ABSTRACT
It is widely assumed that marijuana, or cannabis, is not addictive. While marijuana is not as physically addictive as other drugs, such as alcohol, nicotine, cocaine, and heroin, those who use marijuana may, over time, develop problematic marijuana use disorders. In severe cases, problem use may progress to persons becoming addicted, and exhibiting symptoms of marijuana use disorder. Marijuana or cannabis use disorders are often associated with dependence, where individuals experience withdrawal symptoms when not using marijuana. This chapter will describe the prevalence of marijuana use and abuse and the diagnostic criteria used to diagnose cannabis use disorder, using the DSM V and the ICD 10 and 11. The state of the art in understanding the progression from cannabis use to cannabis use disorder will be examined. Many individuals who develop cannabis use disorder begin using cannabis as adolescents. As such, the risk and protective factors for developing problematic cannabis use among adolescents and young adults are discussed. The chapter continues with an exploration of the biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors associated with cannabis use disorder. While all individuals may be at risk for developing cannabis use disorder, some populations of adults may be at heightened risk for developing problematic use. Some of the special populations that will be discussed are individuals with prenatal exposure to cannabis, persons with depression, anxiety, and severe and persistent mental illness; combat veterans, persons with a history of child abuse and neglect, and individuals with a chronic physical illness. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the potential impact of legalization and higher potency cannabis on future trends in prevalence of cannabis use disorder.
