Disorders Due to Substance Use: Cannabis

Cannabis has a long history of use for its psychoactive properties but is a relative newcomer to the Western world as an intoxicant. Nowadays, cannabis is widely used and it causes serious problems in a minority of those who use it. However, given the large numbers of people who use cannabis, that relative minority translates into a substantial population of problem users. Given this reality, clinicians need tools in their armamentaria with which to treat CUDs. Unfortunately, the CUD scientific evidence base is still underdeveloped. The heterogeneity in cannabis products and difficulty to reliably assess cannabis use history pose challenges for scientists and clinicians. Moreover, the number of experimental studies and clinical trials in individuals with a diagnosed CUD are still limited. A number of psychotherapies were found to be effective, but consistent evidence for effective pharmacotherapy is currently missing. As clinicians further their understanding of CUD’s underlying mechanisms and clinical trials continue, more effective treatments will likely be developed.