A virtual group therapy program significantly reduced cannabis use, cravings, depression, and anxiety in adults with cannabis use disorder
A 12-week virtual group CBT-MET program achieved 68% retention and significant reductions in cannabis use frequency, cravings, depression, and anxiety among adults with cannabis use disorder.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Among the 79 participants who completed the program (68% retention), significant reductions were observed in cannabis use frequency, quantity, craving, depression (PHQ-9), and anxiety (GAD-7). Higher baseline cannabis use predicted greater reductions, while higher self-efficacy predicted lower use across treatment.
Key Numbers
116 enrolled, 79 completed (68% retention). Significant reductions in cannabis use frequency (p < 0.01), quantity (p < 0.01), craving (p < 0.01), depression (p < 0.01), and anxiety (p = 0.02). Co-occurring substance use disorders predicted smaller reductions in cannabis quantity.
How They Did This
Retrospective analysis of 116 adults enrolled in a virtual 12-week group-based CBT-MET program between 2020 and 2023. Weekly self-reported cannabis use and biweekly depression/anxiety assessments were collected. Craving and problematic use were measured at baseline and post-treatment. Linear mixed models identified predictors of change.
Why This Research Matters
Virtual therapy for cannabis use disorder scaled rapidly during the pandemic but lacked outcome data. This study provides evidence that online group-based CBT-MET is feasible, retains most participants, and produces meaningful improvements across multiple symptom domains.
The Bigger Picture
Access to addiction treatment remains a major barrier, especially in rural and underserved areas. If virtual group therapy consistently produces these results, it could dramatically expand the reach of evidence-based CUD treatment.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
No control group or randomization. Retrospective design. Self-reported outcomes. Completers-only analysis may overestimate effects. Single program at one center.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would a randomized controlled trial confirm these effects?
- ?How do outcomes compare between virtual and in-person delivery of the same protocol?
- ?What happens to non-completers?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 68% completion rate with significant reductions across all measured outcomes
- Evidence Grade:
- Retrospective analysis without a control group limits causal claims, but consistent improvements across multiple outcomes and adequate sample size support the findings.
- Study Age:
- 2026 publication reporting on data from 2020-2023
- Original Title:
- Effectiveness and clinical predictors of a virtual based combined cognitive behavioral and motivational enhancement group therapy for adults with cannabis use disorder.
- Published In:
- Drug and alcohol dependence, 279, 113048 (2026)
- Authors:
- Mehta, Dhvani D, Goud, Rachel, Sanches, Marcos(8), Buckley, Leslie, Sloan, Matthew E, Vandervoort, Julianne, Le Foll, Bernard, Beyraghi, Narges, Kaduri, Pamela, Zawertailo, Laurie, Selby, Peter, Tang, Victor M
- Database ID:
- RTHC-08483
Evidence Hierarchy
Looks back at existing records to find patterns.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
What is CBT-MET?
Cognitive behavioral therapy combined with motivational enhancement therapy, a well-established approach for substance use disorders that helps people identify triggers and build motivation to change.
Did everyone improve?
About 68% of enrolled participants completed the program and showed improvements. Outcomes for the 32% who dropped out were not analyzed, so effects may be overestimated.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-08483APA
Mehta, Dhvani D; Goud, Rachel; Sanches, Marcos; Buckley, Leslie; Sloan, Matthew E; Vandervoort, Julianne; Le Foll, Bernard; Beyraghi, Narges; Kaduri, Pamela; Zawertailo, Laurie; Selby, Peter; Tang, Victor M. (2026). Effectiveness and clinical predictors of a virtual based combined cognitive behavioral and motivational enhancement group therapy for adults with cannabis use disorder.. Drug and alcohol dependence, 279, 113048. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2026.113048
MLA
Mehta, Dhvani D, et al. "Effectiveness and clinical predictors of a virtual based combined cognitive behavioral and motivational enhancement group therapy for adults with cannabis use disorder.." Drug and alcohol dependence, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2026.113048
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Effectiveness and clinical predictors of a virtual based com..." RTHC-08483. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/mehta-2026-effectiveness-and-clinical-predictors
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.