Cannabis Use Disorder

On this page

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.

oka

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.
Rezzy AI Tutor

Have doubts about this lesson?

Ask Rezzy, our AI tutor, to explain anything you didn't understand

Practice Questions: Cannabis Use Disorder

Test your understanding with these related questions

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

1 of 5

Flashcards: Cannabis Use Disorder

1/10

_____ delirium is commonly associated with drug intoxication or withdrawl

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

_____ delirium is commonly associated with drug intoxication or withdrawl

Hyperactive

browseSpaceflip

Enjoying this lesson?

Get full access to all lessons, practice questions, and more.

Start For Free
Cannabis Use Disorder - Free Indian Medical PG Review