A new study published in January 2023 suggests that individuals using cannabis for medical purposes might be equally or even more susceptible to developing cannabis use disorder (CUD) compared to recreational cannabis users. Researchers analyzed data from a federal survey and found that medical cannabis users exhibited similar rates of CUD as their recreational counterparts, particularly among younger men and women. The study highlights the importance of considering the potential for addiction when prescribing medical cannabis.
A new study reveals that individuals using cannabis for medical purposes are as likely, or even more susceptible, to develop cannabis use disorder (CUD) compared to those who use it recreationally. Researchers, led by Dr. Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, reported their findings in a study published on January 22nd. The study analyzed data from a federal survey on cannabis use among nearly 73,000 adults.
While 84% of participants reported using cannabis solely for recreational purposes, 9% indicated medical-only use, and 6% used it both medically and recreationally. Overall, approximately 35% of the participants exhibited symptoms of CUD. Notably, the study found that 14% of medical users and 13% of those who used cannabis both medically and recreationally among men aged 18 to 34 had severe CUD, surpassing the 8% observed among recreational users. Similar patterns were observed in women of the same age group, with 7% of medical users and 12% of medical/recreational users experiencing severe CUD compared to 6% of recreational users. The researchers concluded that the higher prevalence of CUD among adults with medical-only use might be attributed to more frequent cannabis use. Medical and medical/recreational users smoked an average of 40% to 70% more days each year than recreational users. For example, 18- to 24-year-old men averaged 217 days of medical marijuana use compared to 212 days for medical/recreational users and 154 days for purely recreational users. The study's findings emphasize the importance of carefully evaluating the risks and benefits of medical cannabis and monitoring for CUD emergence in patients who choose this treatment option
Cannabis Use Disorder Medical Marijuana Addiction Recreational Cannabis Health Risks
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