Most Canadians with a history of cannabis dependence achieved remission, but many still struggled | Research

The takeaway

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.

People recovering from cannabis dependence, addiction counselors, and mental health policy makers.

72% achieved remission; only 43% reached positive mental health

What the researchers 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.

Why it 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 numbers in context

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 the study worked

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.

What this study cannot 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.

How to read the evidence

Moderate: nationally representative sample using validated WHO measures, though cross-sectional design.

When this study was published

Published in 2020 in Advances in Preventive Medicine.

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.

Questions still open

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?

Common 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.

Read the original research

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

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

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