High Dependency: The Troubling Terrain of Cannabis Use Disorder

Unmasking the Hidden Struggles of Cannabis Users and the Rising Responsibility of Healthcare Professionals

TL;DR

A recent study reveals that 21% of cannabis users struggle with Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), a condition causing social and occupational problems. Severe cases are most common among recreational users, while moderate issues were found equally among medical and recreational users. As cannabis use is on the rise with legalization, healthcare professionals need to recognize and address this concern, especially among younger users.

Consider the scenario: As a young healthcare professional in a family practice in Washington State where recreational cannabis use is legal, you are encountering a growing number of patients using cannabis for either recreational or medical reasons. The catch? More than a fifth of these users are wrestling with elements of dependency or problematic consumption.

According to a recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association Network Open, 21% of cannabis users showcased signs of what is known as cannabis use disorder (CUD). In layman's terms, CUD is a condition characterized by recurrent social and occupational issues due to problematic cannabis use, indicating distress and impairment. Out of all users, 6.5% were experiencing the disorder at moderate to severe levels.

But how can you identify which of your patients might be grappling with this disorder? An intriguing finding of the research study is that the severe cases of CUD were more typical among recreational users. However, less severe but still problematic use was encountered nearly equally among both recreational and medical users. The most common symptoms? Increased tolerance, strong cravings, and an uncontrolled ramping up of cannabis use.

But the question remains, why should this be a cause of concern? With more states legalizing cannabis, usage is on the rise. Prior research aligns with these new findings, indicating that approximately 20% of cannabis users grapple with CUD. While there are treatments available involving detoxification, abstinence, therapy, and other methods dealing with addictive behaviors, prevention is always a favorable course.

So, how does this translate into your practice? Well, nearly half (42%) of cannabis users regard themselves as strictly medical users, while a quarter are non-medical users, and 32% identify as both recreational and medical users. With such a substantial number of patients using cannabis, it's pivotal to routinely assess patient's cannabis use and symptoms of CUD. After all, knowledge is power, and an informed patient is most likely to take steps towards responsible use and seek help when needed.

Isn't this why we became healthcare professionals, to not only cure but to educate and prevent?

The bottom line: With one-fifth of cannabis users possibly struggling with CUD, it's incumbent upon the medical community to understand the risk factors and uprise awareness among patients. This is particularly poignant for those with early initiation and those who frequently use cannabis during adolescence.

As we tread deeper into the era of cannabis legalization, does our responsibility as healthcare professionals also grow in guiding patients towards more informed and healthier decisions? How might changes in cannabis policy affect the risk of CUDs in the population? Future studies are needed to untangle these potential consequences, but until then, the challenge lies in taking these findings and making them actionable in our everyday practice. After all, aren't we in the field of prevention as much as cure?

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