Cannabis Use Disorder

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 4, 2025.

• Care notes
• Aftercare
• Ambulatory
• Discharge
• Español

What is cannabis (marijuana) use disorder (CUD)?

CUD is a medical condition that develops from long-term use or misuse of cannabis. You are not able to stop even though it causes physical or social problems. CUD is also called cannabis abuse.

What are the signs and symptoms of CUD?

Signs and symptoms include at least 2 of the following in a 12-month period:

• You misuse a prescription for medical cannabis. Misuse means you take more cannabis than prescribed or you take it longer than recommended. You may use it too often or for a different reason than recommended. For example, your prescription may be for pain relief, but you take it to feel good.
• You have a strong urge or craving for cannabis. This is also called addiction. You are not able to control when you use it or how much you use. You spend large amounts of time trying to get, use, or recover from cannabis. In between uses, you think about when you will get cannabis again.
• You become tolerant to cannabis. This means the amount you take no longer gives the effects you want. You need higher amounts to feel the effects.
• You become dependent on cannabis. Dependence means your body becomes used to cannabis. Cannabis withdrawal happens when you have used cannabis for a long period of time and suddenly stop. Withdrawal symptoms may start within 24 hours and last up to 2 weeks. Withdrawal symptoms may include loss of appetite or weight loss, trouble sleeping, or depression.
• You are not able to stop, or to use less. You start again when you try to quit. You try to use lower amounts or to use it less often, but you are not able.
• You use cannabis even though it causes problems or is dangerous. For example, you drive even though cannabis makes you drowsy or have trouble concentrating. You try to make the effect stronger by mixing it with alcohol, medicines, or drugs. You have problems at school or work. You spend less time doing important or enjoyable activities.

How is CUD diagnosed and treated?

Urine tests may be used to check the level of cannabis in your system. Healthcare providers can help you make decisions about treatment programs. Treatment may be offered in a hospital, outpatient facility, or drug rehabilitation center. The goal is to help you decrease or stop using cannabis.

• Medicines may be given to help treat withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, trouble sleeping, or nausea. Medicines may be given to help you stay calm or manage depression.
• A detox program may help you learn ways to live without cannabis. Treatment may include medicines and therapy. Your withdrawal symptoms will be managed while you are in the hospital.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you manage depression and anxiety caused by CUD. CBT can be done with you and a talk therapist or in a group with others.
• Motivational enhancement therapy can help you talk about your cannabis use and how it affects you. A therapist can help you set goals to make changes.
• Twelve-step facilitation (TSF) is a short, structured approach to help you recover. It is done one-to-one with a therapist in 12 to 15 sessions.

What are safety guidelines to follow?

• Do not mix cannabis with alcohol, medicine, or drugs. This combination can cause an overdose or trouble breathing.
• Do not use cannabis if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Cannabis stays in fat cells and slowly transfer to your baby over a long period of time. Cannabis can affect your baby's growth and development.
• Know the health risks of cannabis use. Regular use in adolescents and young adults can affect brain development and mental health.
• Ask about non-inhaled forms of cannabis. To support lung health choose non-inhaled cannabis forms such as oils, capsules, patches, or mouth sprays. Do not smoke or vape cannabis if you have respiratory problems such as asthma or COPD. Talk to your provider about non-inhaled forms of cannabis.
• Do not drive or use heavy machinery. Cannabis can slow down your thinking and reactions.
• Store cannabis in a safe place. Keep cannabis away from children and pets.

Where can I find more information?

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
  PO Box 2345
  Rockville , MD 20847-2345
  Web Address: http://www.samhsa.gov or https://dpt2.samhsa.gov/treatment/
  

• National Institute on Drug Abuse
  6001 Executive Boulevard, Room 5213
  Bethesda , MD 20892-9561
  Phone: 1- 301 - 443-1124
  Web Address: www.nida.nih.gov
  

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• You have sudden trouble breathing or chest pain.
• You have thoughts of harming yourself or others.

When should I call my doctor?

• You want help or more information on how to decrease or stop using cannabis.
• You have changes in mood or behavior.
• You have hallucinations (you see or hear things that are not real).
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer