medication is broadly established as a specific treatment.