Marijuana Use Cut the Odds of Successfully Quitting Tobacco in Half
Among 1,481 heavy smokers trying to quit with nicotine patches, marijuana users had half the odds of success. Early lapse (3+ cigarettes in first 4 weeks) predicted relapse in 96%.
Quitting research
Explore published research on quitting, including study methods and limitations.
How People Explained Their First Marijuana Lapse Predicted Whether They Returned to Regular Use
Among 75 marijuana users who lapsed after treatment, those who blamed themselves and saw the cause as permanent and pervasive were more likely to return to regular use over six months.
Confidence in Avoiding Marijuana Predicted How Often People Used After Treatment, Not Whether They Quit
Self-efficacy for avoiding marijuana predicted frequency of post-treatment use better than complete abstinence. Cognitive-behavioral treatment only marginally improved confidence.
Two-Thirds of Vocational Students Smoked Heavily by Age 13, With Strong Links to Alcohol and Marijuana Use
Among vocational high school students, 65% were heavy smokers by age 13, with strong associations with alcohol and marijuana use, poor grades, and multiple failed quit attempts.
Alcohol Use During Smoking Cessation Predicted Failure, but Marijuana Use Did Not
In 199 smokers trying to quit, alcohol use predicted failure at all follow-up points. Marijuana use, whether at baseline or during treatment, did not predict smoking cessation outcomes.
31% of Adolescent Marijuana Users Quit Within a Year, Driven by Disapproval and Negative Attitudes
31% of 566 adolescent marijuana users at alternative high schools quit within one year. Peer disapproval of drugs and negative personal attitudes about use predicted quitting.
Over Half of Adolescent Marijuana Users Had Tried to Quit and Failed, but Most Programs Were Seen as Ineffective
Among 842 high-risk students, 70% used marijuana, over half had tried to quit and failed, and most viewed cessation programs as ineffective despite high interest in quitting.
What Happens When Substance Abusers Try to Quit Smoking Too?
Review finding that smoking cessation did not increase relapse to other substances and continued smoking actually worsened marijuana treatment outcomes, supporting integrated treatment.
Cyclic Vomiting and Hot Showers in Heavy Cannabis Users. An Early Signal
Early case series: vomiting stopped in most after stopping cannabis and returned on rechallenge, with hot bathing reported by nearly all.
"You Can't Go Without a Fag, You Need It for Your Hash": How Cannabis and Tobacco Intertwine for Teens
Qualitative study finding Scottish teenagers' cannabis and tobacco smoking were "inextricably linked," with cannabis use serving as a gateway to cigarettes and a barrier to quitting tobacco.
What Predicts Whether Teen Cannabis Users Will Quit Within 5 Years?
5-year follow-up finding 42% of teen marijuana users quit, with heavier use, male gender, being unmarried, and friends' use predicting continued consumption.
Nearly Two-Thirds of Adolescent Cannabis Treatment Seekers Reported Withdrawal Symptoms
Study of adolescent cannabis treatment seekers found nearly two-thirds experienced four or more withdrawal symptoms, though rates were lower than in adult studies.
Paying for Clean Tests Worked During Treatment. Therapy Helped It Last.
Vouchers drove abstinence during treatment. Adding CBT helped keep it going over the next year.
Teens Who Kept Smoking Cigarettes Were More Likely to Relapse on Marijuana and Alcohol
Among 1,779 adolescents in substance abuse treatment, those who continued or started smoking cigarettes had significantly higher odds of relapsing on marijuana and alcohol at 12 months.
Buspirone Showed Modest Promise for Treating Marijuana Dependence in a Small Trial
In a 12-week trial of 50 marijuana-dependent participants, buspirone showed a non-significant trend toward more negative drug tests overall, but a significant effect among those who completed treatment.
What Works for Reducing Cannabis Use in People With Psychosis or Depression?
A systematic review found only 7 RCTs on treating cannabis use in psychosis/depression, with preliminary evidence supporting medication treatment of the primary disorder and longer psychological interventions.
Teen Cannabis Users Showed Memory Recovery After Two Weeks of Abstinence but Attention Problems Persisted
Adolescent cannabis users showed memory recovery after 2-3 weeks of abstinence but attention accuracy remained impaired, suggesting different recovery timelines for different cognitive functions.
