A nationally representative survey of 1,719 past-month cannabis users found that 26% of medical users and 21% of recreational users met criteria for cannabis use disorder, with daily users reaching 31-32% CUD rates.
Clinicians screening for CUD, public health researchers, policymakers, and cannabis users interested in understanding use disorder risk.
26% of medical cannabis users met CUD criteria
What the researchers found
Medical cannabis users had a 26% CUD rate (vs. 21% for recreational). CUD rates rose sharply with frequency: occasional medical use 19%, moderate 24%, daily 31%. For recreational: occasional 10%, moderate 24%, daily 32%. Younger adults (18-29) and males showed the highest CUD scores.
Why it matters
As cannabis use surges in the US, this study provides the clearest picture yet of CUD prevalence by use type and frequency. Medical users have slightly higher CUD rates than recreational users.
The numbers in context
1,719 past-month users; medical CUD rate 26% (95% CI: 19.8-30.4); recreational CUD rate 21% (95% CI: 17.7-25.2); daily use CUD rates 31-32% regardless of use type.
How the study worked
Cross-sectional analysis of AmeriSpeak panel data. 1,719 adults reporting past-month cannabis use from 6,543+ respondents (Dec 2023-Jan 2024). CUD assessed via CUDIT. Multinomial logistic regression with sociodemographic controls.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design cannot establish whether frequency drives CUD or vice versa. Self-reported data. Medical cannabis users may score higher partly because they use more frequently by necessity.
How to read the evidence
Nationally representative sample with validated CUD screening tool provides reliable prevalence estimates.
When this study was published
2025 publication using December 2023-January 2024 survey data.
The bigger picture
The dose-response pattern and similar daily-use CUD rates across medical and recreational users suggest frequency matters more than reason for use.
Questions still open
- Does treating the underlying medical condition reduce CUD risk in medical users?
- Would quantity-adjusted analyses show different CUD patterns?
Common questions
Is medical cannabis use safer than recreational use?
How common is cannabis use disorder?
Read the original research
Patterns of past month cannabis consumption and cannabis use disorder - Insights from a nationally representative survey.
Drug and alcohol dependence, 272, 112680
Citation
Kritikos, Alexandra F; Taylor, Bruce; Lamuda, Phoebe; Pollack, Harold; Schneider, John A. (2025). Patterns of past month cannabis consumption and cannabis use disorder - Insights from a nationally representative survey.. Drug and alcohol dependence, 272, 112680. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2025.112680
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