Just 9.2% of cannabis consumers sought help for cannabis-related problems, with doctors being the most common source. In US states where cannabis is illegal, users were more likely to turn to family and friends.
People interested in cannabis use disorder treatment access and substance use services.
Only 9.2% of cannabis consumers sought help for problems
What the researchers found
Among 13,209 past-12-month cannabis consumers, only 9.2% sought help in the past 3 months. Doctors were the most common source (44.9%). In illegal US states, consumers were nearly 5 times more likely to seek help from family/friends and half as likely to see a doctor.
Why it matters
The low rate of help-seeking suggests significant unmet need. Legal context shapes where people seek help, with implications for public health planning.
The numbers in context
13,209 consumers. 9.2% sought help. Top source: doctor (44.9%). Illegal US states vs legal: family/friends AOR=4.76-5.73; doctor AOR=0.46-0.51.
How the study worked
Online survey from the International Cannabis Policy Study. 13,209 past-12-month consumers in Canada and the US. Assessed help-seeking behaviors, perceived addiction, and legal context.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional self-report. Online sample limitations. Cannot determine effectiveness of help received.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: large international sample with adjusted analyses, but cross-sectional self-report.
When this study was published
Published in 2025.
The bigger picture
Where cannabis is illegal, seeking medical help means disclosing illegal behavior. This barrier pushes people toward potentially less effective informal support sources.
Questions still open
- Would legalization increase formal help-seeking?
- How effective are informal sources compared to professional help?
- What barriers beyond legality prevent help-seeking?
Common questions
Do cannabis users seek help when they have problems?
Does cannabis legalization affect help-seeking?
Read the original research
Help-seeking behaviours among cannabis consumers in Canada and the United States: Findings from the international cannabis policy study.
Drug and alcohol dependence reports, 14, 100306
Citation
Rundle, Samantha M; Hammond, David. (2025). Help-seeking behaviours among cannabis consumers in Canada and the United States: Findings from the international cannabis policy study.. Drug and alcohol dependence reports, 14, 100306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dadr.2024.100306
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