The Prescription Drug Nabilone Felt Like THC to Cannabis Users, Supporting Its Potential as a Quit-Aid
In 6 cannabis users, nabilone produced THC-like subjective effects and substituted for THC in drug discrimination, while methylphenidate did not, supporting nabilone as a potential cannabis dependence medication.
Veterans whose PTSD improved less during treatment were more likely to use cannabis afterward
Among 432 male veterans, less PTSD improvement during treatment predicted greater cannabis use at 4 months, specifically linked to avoidance/numbing and hyperarousal symptoms.
Case study tracked executive function recovery over 12 weeks of cannabis abstinence
Case report tracked executive function from 24 hours to 12 weeks of cannabis abstinence, showing progressive cognitive improvement with clinical implications for treatment.
Dronabinol did not help cannabis-dependent adults quit but did improve treatment retention and withdrawal symptoms
First agonist substitution trial for cannabis dependence: dronabinol did not increase abstinence but improved retention (77% vs 61%) and reduced withdrawal symptoms.
Blood pressure increased significantly when daily cannabis users stopped
Inpatient study found blood pressure increases up to 22.8 mmHg systolic when daily cannabis users stopped, with a subset showing potentially dangerous elevations.
The search for medications to treat cannabis dependence
Review finding buspirone was the only medication with controlled trial evidence for cannabis dependence, with several others warranting further study.
Withdrawal That Disrupted Daily Life Was Tied to Relapse in a Small Study
In 49 dependent users, greater day-to-day disruption from withdrawal was linked to relapse and to heavier use one month later.
State of the art in treating cannabis dependence: what works, what does not, and what is needed
Review finding combination therapies (motivational + cognitive-behavioral + incentives) most effective for cannabis dependence, though long-term abstinence remains below 20%.
Marijuana use did not affect success at quitting cigarettes, but alcohol use did
In 739 smokers, marijuana use did not affect quitting success, while alcohol use after quitting increased smoking urges and relapse risk.
Pilot trial of an antipsychotic medication for cannabis dependence showed reduced use and improved mood
Open-label pilot of pericyazine for cannabis dependence showed reduced use and improved mood in 21 patients, warranting a randomized controlled trial.
The 98-Patient Case Series That Shaped Cannabinoid Hyperemesis
Largest early CH series: frequent long-term use common, abdominal pain prevalent, 91 percent of those who tried hot bathing reported relief. Follow-up was scarce.
Veterans With Poor Sleep Quality Had Less Success Reducing Cannabis Use During Quit Attempts
Veterans with poor perceived sleep quality reduced their cannabis use less during a 6-month quit attempt, even after accounting for PTSD and withdrawal.
First Combined Tobacco-Cannabis Quit Program Developed and Well-Received by Participants
First group cessation program for simultaneous tobacco and cannabis quitting was developed through user research and received positive acceptability ratings.
Veterans With PTSD Used Cannabis to Cope and Experienced Worse Withdrawal and Cravings
Cannabis-dependent veterans with PTSD used cannabis more for coping, experienced worse withdrawal, and had stronger cravings than veterans without PTSD.
Believing Cannabis Has Positive Effects Predicted Failure to Quit in Veterans
Among 100 veterans attempting to quit cannabis, positive beliefs about cannabis effects predicted use, lapse, and relapse, while negative beliefs had limited impact.
Self-Image and Legal Concerns Were the Strongest Motivations Protecting Against Cannabis Relapse
Among 385 adults who tried to quit cannabis without treatment, self-image, health, and legal motivations predicted better outcomes, with gender differences in motivation.
CBD Eliminated Withdrawal Symptoms in a 19-Year-Old Heavy Cannabis User: A Case Report
A 19-year-old heavy cannabis user showed no withdrawal, anxiety, or dissociative symptoms during 10 days of CBD treatment for cannabis withdrawal syndrome.
Motivational Interviewing Changed Brain Activation in Teen Cannabis Users and Predicted Better Outcomes
Adolescent cannabis users showed increased self-reflection brain activity when hearing their own motivational statements, and this predicted less use one month later.
Tobacco Smokers Were 19 Times More Likely to Relapse to Marijuana in a Lab Setting
Tobacco smokers were 19 times more likely to relapse to marijuana in a lab setting, but tobacco's direct effects did not explain this, suggesting shared vulnerability.
