Natural course of cannabis use disorders

Abstract

Background Despite its importance as a public health concern, relatively little is known about the natural course of cannabis use disorders (CUDs). The primary objective of this research is to provide descriptive data on the onset, recovery, and recurrence functions of CUDs during the high-risk periods of adolescence, emerging adulthood, and young adulthood based on data from a large prospective community sample. Methods Probands (N = 816) from the Oregon Adolescent Depression Project (OADP) participated in four diagnostic assessments (T1 – T4) between ages 16 and 30, during which current and past CUDs were assessed. Results The weighted lifetime prevalence of CUDs was 19.1% with an average onset age of 18.6 years. Although gender was not significantly related to age of initial CUD onset, men were more likely to be diagnosed with a lifetime CUD. Of those diagnosed with a CUD episode, 81.8% eventually achieved recovery during the study period. Women achieved recovery significantly more quickly than men. The recurrence rate (27.7%) was relatively modest, and most likely to occur within the first 36 months following the offset of the first CUD episode. CUD recurrence was uncommon after 72 months of remission and recovery. Conclusion CUDs are relatively common, affecting about 1 out of 5 persons in the OADP sample prior to age 30. Eventual recovery from index CUD episodes is the norm, although about 30% of those with a CUD exhibit a generally persistent pattern of problematic use extending 7 years or longer.

Natural outcome of cannabis use disorder: a 3‐year longitudinal follow‐up

“…Additionally, individuals who achieved abstinent remission were more likely than non-abstinent remitters and those with sustained CUD to start a first full-time job in the 3 years prior to wave 1. Farmer and colleagues previously reported high rates of recovery from CUDs during a 14-year period [28]. Our results indicate that high remission rates are already present after a 3-year period, which suggests a somewhat mutable nature of CUD [40].…”

“…Recently, Farmer and colleagues have explored the natural outcome of CUDs in a 14-year, multiple follow-up investigation of 16-year-olds [28]. They reported that nearly 90% of the individuals diagnosed with a CUD remitted during this time-period, with women recovering at a faster rate than men.…”

Can I Use Marijuana Safely? An Examination of Distal Antecedents, Marijuana Protective Behavioral Strategies, and Marijuana Outcomes

“…R ATES OF MARIJUANA USE AND cannabis use disorder peak during traditional college years (ages 18-25) in the U.S. (Farmer et al, 2015). In fact, about 30% of college students report past-year prevalence of marijuana use, and nearly 10% meet diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorder (Caldeira et al, 2008;Johnston et al, 2015).…”

Is 4/20 an Event-Specific Marijuana Holiday? A Daily Diary Investigation of Marijuana Use and Consequences Among College Students

“…R ATES OF MARIJUANA USE and cannabis use disorder peak during traditional college years (ages 18-25 years) in the United States (Farmer et al, 2015). In a recent study across 11 different U.S. universities, Pearson and colleagues (in press-a) found that between 15.5% and 38.7% (M = 26.2%) of college students report using marijuana in the past month, which is consistent with other large epidemiological studies in the United States (e.g., 20.8%, Monitoring the Future, Johnston et al, 2015;19.6%, National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, 2015).…”