What is cannabis use disorder?

Cannabis use disorder is a chronic disease characterized by a pattern of repeated methamphetamine use that makes it difficult for sufferers to control the amount they consume, even when it causes problems in their life.

It is a common misconception that a person cannot become dependent on marijuana. However, studies show that, in reality, 1 in 10 adults who use the substance will eventually meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder. People who begin using before the age of 18 have an even higher chance of becoming dependent – about 1 in 6.¹

_{“Cannabis Use Disorder - StatPearls.” NCBI, 20 March 2024. Accessed 12 September 2024.Wiginton, Keri. “Can You Get Addicted to Marijuana?” WebMD, 12 October 2023. Accessed 12 September 2024.

Wiginton, Keri. “Can You Get Addicted to Marijuana?”}_WebMD_{, 12 October 2023. Accessed 12 September 2024.}

What are the symptoms of cannabis use disorder?

The main characteristic of cannabis use disorder is that the user has difficulty controlling their use of the drug. They may use more than intended, or over a longer period. They may find themselves spending a lot of time using, acquiring, or recovering from the use of cannabis. Heavy, long-term use can also cause issues within a personal social, personal, or professional life.

Other symptoms include:

Inability to cut back on marijuana use

Neglect of social obligations

Frequent cravings

Interpersonal problems

Missed appointments

Increased tolerance

Withdrawal when not in use

What are the treatments for cannabis use disorder?

Treatments for cannabis use disorder are highly individualized, but often require continuing support – as it is considered a chronic condition.

Since people with cannabis use disorder may have co-occurring mental health conditions – or even struggle with other types of substance use – professionals tend to treat them together.

Treatments include:

Detoxification

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Medication-Assisted Therapy

1:1 and Group Talk Therapy

Is it possible to stop using cannabis?

Cannabis use disorder is a chronic disease. This means that it is not curable – but it is treatable with tools and methods that help patients manage their condition for the long term.

Treatments for getting sober can be just as successful as treating any other disease.

Inability to cut back on marijuana use

Neglect of social obligations

Frequent cravings

Interpersonal problems

Missed appointments

Increased tolerance

Withdrawal when not in use

Detoxification

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Medication-Assisted Therapy

1:1 and Group Talk Therapy

The severity of the disorder

The patient’s commitment to abstinence

The degree of dependence

The patient’s emotional stability

The duration of treatment

The patient’s genetics