Symptoms of cannabis use disorder

Cannabis, also known as marijuana, weed, pot, or bud, consists of the dried flowers, leaves, stems, and seeds of the cannabis plant [2]. This plant contains over 100 compounds called cannabinoids, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has mind-altering effects, and other active compounds like cannabidiol (CBD)[2]. CBD on its own does not have impairing effects and does not produce a "high [3]."

Cannabis use disorder is the persistent use of cannabis despite the problematic effects it has on one's life[1]. Approximately 10 percent of individuals who start using cannabis will develop an addiction[1]. Effective treatment options for cannabis addiction include motivational interviewing, contingency management, and cognitive behavioral therapy[1]. Cannabis use can lead to intoxication, withdrawal symptoms, and various biopsychosocial problems[5]. It is linked to several disorders, including psychosis, sleep disturbances, withdrawal, and varying degrees of intoxication, which can result in a substance use disorder diagnosis[5].

According to DSM-5, symptoms of cannabis use disorder include 2 or more of the following:

1. Cannabis is frequently consumed in greater quantities or for a longer duration than originally planned[4].

2. There is a continuous craving or repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or manage cannabis use[4].

3. A significant amount of time is devoted to activities related to obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of cannabis[4].

4. Craving cannabis use[4]

5. Repeated cannabis use leads to the inability to meet important responsibilities at work, school, or home[4].

6. Ongoing cannabis use persists despite frequent or recurring social or interpersonal problems that are caused or worsened by its effects[4].

7. Key social, occupational, or recreational activities are abandoned or diminished due to cannabis use[4].

8. Frequent cannabis use occurs in situations where it poses a physical hazard[4].

9. Cannabis use persists despite being aware of an ongoing or recurring physical or psychological issue that is likely caused or worsened by cannabis[4].

10. Tolerance, characterized by significantly larger amounts of cannabis, is needed to achieve intoxication or the desired effects or when the same amount of cannabis produces diminished effects with continued use[4].

11. Withdrawal is characterized by persistent urge or repeated failed efforts to decrease or control cannabis use or cannabis use to alleviate or prevent withdrawal symptoms[4].

References

1. Cannabis/Marijuana use disorder. (2024, July 24). Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/marijuana-use-disorder

2. About cannabis. (2024, February 15). Cannabis and Public Health. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/about/index.html

3. Rosenberg, E. C., Tsien, R. W., Whalley, B. J., & Others. (2015). Cannabinoids and epilepsy. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 747–768.

4. American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). American Psychiatric Publishing.

5. Patel, J., & Marwaha, R. (2024, March 20). Cannabis use disorder. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538131/