Cannabis use disorder rising among US adults, study finds

💊 Rising prevalence of cannabis use disorder among US adults has important implications for primary care and mental health screening, particularly as cannabis products become increasingly potent and more socially normalized. Clinicians should be aware that current diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorder may not perfectly capture all patterns of problematic use, and that prevalence estimates can vary based on methodology and population studied, making it important to apply clinical judgment rather than rely solely on epidemiologic figures. The increasing incidence suggests that routine screening for cannabis use patterns—including frequency, quantity, and functional impact—should become a standard part of substance use assessment, similar to alcohol screening, rather than remaining an afterthought in clinical encounters. Given the heterogeneity of cannabis products available (varying cannabinoid concentrations and delivery methods), understanding individual patient use patterns is essential for identifying those at risk and providing appropriate counseling or referral to specialty treatment when indicated.