A virtual group therapy program significantly reduced cannabis use, cravings, depression, and anxiety in adults with cannabis use disorder | Research

The takeaway

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.

Addiction therapists, telehealth program developers, mental health clinicians

68% completion rate with significant reductions across all measured outcomes

What the researchers 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.

Why it 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 numbers in context

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 the study worked

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.

What this study cannot tell us

No control group or randomization. Retrospective design. Self-reported outcomes. Completers-only analysis may overestimate effects. Single program at one center.

How to read the evidence

Retrospective analysis without a control group limits causal claims, but consistent improvements across multiple outcomes and adequate sample size support the findings.

When this study was published

2026 publication reporting on data from 2020-2023

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.

Questions still open

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?

Common 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.

Read the original research

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

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

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