Psychiatric Comorbidity of Cannabis Use Disorder

Abstract

This chapter provides an overview of the epidemiology of cannabis use, cannabis use disorders and its treatment. Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug internationally. While use is decreasing in the developed world, it appears to be stable or increasing in developing countries and some indigenous communities. Early initiation and regular adolescent use have been identified as particular risk factors for later problematic cannabis (and other drug) use, impaired mental health, delinquency, lower educational achievement, risky sexual behavior and criminal offending in a range of studies. It is estimated that approximately one in ten people who had ever used cannabis will become dependent with risk increases markedly with frequency of use. The evidence-base for screening, assessment, diagnostic issues and cannabis specific interventions are discussed. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.