Cannabis Use Disorder Rose More Sharply Among US Adults with Psychiatric Conditions
Between 2001-2002 and 2012-2013, cannabis use disorder increased 1.4 percentage points more among adults with psychiatric disorders than those without, confirming VA findings in the general population.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Across two nationally representative surveys (2001-2002 and 2012-2013), cannabis use, frequent use, and CUD all increased more among adults with psychiatric disorders. The excess increase for CUD among those with psychiatric disorders was 1.40 percentage points (95% CI: 0.58-2.21). This pattern held for most specific disorders (mood, anxiety, antisocial personality) and replicated findings from VA patient samples.
Key Numbers
N=43,093 (2001-2002) and 36,309 (2012-2013); disproportionate increases: cannabis use +2.45%, frequent use +1.58%, CUD +1.40% (all with 95% CIs excluding zero); pattern consistent across mood, anxiety, and antisocial personality disorders
How They Did This
Comparison of two national epidemiological surveys: 2001-2002 (n=43,093) and 2012-2013 (n=36,309). Logistic regression generated predicted prevalences of cannabis use, frequent use, and DSM-IV CUD. Additive interactions tested whether prevalence changes differed between those with and without psychiatric disorders.
Why This Research Matters
This study validates VA patient findings in a nationally representative sample, establishing that the disproportionate increase in CUD among psychiatric patients is not an artifact of the VA healthcare system but a nationwide pattern.
The Bigger Picture
The convergent evidence from VA and general population data makes a strong case that psychiatric populations are uniquely vulnerable to increasing cannabis use problems. This should inform clinical guidelines and resource allocation.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Two cross-sectional surveys cannot track individuals over time. DSM-IV CUD criteria used; DSM-5 criteria may yield different results. Self-report data may underestimate use and disorder. 2012-2013 data predates widespread recreational legalization.
Questions This Raises
- ?Has this disproportionate increase continued or accelerated since 2013 with further legalization?
- ?Are cannabis products with higher potency driving the excess CUD risk in psychiatric populations?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Evidence Grade:
- Strong: two large nationally representative surveys with validated diagnostic assessments and appropriate statistical methods.
- Study Age:
- 2025 publication analyzing 2001-2002 and 2012-2013 data
- Original Title:
- Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use Disorder Among U.S. Adults with Psychiatric Disorders: 2001-2002 and 2012-2013.
- Published In:
- Substance use & misuse, 60(2), 285-292 (2025)
- Authors:
- Hasin, Deborah S(31), Mannes, Zachary L(10), Livne, Ofir(16), Fink, David S, Martins, Silvia S, Stohl, Malki, Olfson, Mark, Cerdá, Magdalena, Keyes, Katherine M, Keyhani, Salomeh, Wisell, Caroline G, Bujno, Julia M, Saxon, Andrew
- Database ID:
- RTHC-06640
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Read More on RethinkTHC
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-06640APA
Hasin, Deborah S; Mannes, Zachary L; Livne, Ofir; Fink, David S; Martins, Silvia S; Stohl, Malki; Olfson, Mark; Cerdá, Magdalena; Keyes, Katherine M; Keyhani, Salomeh; Wisell, Caroline G; Bujno, Julia M; Saxon, Andrew. (2025). Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use Disorder Among U.S. Adults with Psychiatric Disorders: 2001-2002 and 2012-2013.. Substance use & misuse, 60(2), 285-292. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2024.2423374
MLA
Hasin, Deborah S, et al. "Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use Disorder Among U.S. Adults with Psychiatric Disorders: 2001-2002 and 2012-2013.." Substance use & misuse, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2024.2423374
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis Use and Cannabis Use Disorder Among U.S. Adults wit..." RTHC-06640. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/hasin-2025-cannabis-use-and-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.