Most Canadians with a history of cannabis dependence achieved remission, but many still struggled
Among 336 Canadians with a history of cannabis dependence, 72% achieved remission, but only 43% reached positive mental health, compared to 74% of those without cannabis dependence history.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
72% were in remission from cannabis dependence, and 53% were free of major psychiatric disorders and substance dependence. However, only 43% achieved positive mental health (remission plus happiness/life satisfaction plus social well-being), significantly lower than the 74% rate in people without cannabis dependence history.
Key Numbers
336 with cannabis dependence history out of 20,777 surveyed. 72% in remission. 53% free of psychiatric disorders and substance dependence. 43% achieved positive mental health vs. 74% in comparison group.
How They Did This
Secondary analysis of Statistics Canada's 2012 Canadian Community Health Survey-Mental Health (n=20,777), identifying 336 individuals with lifetime cannabis dependence. WHO-CIDI measures assessed dependence, remission, and mental health.
Why This Research Matters
The finding that a majority achieve remission is encouraging, but the gap in positive mental health compared to the general population suggests that recovery from cannabis dependence requires more than just stopping use.
The Bigger Picture
Recovery from cannabis dependence is achievable for many, but the mental health gap suggests that targeted support, particularly for men, younger individuals, and those with low social support, could improve long-term outcomes.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Cross-sectional design captures a snapshot rather than tracking recovery over time. Self-reported data may not capture all relevant factors. The 2012 data predates major legalization changes.
Questions This Raises
- ?What specific interventions could close the mental health gap for people recovering from cannabis dependence?
- ?Do people who achieve positive mental health maintain it over time?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 72% achieved remission; only 43% reached positive mental health
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate: nationally representative sample using validated WHO measures, though cross-sectional design.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2020 in Advances in Preventive Medicine.
- Original Title:
- Is Recovery from Cannabis Dependence Possible? Factors that Help or Hinder Recovery in a National Sample of Canadians with a History of Cannabis Dependence.
- Published In:
- Advances in preventive medicine, 2020, 9618398 (2020)
- Database ID:
- RTHC-02559
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Is recovery from cannabis dependence common?
Yes. This study found that 72% of Canadians with a history of cannabis dependence were in remission. However, remission from dependence did not always translate to overall well-being.
What helped people recover?
Positive outcomes were more common among women, older individuals, those with higher social support, and those who had never had major depression or generalized anxiety disorder.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-02559APA
Fuller-Thomson, Esme; Jayanthikumar, Janany; Redmond, Melissa L; Agbeyaka, Senyo. (2020). Is Recovery from Cannabis Dependence Possible? Factors that Help or Hinder Recovery in a National Sample of Canadians with a History of Cannabis Dependence.. Advances in preventive medicine, 2020, 9618398. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/9618398
MLA
Fuller-Thomson, Esme, et al. "Is Recovery from Cannabis Dependence Possible? Factors that Help or Hinder Recovery in a National Sample of Canadians with a History of Cannabis Dependence.." Advances in preventive medicine, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1155/2020/9618398
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Is Recovery from Cannabis Dependence Possible? Factors that ..." RTHC-02559. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/fuller-thomson-2020-is-recovery-from-cannabis
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.