Cannabis Use Disorder

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Cannabis Use Disorder: Basics - Ganja Genesis

  • Source: Cannabis sativa/indica plants.
  • Active Compounds:
    • $\Delta^9$-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): Psychoactive ("high").
    • Cannabidiol (CBD): Non-psychoactive, therapeutic potential.
  • Routes: Inhalation (smoking, vaping - rapid onset); Oral (bhang, edibles - slower onset, longer effect).
  • Indian Context: Forms: ganja (flowers), charas (resin), bhang (leaves/seeds). High prevalence in young adults. Cannabis plant and products

⭐ Key endocannabinoid system components include CB1 receptors (primarily in CNS) and CB2 receptors (periphery, immune cells), and endogenous ligands like anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG).

Cannabis Use Disorder: Neurobiology & Clinical Dx - High Times & Lows

  • Neurobiology:
    • THC (Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol) binds CB1 (brain) & CB2 receptors; mimics endocannabinoid anandamide.
  • Acute Intoxication ("High"):
    • Euphoria, relaxation, altered perception (time, senses), ↑ appetite.
    • Physical: Conjunctival injection, dry mouth, tachycardia.
    • Adverse: Anxiety, paranoia, impaired coordination/memory.
  • Withdrawal:
    • (See ⭐ below for DSM-5 criteria details).
  • Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) - DSM-5:
    • Problematic pattern: ≥2 criteria in 12 months.
    • Categories: Impaired control, social impairment, risky use, pharmacological (tolerance, withdrawal).
    • Severity: Mild (2-3), Moderate (4-5), Severe (≥6 symptoms).

Endocannabinoid system and receptor locations

⭐ Cannabis withdrawal (DSM-5 criteria: irritability, anxiety, sleep difficulty, decreased appetite, restlessness, depressed mood, plus physical symptoms like abdominal pain, shakiness/tremors, sweating, fever, chills, or headache) is a recognized syndrome that can significantly impair functioning.

Cannabis Use Disorder: Complications - Reefer Risks

  • Respiratory System:
    • Chronic bronchitis, cough, wheezing.
    • ↑ Tar & carcinogens vs. tobacco (📌 "Tar Wars").
    • Potential ↑ risk of lung cancer with long-term heavy use.
  • Cardiovascular System:
    • Acute: Tachycardia, ↑BP, orthostatic hypotension.
    • Chronic: Possible ↑ risk of MI, stroke in susceptible individuals.
  • Mental Health:
    • ↑ Risk of anxiety, depression.
    • Cannabis-induced psychotic disorder.
    • Amotivational syndrome: Apathy, ↓ drive (debated).
    • ⭐ > Early and heavy cannabis use in adolescence is associated with an increased risk of developing psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, and persistent cognitive deficits.
  • Cognitive Impairment:
    • Deficits in attention, memory, executive functions.
    • Persistent effects possible, especially with early, heavy use.
  • Other Complications:
    • Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): Cyclical nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain; relieved by hot showers.
    • Dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

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Cannabis Use Disorder: Management - Kicking the Habit

  • Goal: Abstinence or harm reduction.
  • Initial Approach: Screening (e.g., ASSIST, CUDIT-R) & Brief Intervention (BI).
  • Psychosocial Therapies (First-line):

    • Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET): Explores ambivalence, enhances motivation to change.
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifies triggers, develops coping skills.
    • Contingency Management (CM): Reinforces abstinence with tangible rewards.

    ⭐ Psychosocial interventions, particularly Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Contingency Management (CM), are the cornerstones of Cannabis Use Disorder treatment.

  • Pharmacotherapy:

    • No FDA-approved medications specifically for CUD.
    • Focus on treating co-occurring psychiatric disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety).
    • Short-term anxiolytics/hypnotics for severe withdrawal (cautiously).
    • N-acetylcysteine (NAC) & Gabapentin: Emerging evidence, not standard.
  • Special Populations:

    • Adolescents: Family-based therapies, MET/CBT.
    • Pregnant women: Psychosocial interventions are primary; avoid cannabis due to risks to fetus.
  • Relapse Prevention: Crucial component; ongoing support, coping strategies. 📌 HALT (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) as relapse triggers awareness.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD): Problematic cannabis use causing significant impairment/distress.
  • Key features: Tolerance, withdrawal, craving, and impaired control over use.
  • Cannabis withdrawal: Irritability, anxiety, sleep issues, ↓appetite, restlessness.
  • Amotivational syndrome: Associated with chronic heavy use, characterized by apathy and ↓ drive.
  • Synthetic cannabinoids ("Spice", "K2"): Risk of severe, unpredictable effects, including psychosis.
  • Treatment: Primarily psychosocial interventions (CBT, MET); limited role for pharmacotherapy.
  • Risks: Respiratory issues (if smoked), potential trigger/worsening of psychotic disorders.

Practice Questions: Cannabis Use Disorder

Test your understanding with these related questions

Which of the following is NOT a diagnostic criterion for drug dependence?

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Flashcards: Cannabis Use Disorder

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_____ delirium is commonly associated with drug intoxication or withdrawl

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

_____ delirium is commonly associated with drug intoxication or withdrawl

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