Cannabis: Products, Health Impact, Policies and Intervention

This presentation is designed to prepare clinicians to provide addiction medical management in patients who also use cannabis. Addiction medicine treatment for people who use cannabis is critical, because cannabis the most commonly used drug federally classified as illicit in the United States. In 2020, 49.6 million people, or about 18% of Americans, reported past-year cannabis use, and 11.6 million of these individuals were young adults (accounting for 35% of the young adult population). The prevalence of cannabis has increased in part due to regulatory changes permitting the legal sale and use of cannabis. Increased frequency of use and increased THC potency in cannabis products increase the risk of cannabis use disorder and the development of mental health condition including cognitive problems. Additionally, cannabis use is more frequency used by individuals with the diagnosis of addiction. Therefore, patients who come to the attention of addiction physicians are increasingly likely to use cannabis. A firm understanding of the association between cannabis use, addiction to cannabis and/or other substances, and psychiatric symptoms and conditions is critical to the modern practice of addiction medicine.

This presentation will be divided into three sections. First, the presenters will briefly review the literature related to cannabis use. Second, the presenters will review the recent research findings related to the treatment of cannabis and other addictive disorders. Third, the presenters will facilitate an interactive case discussion illustrating the clinical approach to the evaluation and management of cannabis use disorder. The workshop will conclude with an open discussion of clinical dilemmas cases and a period of question and answer by audience participants. By the conclusion of the workshop, participants will have a stronger understanding of the importance of addressing cannabis use and cannabis addiction in patients who present for the treatment of addictive diseases.