Cannabis use disorder

Addiction and dependence glossary
Addiction and dependence glossary
	addiction – a neuropsychological disorder characterized by a persistent and intense urge to use a drug or engage in a behavior that produces natural reward; addictive drug – psychoactive substances that with repeated use are associated with significantly higher rates of substance use disorders, due in large part to the drug's effect on brain reward systems; dependence – an adaptive state associated with a withdrawal syndrome upon cessation of repeated exposure to a stimulus (e.g., drug intake); drug sensitization or reverse tolerance – the escalating effect of a drug resulting from repeated administration at a given dose; drug withdrawal – symptoms that occur upon cessation of repeated drug use; physical dependence – dependence that involves persistent physical–somatic withdrawal symptoms (e.g., delirium tremens and nausea); psychological dependence – dependence that is characterised by emotional-motivational withdrawal symptoms (e.g., anhedonia and anxiety) that affect cognitive functioning.; reinforcing stimuli – stimuli that increase the probability of repeating behaviors paired with them; rewarding stimuli – stimuli that the brain interprets as intrinsically positive and desirable or as something to approach; sensitization – an amplified response to a stimulus resulting from repeated exposure to it; substance use disorder – a condition in which the use of substances leads to clinically and functionally significant impairment or distress; drug tolerance – the diminishing effect of a drug resulting from repeated administration at a given dose;

Cannabis use disorder
Cannabis use disorder
Other names	Cannabis addiction, marijuana addiction
	Reduced blood flow in prefrontal cortex of adolescent cannabis users
Specialty	Addiction medicine, Psychiatry
Symptoms	Dependency of THC and other cannabinoids and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation such as anxiety, irritability, depression, depersonalization, restlessness, insomnia, vivid dreams, gastrointestinal problems, and decreased appetite
Risk factors	Adolescence and high-frequency use
Treatment	Psychotherapy
Medication	None approved, experimental only

Cannabis use disorder (CUD), also known as cannabis addiction or marijuana addiction, is a psychiatric disorder defined in the fifth revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) and ICD-11 as the continued use of cannabis despite clinically significant impairment.

There is a common misconception that cannabis use disorder does not exist, as people describe cannabis as non-addictive. Cannabis use disorder is the clinical name for cannabis addiction. Cannabis is one of the most widely used drugs globally. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2024, nearly 7% of US teens and adults met the criteria for cannabis use disorder. Among those aged 18–25, this rate is nearly 16%.

Cannabis use is linked to a range of mental health issues, including mood and anxiety disorders, and in some individuals, it may act as a form of self-medication for psychiatric disorders. Long-term use can lead to dependence, with an estimated 9–20% of users—particularly daily users—developing cannabis use disorder (CUD). Risk factors for developing CUD include early and frequent use, high THC potency, co-use with tobacco or alcohol, adverse childhood experiences, and genetic predispositions. Adolescents are especially vulnerable due to their stage of neurodevelopment and social influences, and CUD in youth is associated with poor cognitive and psychiatric outcomes, including a heightened risk of suicide attempts and self-harm.

Cannabis withdrawal, affecting about half of those in treatment, can include symptoms like irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. There are no FDA-approved medications for CUD. Current evidence for medication in the setting of CUD is weak and inconclusive. Psychological treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET), and twelve-step programs show promise. Diagnosis is based on DSM-5 or ICD-11 criteria, and screening tools like CAST and CUDIT are used for assessment. Treatment demand is rising globally, and despite limited pharmacological options, structured psychological support can be effective in managing cannabis dependence.