Paper
Cannabis Use and Psychiatric Disorders: Implications for Mental Health and Addiction Treatment
Published Oct 19, 2016 · M. P. Halah, M. Barr, Michelle P. Zochniak
Current Addiction Reports
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Abstract
PurposeCannabis is the most widely used illicit drug with high prevalence, especially in adolescent and psychiatric populations. Cannabis use disorder is associated with cognitive and psychosocial impairment, and the therapeutic potential of cannabis is unsupported by high-quality evidence. Importantly, cannabis use may lead to the development of psychiatric and substance use disorders and to poorer outcomes in the mentally ill. This article discusses the epidemiology and neurobiology of cannabis use and the assessment and treatment of cannabis use disorder, in mental health and addiction settings.FindingsEvidence suggests that cannabis use has negative effects in patients with major psychiatric disorders. It is critical to better understand the endocannabinoid system and its links with mental illness.ConclusionsFuture studies should determine the potential impact of cannabis legalization on people at risk for, or with pre-existing psychiatric disorders and addictions, as well as the development of novel and more effective treatments for co-occurring cannabis use.
Cannabis use negatively impacts patients with major psychiatric disorders, and future studies should focus on the impact of legalization on these populations and the development of novel treatments for co-occurring cannabis use.
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