Cannabis is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs in the United States, and also has different unique health consequences compared to other illicit drugs. The rates of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder are increasing over the last decade, running alongside the changes in the legal and political climate favoring legalization. Roughly, 20 million people around the age of 12 years or older have reported using cannabis in the past month, and about 8 million reported using the substance nearly every day. Many have the idea that using cannabis poses no significant risk or negative consequences, however through research we can see that there is always a risk of health consequence from cannabis use and those risks are contributed by heavy use of the drug. Some of the health consequences that people suffer from relating to heavy cannabis use cognitive impairment, increased risk for psychotic disorders and other mental health problems, lower education attainment, and also unemployment. Clinical trials of many different treatment options for cannabis use disorder have also increased, mainly focusing on psychotherapy treatments, motivational enhancement therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and also contingency management.
Some of the treatment options available for cannabis use disorder are:
- Antidepressant
- Cannabinoid Agonists
- Anticonvulsants and Mood Stabilizers
- Sedative-Hypnotics
- Medication
- Pharmacotherapy
It can be very challenging to quit using cannabis mainly due to the psychoactive chemical called delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which can be addictive for some people. Prolonged use of cannabis can lead to physical and psychological dependence, making it difficult to quit.
Read more about Treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4880536/
