All articles tagged with #cannabis use disorder
A new analysis of US data shows that approximately 11.4% of adults aged 65 and older who use cannabis meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD). While most cases are mild, nearly a quarter are moderate or severe. The study highlights that frequent use, mental illness, and other substance use significantly increase risk, prompting calls for better clinical screening among seniors.
ER doctors are seeing more cases of cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), including the distressing “scromiting” (screaming while vomiting), linked to long-term, high-potency cannabis use. CHS causes intense abdominal pain and vomiting, with some relief from very hot baths; cases have risen as cannabis products become more potent after legalization. The condition is still poorly understood, but quitting cannabis often helps, though cessation can be challenging, and CHS may co-occur with psychiatric conditions.
A JAMA Psychiatry study finds cannabis use disorder rose among American adults from about 7% in 2021 to over 9% in 2024, with the largest increases among men aged 35 and older; past-year cannabis use also climbed (26% of men, 21% of women). Researchers note that rising potency may boost addictiveness, and Nora Volkow cautions that cannabis can be addictive even as usage rises; alcohol-use disorder, by contrast, remained stable or declined. The takeaway is to monitor for difficulty cutting back, cravings, or continued use despite problems rather than viewing cannabis as harmless.
A global review of 55 studies involving over 3.2 million people finds a strong association between cannabis use disorder (CUD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). About 32% of people with CUD also have MDD, and over 10% of people with MDD have CUD, rates higher than in the general population. The authors caution that causality cannot be established and suggest shared risk factors or self-medication may contribute; they call for routine screening in treatment settings and note that while pharmacological options are unclear, psychological therapies show promise. The work was published in The Journal of Psychiatric Research.
A UW-led survey of 388 Washington clinicians (late 2024–early 2025) finds most view cannabis use as carrying mental-health risks, with 70% treating cannabis hyperemesis syndrome, 65% cannabis-use disorder, 63% anxiety, and 53% psychoses/hallucinations. Many respondents report only moderate knowledge about cannabis interactions and psychoses, and about 75% want more training on screening and managing cannabis-related health risks, highlighting the need for clearer treatment protocols amid provider shortages.
A study from Washington State indicates that living near licensed marijuana stores may increase the likelihood of developing cannabis use disorder and related mental health issues, especially among youth, raising concerns about the public health impact of the growing number of dispensaries.
A systematic review found that high-potency THC products are linked to increased risks of cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia, raising concerns about their safety, especially for individuals with preexisting mental health conditions.
A UC San Diego study found that individuals with cannabis use disorder are over three times more likely to develop oral cancer within five years, even after accounting for smoking, suggesting cannabis may have carcinogenic effects and highlighting the need for updated screening and public health awareness.
A study suggests that semaglutide, a medication used for type 2 diabetes and weight management, may reduce the risk of developing and relapsing into cannabis use disorder. The research, published in Molecular Psychiatry, utilized a large electronic health record database and found that semaglutide was associated with a reduced risk of new cannabis use disorder cases and a decreased likelihood of recurrence. While the study shows promise, further research, including randomized clinical trials, is needed to validate these findings and understand the underlying molecular mechanisms.
A meta-analysis examining the link between ADHD and cannabis use disorder found that around 27% of individuals with ADHD develop cannabis use disorder at some point in their lives, with 19% currently affected. Individuals with ADHD face nearly three times the risk of developing cannabis use disorder compared to those without the disorder. The study highlights the need for further investigation into the relationship between ADHD and cannabis use disorder, while also acknowledging the limitations of the research, particularly its focus on North American studies.
Variations in THC metabolism, particularly among females with slower THC metabolism, have been linked to a higher risk of developing Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). Genetic differences in THC-metabolizing enzymes can lead to stronger and longer-lasting effects of cannabis, especially among females. The study underscores the importance of understanding individual physiological responses to cannabis and highlights the need for educational programs to inform teens and young adults about their unique risks regarding cannabis use.
A recent study suggests that genetic differences in how young adults metabolize THC, the main component of cannabis, can influence their experiences with the drug and their risk for developing cannabis use disorder (CUD). The research found that about one in four people have a gene that causes THC to be broken down less effectively, leading to stronger and longer-lasting effects of cannabis. The study also revealed sex-specific effects, with young females who metabolize cannabis more slowly being at higher risk for CUD, and young males with a gene variant for slower THC metabolism reporting more negative effects during initial cannabis use. The findings underscore the importance of educating teens about the potential risks of cannabis use and may open up new possibilities for treatment options for those struggling with CUD.
Scientists have identified gene variants associated with the risk of developing cannabis use disorder, a condition characterized by tolerance to cannabis and difficulty in cutting back despite negative consequences. The study analyzed the genomes of over 1 million individuals, including those of European, African, East Asian, and mixed ancestries, and found key genetic hotspots associated with the disorder. These hotspots were often located near genes related to neurons and the brain's reward system, suggesting a role for dopamine receptors in addiction. The study also revealed links between cannabis use disorder and smoking cigarettes, substance dependence, PTSD symptoms, and a potential genetic link to lung cancer. Further research is needed to understand these associations fully.
Scientists have identified gene variants associated with the risk of developing cannabis use disorder, a condition characterized by tolerance and dependence on cannabis. The study analyzed the genomes of over 1 million individuals, finding key genetic hotspots related to neurons and the brain's reward system. The research also revealed links between cannabis use disorder and smoking cigarettes, substance dependence, PTSD symptoms, and a potential genetic link to lung cancer. The study highlights the need for diverse genomic research and further investigation into the relationship between cannabis use disorder and schizophrenia.
A Yale-led study analyzing over 1 million genomes has identified genetic variants associated with cannabis use disorder and its links to psychiatric disorders, other substance abuses, and a potential elevated risk of lung cancer. The research, part of the Million Veteran Program, highlights the importance of understanding the genetic basis of cannabis-related disorders to inform public health policies. The findings provide insights into the underlying biology of cannabis use disorder and its associated health risks, emphasizing the need for further research in this area.