Cannabis use and cannabis use disorder

26 Feb 2021

NCYSUR researchers outline cannabis use and cannabis use disorder in this Nature Reviews Disease Primer.

Cannabis is the third most commonly used controlled substance globally, with an estimated 193 million people using cannabis worldwide. 

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) refers to persistent cannabis use despite severe impairment.

CUD is an underappreciated risk of using cannabis that affects ~10% of cannabis users worldwide. 

The individual and public health burdens are less than those of other forms of drug use, but CUD accounts for a substantial proportion of persons seeking treatment for drug use disorders owing to the high global prevalence of cannabis use.

Co-occuring mental health disorders are highly prevalent in individuals who use cannabis, including anxiety disorders, mood disorders, other substance use disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder and personality disorders.

CUD graphic

Access the full primer via Nature

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