Research shows that 20% of cannabis users experience dependency or problematic use.

A recent study in the JAMA Network Open medical journal reveals that approximately 20% of cannabis users exhibit signs of dependency or problematic use. The study focused on primary care patients in Washington state who use cannabis legally. Out of the participants, 21% were found to have cannabis use disorder (CUD), with 6% displaying moderate to severe CUD.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, signs of CUD include unsuccessful attempts to quit marijuana use, excessive use for extended periods, and continued use despite negative consequences at home, school, or work.

The study also found that patients who used cannabis for nonmedicated purposes were at a higher risk of developing moderate to severe CUD. Among nonmedical cannabis users, 7.2% had CUD compared to only 1.3% of medical-use-only patients, who were predominantly older individuals. Participants who reported using cannabis for both medical and nonmedical reasons had the highest risk of moderate to severe CUD, at 7.5%.

In comparison to medical-use-only patients, those who used cannabis for nonmedical purposes were more likely to experience withdrawal symptoms, use the drug in hazardous situations, continue use despite consequences, and have interference with their obligations and activities.

The study’s authors emphasized the importance of assessing patient cannabis use in clinical settings, given the prevalence of CUD among primary care patients in Washington, where recreational use is legal and more than 20% of the population reports cannabis use. Washington, along with Colorado, was among the first states to legalize recreational marijuana use in 2012.

The study was conducted at an integrated health system in Washington State and surveyed a selection of adult patients who underwent routine cannabis screening between March and September 2019. Out of the 5,000 respondents, 1,463 participants who reported cannabis use in the past 30 days were included in the study.

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