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Cited by 57Cannabis and Cannabinoid ResearchSubstance Abuse Treatment and OutcomesOpioid Use Disorder Treatment

The prevalence of cannabis use disorders in people who use medicinal cannabis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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Dawson, Danielle, Stjepanović, Daniel, Lorenzetti, Valentina, Cheung, Christy, Hall, Wayne, Leung, Janni·2024·Drug and Alcohol Dependence
DOI 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111263
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of cannabis use disorders (CUDs) in people who use cannabis recreationally has been estimated at 22%, yet there is a dearth of literature exploring CUDs among people who use medicinal cannabis. We aimed to systematically review the prevalence of CUDs in people who use medicinal cannabis. METHODS: In our systematic review and meta-analysis, we followed PRISMA guidelines and searched three databases (PsychInfo, Embase and PubMed) to identify studies examining the prevalence of CUDs in people who use medicinal cannabis. Meta-analyses were calculated on the prevalence of CUDs. Prevalence estimates were pooled across different prevalence periods using the DSM-IV and DSM-5. RESULTS: We conducted a systematic review of 14 eligible publications, assessing the prevalence of CUDs, providing data for 3681 participants from five different countries. The systematic review demonstrated that demographic factors, mental health disorders and the management of chronic pain with medicinal cannabis were associated with an elevated risk of CUDs. Meta-analyses were conducted on the prevalence of CUDs. For individuals using medicinal cannabis in the past 6-12 months, the prevalence of CUDs was 29% (95% CI: 21-38%) as per DSM-5 criteria. Similar prevalence was observed using DSM-IV (24%, CI: 14-38%) for the same period. When including all prevalence periods and using the DSM-5, the prevalence of CUDs in people who use medicinal cannabis was estimated at 25% (CI: 18-33%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CUDs in people who use medicinal cannabis is substantial and comparable to people who use cannabis for recreational reasons, emphasizing the need for ongoing research to monitor the prevalence of CUDs in people who use medicinal cannabis.

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  • A systematic review estimated the prevalence of cannabis use disorders in people who use medicinal cannabis at 25% (CI: 18-33%).

    “A systematic review recently estimated the prevalence of cannabis use disorders in people who use medicinal cannabis is estimated at 25% (CI: 18–33%) [107].”

    From Cannabis, cannabinoids and health: a review of evidence on risks and medical benefits (2025) · cites this paper as [107]

  • The risk of cannabis use disorders could be higher in people with chronic non-cancer pain, mental health or substance use disorders.

    “This risk could be higher in people with chronic non-cancer pain, mental health or substance use disorders [107].”

    From Cannabis, cannabinoids and health: a review of evidence on risks and medical benefits (2025) · cites this paper as [107]

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Authors
Dawson, D., Stjepanović, D., Lorenzetti, V., Cheung, C., Hall, W., & Leung, J.
Affiliations
  • The University of Queensland (AU)
  • Australian Catholic University (AU)
Corresponding author
Dawson, Danielle
ORCID
Venue
Drug and Alcohol Dependence
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2024-04
Volume
257
Pages
111263
ISSN
0376-8716 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.111263
OpenAlex
W4392592479
Cited by
57
References
30
Citations by year
2026: 25 · 2025: 23 · 2024: 9
FWCI
3.57
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • Drug and Alcohol Dependence (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Epidemiology › Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Opioid Use Disorder Treatment
Keywords
cannabis use disorder, medical cannabis, prevalence, chronic pain management, mental illness, risk factors, DSM-5 diagnostic criteria, DSM-IV diagnostic criteria
MeSH terms
Cannabis, Marijuana Abuse, Humans, Prevalence, Substance-Related Disorders, Medical Marijuana

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