A Swedish Registry Study of 3.3 Million People Found Four Distinct Profiles Among Those With Cannabis Use Disorder
In a population of over 3.3 million Swedes, cannabis use disorder diagnoses increased across younger birth cohorts, and 80% of people with CUD also had another psychiatric diagnosis, with cluster analysis revealing distinct gender-linked subgroups.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Of 3,307,759 individuals born 1970-2000, 14,046 (0.42%) received a CUD diagnosis. CUD rates rose from 61 per 100,000 (born 1990-1994) to 107 per 100,000 (born 1995-2000) by 2016. Four clusters emerged: Cluster 1 was mainly men with low income and substance use disorders; Clusters 2, 3, and 4 were mainly women with higher rates of mood, stress-related, and behavioral disorders.
Key Numbers
N=3,307,759 total. 14,046 CUD diagnoses (0.42%). CUD rates: 61/100,000 (born 1990-1994) to 107/100,000 (born 1995-2000). 80% psychiatric comorbidity in CUD vs. 19% without.
How They Did This
Population-based registry study using Swedish national register data on 3,307,759 individuals born 1970-2000, with records extending to 2016. K-mode cluster analysis identified subgroups.
Why This Research Matters
The finding that 80% of people with CUD also had another psychiatric diagnosis (vs. 19% without CUD) underscores the need for integrated mental health and substance use treatment. The distinct gender profiles suggest men and women with CUD may need different clinical approaches.
The Bigger Picture
Rising CUD diagnoses among younger generations in a country with relatively restrictive cannabis policies raise questions about what is driving the trend. The strong link between CUD and other psychiatric conditions suggests that cannabis problems rarely exist in isolation.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Registry data capture diagnosed CUD only, likely underestimating total problematic use. Swedish population may not generalize to other countries with different cannabis policies. Cannot determine causal direction between CUD and psychiatric comorbidity.
Questions This Raises
- ?What is driving the increase in CUD diagnoses among younger cohorts in Sweden?
- ?Would gender-specific treatment approaches improve CUD outcomes?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 80% of people with cannabis use disorder also had another psychiatric diagnosis
- Evidence Grade:
- Large population-based registry study covering over 3.3 million individuals with national-level data.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2023 using Swedish registry data through 2016.
- Original Title:
- Cannabis use disorder in relation to socioeconomic factors and psychiatric comorbidity: A cluster analysis of three million individuals born in 1970-2000.
- Published In:
- Scandinavian journal of public health, 51(1), 82-89 (2023)
- Authors:
- Rabiee, Rynaz(2), Lundin, Andreas(3), Agardh, Emilie(2), Allebeck, Peter, Danielsson, Anna-Karin
- Database ID:
- RTHC-04860
Evidence Hierarchy
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is cannabis use disorder in Sweden?
About 0.42% of the 3.3 million people in this study received a CUD diagnosis, with rates increasing across younger birth cohorts.
Do men and women with CUD differ?
Yes. Men with CUD tended to have lower income and substance use disorders, while women with CUD had higher rates of mood, stress-related, and behavioral disorders.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-04860APA
Rabiee, Rynaz; Lundin, Andreas; Agardh, Emilie; Allebeck, Peter; Danielsson, Anna-Karin. (2023). Cannabis use disorder in relation to socioeconomic factors and psychiatric comorbidity: A cluster analysis of three million individuals born in 1970-2000.. Scandinavian journal of public health, 51(1), 82-89. https://doi.org/10.1177/14034948221122431
MLA
Rabiee, Rynaz, et al. "Cannabis use disorder in relation to socioeconomic factors and psychiatric comorbidity: A cluster analysis of three million individuals born in 1970-2000.." Scandinavian journal of public health, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1177/14034948221122431
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Cannabis use disorder in relation to socioeconomic factors a..." RTHC-04860. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/rabiee-2023-cannabis-use-disorder-in
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.