For many navigating their health journey, medical cannabis offers a new path for those with conditions that have failed to gain sufficient benefit from first-line treatments. As access to prescribed medical cannabis expands, it’s natural to have questions, including those around how cannabis use might affect an individual’s relationship with the substance over time. A recent study from Australia provides valuable insights into factors associated with cannabis use disorder (CUD) among people using medical cannabis, both prescribed and from other sources.
What is Cannabis Use Disorder?
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is a recognised condition defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5). It describes a problematic pattern of cannabis use that can lead to significant issues across various aspects of a person’s life, including social, occupational, and personal well-being. Symptoms can range from struggling to cut down use despite a desire to do so, to experiencing withdrawal symptoms or tolerance.
It’s important to remember that experiencing tolerance or withdrawal symptoms (e.g., needing more cannabis to achieve the same effect, or discomfort when reducing/stopping use) can occur with regular, prolonged use of many medications, including medical cannabis, and doesn’t always indicate a “disorder” in the way one might typically think of it. However, if these experiences lead to significant distress or impairment, this may indicate CUD.
New Research: Prescribed vs. Other Sources
A recent study published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence Reports gathered data from a large survey of Australians using medical cannabis. The researchers aimed to understand the prevalence of CUD in this population and identify associated factors, comparing individuals who obtained their medical cannabis via prescription with those who sourced it illicitly.
Overall, the study found that 43% of respondents met the criteria for CUD (defined as meeting 2 or more out of 11 criteria), and 17% met criteria for a more moderate-to-severe CUD (4 or more criteria).
Initially, individuals who mainly used illicitly sourced medical cannabis were found to have higher odds of meeting CUD criteria compared to those with prescriptions. This might suggest a benefit to medical supervision, where patients receive guidance on efficacy and dosing within a healthcare setting.
Key Factors Associated with Cannabis Use Disorder
However, when the researchers took a closer look at many different factors, they found that in addition to considering whether the cannabis was prescribed or illicitly sourced, other elements emerged with stronger associations with cannabis use disorder (CUD):
- Younger Age: Being younger was linked to an increased likelihood of CUD.
- Frequency of Use: Using medical cannabis more frequently (more days per week) was also an important factor.
- Mental Health: Poorer self-reported mental health was significantly associated with higher odds of CUD.
- THC Content: Products with higher THC content were associated with increased odds of CUD.
- Method of Administration: Smoking medical cannabis was associated with increased CUD likelihood compared to vaporising. Oral administration also appeared to be associated with lower risk than smoking.
- Concurrent Non-Medical Use: A particularly strong finding was that using cannabis for both medical and non-medical reasons (e.g., for enjoyment or relaxation, in addition to symptom relief) was a significant correlate of CUD, even when other factors were considered. This “dual-purpose” use was associated with 2.5 times higher odds of CUD than using exclusively for medical purposes.
Implications for Medical Cannabis Treatment
This study highlights the importance of open communication and comprehensive care for patients considering or using medical cannabis. Understanding these factors can help healthcare professionals identify individuals who might be at higher risk for developing cannabis use disorder (CUD).
The findings suggest that discussing treatment goals, monitoring frequency of use, considering the overall dose and administration method, and addressing any concurrent non-medical use are all important aspects of care. This approach aligns with frameworks designed to minimise potential harms and support patients in using their medication safely and effectively.
It’s important to remember that research like this is correlational. This means it identifies relationships between factors but does not prove that one factor causes another. For example, it doesn’t determine whether poorer mental health is a risk factor for CUD or a consequence of it. In addition, it cannot establish whether the higher THC doses increased the risk of CUD, or rather those with CUD are more likely to seek out and consume cannabis with higher THC content.
Moving Forward with Informed Choices
As the landscape of medical cannabis continues to evolve, studies like this provide crucial information. At Curaleaf Clinic, we are committed to ensuring patients have a clear understanding of their treatment options and potential considerations. We believe in providing guidance and support to help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being.
Disclaimer: This blog post is based on scientific research and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
