# Manoj Sharma, Sharmistha Roy, Mahsa PasheiMeykola, Rupam Mitra, Asma Awan > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/manoj-sharma-sharmistha-roy-mahsa-pasheimeykola-rupam-mitra-asma-awan/ > **Published:** 2026-07-29T07:19:13-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T16:58:19-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Systematic review of behavioral interventions for cannabis use disorder. Evidence-based counseling strategies and treatment outcomes. --- ✦ New CED Clinical Relevance #75 Strong Clinical Relevance High-quality evidence with meaningful patient or clinical significance. ResearchMental HealthSafetyAnxietyTHCPolicyPain Clinical Summary # Clinical Summary This [systematic review](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-safety-efficacy-mental-health-study/) of randomized controlled trials evaluates behavioral interventions for [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) disorders, examining evidence-based approaches to help patients reduce or cease cannabis consumption. The review synthesizes findings across multiple RCTs to identify which behavioral strategies demonstrate efficacy in addressing [cannabis dependence](https://cedclinic.com/ptsd-cannabis-dependence-veterans-social-support/) and problematic use patterns. Key findings likely include comparative effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, contingency management, and other structured psychological interventions, with particular attention to outcome measures such as abstinence rates, reduction in use frequency, and treatment retention. These results are directly relevant to clinicians managing patients with [cannabis use disorder](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/), as they provide an evidence base for recommending specific behavioral treatments alongside or instead of pharmacological approaches, which remain limited for cannabis addiction. Understanding which interventions show the strongest evidence helps clinicians tailor treatment plans to individual patient needs and improve counseling strategies. Clinicians should incorporate findings from this review when developing treatment recommendations for cannabis-dependent patients, selecting behavioral approaches with demonstrated efficacy in RCT settings. Clinical Perspective 🧠 While behavioral interventions show promise in reducing [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) frequency according to this [systematic review](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-safety-efficacy-mental-health-study/) of randomized controlled trials, clinicians should recognize that trial populations often differ substantially from real-world patients in terms of comorbidities, socioeconomic factors, and motivation for change. The heterogeneity of [cannabis use](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-cardiovascular-health-insights-2024/) patterns—including varying THC concentrations, routes of administration, and concurrent substance use—means that intervention efficacy observed in controlled settings may not directly translate to individual patients in clinical practice. Additionally, the evidence base for behavioral interventions remains modest compared to pharmacologic approaches for other [substance use disorders](https://cedclinic.com/cannabinoid-clinical-trials-mental-disorders-evidence-2/), and publication bias may favor positive outcomes. Given these limitations, clinicians should view behavioral interventions as potentially valuable components of a comprehensive approach to [cannabis use disorder](https://cedclinic.com/sex-differences-cannabis-stress-reactivity-oxytocin/), particularly for patients with mild to moderate use or those seeking to reduce rather than abstain, while maintaining realistic expectations and individualizing treatment recommendations based on patient-specific factors and preferences. 💬 Join the Conversation Have a question about how this applies to your situation? [Ask Dr. Caplan →](https://benjamincaplan.com/ask-dr-caplan) Want to discuss this topic with other patients and caregivers? [Join the forum discussion →](https://cedclinic.com/interact/discussion-forums/) Have thoughts on this? 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Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), 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).