As recreational use of cannabis is being decriminalized in many places and medical use widely sanctioned, there are growing concerns about the potential risks associated with chronic use. Chronic use of cannabis is associated with an increased risk of psychosocial, mental and physical health impairments. This has led to the need for a clearer understanding of cannabis dependence, its diagnosis, and its implications.
BackgroundStudies have demonstrated that individuals diagnosed with traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently use medical and recreational cannabis to manage symptoms such as pain and anxiety. However, the long-term effects of chronic cannabis use on individuals with TBI are not well understood. This raises questions about the potential risks of cannabis dependence in this population.
Introduction The COVID-19 era has seen an increased trend in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) diagnoses. Some individuals with ADHD may turn to cannabis as a coping mechanism, leading to potential dependence issues. Understanding the risks and implications of cannabis dependence in individuals with ADHD is crucial for effective treatment and management.
Despite the benefits associated with longer buprenorphine treatment duration (i.e., >180 days) (BTD) for opioid use disorder (OUD), the use of cannabis alongside buprenorphine treatment can complicate recovery efforts. The co-occurrence of cannabis dependence and OUD highlights the need for comprehensive and integrated treatment approaches.
Clozapine, oral aripiprazole, and long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations of risperidone, aripiprazole, and paliperidone decrease the risk of developing cannabis dependence in individuals with schizophrenia. Understanding the role of antipsychotic medications in managing cannabis dependence in this population is essential for optimizing treatment outcomes.
There is ongoing uncertainty about whether cannabis use increases the risk of developing an anxiety disorder. In this study, we estimated the risk of having cannabis dependence in individuals with comorbid anxiety disorders. The findings suggest a possible link between cannabis dependence and anxiety disorders, emphasizing the need for further research.
Cannabis use disorder is a substance use diagnosis that can include cannabis dependence. Learning to recognize the signs and symptoms of cannabis dependence is crucial for early intervention and support. Seeking help from healthcare professionals and addiction specialists can provide individuals with the tools and resources needed to overcome cannabis dependence.
