# Cannabis Use Disorder Is Rising— Public Health Needs To Catch Up

> **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637)
> **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com)
> **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-disorder-clinical-relevance-rising-trends/
> **Published:** 2026-08-21T17:16:50-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T10:47:10-04:00
> **Clinical Summary:** Explore the cannabis use disorder clinical relevance as rates rise, highlighting the need for updated public health strategies and clinical vigilance.

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✦ New

CED Clinical Relevance
#72
Notable Clinical Interest
Emerging findings or policy developments worth monitoring closely.

Mental HealthPolicyResearchAnxietySafetyPainDosing

Why This Matters
1. The rising incidence of [Cannabis Use Disorder](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/) as reported in the JAMA Psychiatry article highlights the need for clinicians to be vigilant about identifying and treating this condition, given its potential impact on patient health and wellbeing.2. As [cannabis legalization](https://cedclinic.com/the-forgotten-history-of-hemp-in-america/) continues to expand across the US, understanding and addressing [Cannabis Use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) Disorder becomes increasingly important in clinical practice, particularly as it pertains to patient education, prevention, and treatment strategies.3. The increasing prevalence of [Cannabis Use Disorder](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/) underscores the need for public health initiatives to adapt and prioritize resources aimed at mitigating the negative consequences associated with [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/), thereby improving overall population health outcomes.

Clinical Summary

In a recent study published in JAMA Psychiatry, [cannabis use disorder](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/) is shown to be on the rise among both American men and women. The cross-sectional research indicates an increase in the prevalence of this disorder, highlighting a need for public health initiatives to adapt and address this growing issue in the context of [cannabis medicine](https://cedclinic.com/essential-oils-industrial-hemp-antimicrobial-benefits/) practice. Clinicians should be aware of this trend and consider it when assessing and managing patients with potential substance use disorders.

Dr. Caplan’s Take
“As a seasoned family physician specializing in [cannabis medicine](https://cedclinic.com/essential-oils-industrial-hemp-antimicrobial-benefits/), the findings from this latest JAMA Psychiatry study underscore the urgent need for comprehensive public health strategies addressing rising [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) disorder rates among both genders. While it’s crucial to acknowledge the potential benefits of [medical marijuana](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-risk-impact/), we must also prioritize evidence-based prevention and treatment approaches to mitigate associated risks.”

Clinical Perspective

🔬 New research in JAMA Psychiatry indicates a rise in Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) among American men and women. While this trend underscores the growing need for healthcare providers to address CUD as part of comprehensive patient care, it’s crucial to acknowledge that factors contributing to this increase are complex and multifaceted. Confounders such as increased accessibility, societal norms, and varying potency levels of cannabis products should be considered. In clinical practice, heightened vigilance is required for early identification and intervention strategies for CUD, given its potential impact on patients’ mental health and overall well-being.

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Related Articles

- [Cannabis use disorder rising among US adults, study finds – NBC 15](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-disorder-rising-among-us-adults-study-finds/)

- [Marijuana’s menace: cannabis use disorder spiking, study says](https://cedclinic.com/marijuanas-menace-cannabis-use-disorder-spiking-study-says/)

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📰 Source: [https://www.forbes.com/sites/omerawan/2026/08/21/cannabis-use-disorder-is-rising–public-health-needs-to-catch-up/](https://www.forbes.com/sites/omerawan/2026/08/21/cannabis-use-disorder-is-rising--public-health-needs-to-catch-up/)

Further Reading
CED Clinic Blog[Why Cannabis Works](https://cedclinic.com/why-cannabis-works/)
Evidence Watch[Cannabis and Heart Health](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-study/)
CED Clinic Blog[Cannabis for Sleep](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-for-sleep/)

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RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC

Continue exploring the evidence

[Cannabis use disorder rising among US adults, study finds – ABC 45](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-disorder-rising-among-us-adults-study-finds/)

A detailed report on the increasing rates of cannabis use disorder among adults in the US, highlighting clinical and public health concerns.

[Read More](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-use-disorder-rising-among-us-adults-study-finds/)

[Treating Cannabis Addiction and Withdrawal: Latest Clinical Data](https://cedclinic.com/treating-cannabis-addiction-and-withdrawal-latest-clinical-data/)

Latest clinical data on effective treatment approaches for cannabis addiction and withdrawal symptoms.

[Explore Treatments](https://cedclinic.com/treating-cannabis-addiction-and-withdrawal-latest-clinical-data/)

Study links commercial cannabis markets to increased addiction – News-Medical.Net

Research connecting the expansion of commercial cannabis markets with rising addiction rates, emphasizing clinical relevance.

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### Related

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### Verification & Medical Governance

- **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD
- **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House).
- **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`).
- **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/).
- **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637).
- **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).
