Epidemiology of Cannabis Use Disorder

Abstract

The field of epidemiology provides information about the occurrence and distribution of cannabis use disorders (CUD) over the years, giving clinicians a greater understanding of who may be at increased or decreased risk of cannabis-related problems and why, with the ultimate goal of helping to help guide interventions to reduce public health burden. This chapter describes the goals of epidemiology, defines what constitutes cannabis use and disorder, and summarizes national CUD trends at a population level. Included are discussions of risk factors, subgroup differences, and comorbidity as integral components of a comprehensive picture of CUD, as well as a necessary and timely discussion of cannabis policy and how the continuing evolution of cannabis legislation across US states could impact cannabis use and disorder, and how we treat them, moving forward.