Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment

Introduction to Treatment Options

The American College of Physicians suggests that no medication is approved by the FDA for treating cannabis use disorder, and data shows that studied pharmacotherapies have not demonstrated clear efficacy in promoting abstinence, highlighting the need for alternative approaches 1
The National Institute of Health recommends that for substance use disorders without approved pharmacotherapy, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and cannabis use disorders, behavioral therapies are the primary approach 2

The American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry notes that preliminary evidence from two small controlled studies suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may reduce cannabis consumption, but larger studies are needed 3, 4
The American Society of Addiction Medicine states that anticonvulsants and mood stabilizers may show no difference in abstinence rates (RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.52-2.92), and treatment completion is less likely with these medications (RR 0.66-0.86) 3, 4

The American Psychological Association recommends that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management can substantially reduce cannabis consumption and related problems, although durable abstinence is not a common outcome 2
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration suggests that best practices in addiction treatment should include pharmacotherapy (when available) plus CBT or another evidence-based therapy, rather than usual clinical management alone 2

The American Society of Anesthesiologists advises against delaying surgery for reevaluation or cannabis withdrawal in consuming patients 5
The National Institute on Drug Abuse warns that opioids should be avoided in cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome due to worsening nausea and high risk of addiction 3, 4
The American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry notes that cannabis can paradoxically cause or exacerbate anxiety and other disorders it is intended to treat 6

The National Institute of Health estimates that approximately 10% of adults with chronic cannabis use may develop cannabis use disorder 7