A data synthesis found that CBT and motivational therapy improve short-term cannabis use outcomes, but effects typically fade by nine months, and no pharmacotherapy has been approved for cannabis use disorder.
Addiction clinicians, treatment program designers, and policymakers evaluating cannabis use disorder treatment options.
No approved medications for cannabis use disorder
What the researchers found
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET) improved short-term cannabis use frequency and dependence severity, though abstinence outcomes were less consistent and improvements were not typically maintained at nine months. Treatments extending beyond four sessions were more effective. Adding Contingency Management improved outcomes. No pharmacotherapies have been approved for cannabis use disorder or withdrawal.
Why it matters
Cannabis use disorder affects a growing number of people worldwide, yet treatment options remain limited. Understanding which approaches work, for how long, and what augments them helps clinicians set realistic expectations and plan treatment.
The numbers in context
CBT/MET treatments beyond 4 sessions were more effective than shorter programs. Benefits were typically not maintained at 9 months post-treatment. No pharmacotherapies are approved for cannabis use disorder.
How the study worked
Data synthesis integrating findings from high-level evidence studies on behavioral and pharmacological cannabis treatment approaches, prioritizing European data where available.
What this study cannot tell us
Relatively few European-specific studies were available. Synthesis approach is less rigorous than a formal systematic review or meta-analysis. Heterogeneity across included studies limits precision of conclusions.
How to read the evidence
Integrative data synthesis drawing on high-level evidence, but limited European-specific data and less formal methodology than a systematic review.
When this study was published
2025 publication
The bigger picture
The lack of approved medications for cannabis use disorder stands in contrast to treatment options available for alcohol and opioid use disorders. The finding that behavioral treatment gains fade highlights a need for maintenance or booster strategies.
Questions still open
- Can booster sessions extend the durability of CBT/MET gains beyond nine months? What pharmacological targets are most promising for cannabis use disorder? Would digital interventions complement in-person therapy?
Common questions
What therapy works best for cannabis use disorder?
Are there medications for cannabis use disorder?
Read the original research
Effectiveness of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder interventions: a European and international data synthesis.
European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience, 275(2), 327-339
Citation
Connor, Jason P; Manthey, Jakob; Hall, Wayne; Stjepanović, Daniel. (2025). Effectiveness of cannabis use and cannabis use disorder interventions: a European and international data synthesis.. European archives of psychiatry and clinical neuroscience, 275(2), 327-339. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00406-024-01829-5
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