Telehealth program promoting cannabis-free activities showed promise for untreated cannabis use disorder

Of 20 adults with CUD who enrolled, 70% completed all intervention components. All participants reported satisfaction, and 85.7% said telehealth delivery made it easier to receive care. Cannabis use decreased 8.9% (Hedges' g=0.39), depression symptoms decreased (g=0.50), and anxiety decreased (g=0.29). Cannabis demand and proportionate cannabis-free reinforcement showed changes consistent with reduced use.

Open-label pilot trial of a telehealth-delivered multicomponent behavioral economic intervention for non-treatment-engaged adults with CUD. Participants recruited from a health system completed behavioral economic assessments and measures of cannabis use and mental health at baseline and post-treatment.

Fewer than 5% of people with CUD initiate treatment. A telehealth intervention that is highly acceptable and shows preliminary effectiveness could dramatically lower barriers to care.

The behavioral economic approach of increasing cannabis-free rewarding activities rather than focusing solely on reducing cannabis may align better with how people naturally change behavior.

Open-label design with no control group. Very small sample (n=20). Short follow-up period. Cannot attribute changes to the intervention without a comparison group.