Nabilone Reduced Both Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms and Relapse in a Lab Study
Nabilone (6-8 mg/day) reduced both marijuana withdrawal symptoms and self-administration in the relapse phase, with low abuse potential and once-daily dosing.
Vitamins and Minerals Reduced Cannabis and Cigarette Use When Started and Stopped in a Single Patient
A case study using on-off-on-off cycles found cannabis and cigarette use decreased during micronutrient supplementation and resumed when supplements stopped.
Impulsivity Was Linked to Earlier Cannabis Use and Compulsive Craving but Did Not Predict Quit Outcomes in Veterans
Among 72 cannabis-dependent veterans, impulsivity correlated with craving and earlier cannabis use onset but did not predict quit success over 6 months.
Young Adults Who Used Both Marijuana and Tobacco Were Less Likely to Plan Quitting Tobacco
53% of young adult tobacco users also used marijuana, and co-users had 25% lower odds of planning to permanently quit tobacco.
N-Acetylcysteine Helped Adolescents Quit Marijuana Without Reducing Craving, Suggesting a Different Mechanism
NAC helped adolescents achieve more marijuana abstinence without reducing craving more than placebo, suggesting it works through non-craving mechanisms.
Injection Drug Users Who Smoked Marijuana Were More Likely to Have Attempted Quitting Tobacco
Among 670 injection drug users in Tijuana, marijuana smokers were 38% more likely to have attempted quitting tobacco, a counterintuitive finding.
Oral THC (dronabinol) suppressed cannabis withdrawal in a dose-dependent manner
Oral THC (dronabinol) up to 120 mg/day dose-dependently reduced cannabis withdrawal symptoms in daily users with no significant cognitive impairment.
THC/CBD spray reduced cannabis withdrawal symptoms in a clinical trial
A clinical trial found nabiximols (THC/CBD spray) significantly reduced cannabis withdrawal and improved treatment retention, but provided no long-term advantage over placebo for reducing cannabis use.
How counselors talk matters: change talk predicted marijuana use reduction
Analysis of 170 counseling sessions found that student "change talk" mediated the link between counselor skill and reduced marijuana use, supporting it as an active ingredient of motivational interviewing.
Web-based tools briefly boosted readiness to quit tobacco and cannabis together
Three web-based interventions all briefly increased co-smokers' readiness to quit tobacco and cannabis together, but none changed actual use and the motivational effect faded within 8 weeks.
Cannabis withdrawal peaked at day 4 and THC lingered in blood for over two weeks
In 39 monitored cannabis patients, withdrawal peaked at day 4 and declined by day 16, while 28% still had detectable blood THC after over two weeks of abstinence.
Frequent marijuana use reduced the odds of attempting to quit cigarettes, especially in boys
Adolescent smokers who frequently used marijuana were 44% less likely to have attempted quitting cigarettes, with boys showing a stronger effect than girls.
Drug-involved smokers feared quitting cigarettes would worsen their drug use
Smokers who used marijuana and other drugs expected quitting cigarettes would cause adverse outcomes, reducing their quit motivation across all six substance categories tested.
Physically active veterans were less likely to relapse during cannabis quit attempts
Cannabis-dependent veterans with moderate/high physical activity were less likely to relapse during the first week of quitting, especially in the first four days.
Lithium did not improve overall cannabis withdrawal symptoms compared to placebo
In a randomized trial, lithium did not reduce overall cannabis withdrawal severity vs. placebo, though it improved appetite loss, stomach aches, and nightmares.
Brain activity before treatment predicted cannabis abstinence during and after therapy
Cannabis-dependent men showed reduced cognitive control brain activity, and those with greater pre-treatment activation in control and reward regions used less cannabis during and after treatment.
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms peaked in days 0-3 but sleep problems got worse over time
During monitored cannabis abstinence, most withdrawal symptoms peaked in days 0-3 and improved, but sleep disturbance and strange dreams got progressively worse over time.
Targeting both tobacco and cannabis together in treatment did not hurt cannabis outcomes
Pilot study found that adding tobacco treatment to cannabis treatment did not harm cannabis outcomes, with 5 of 6 participants achieving cannabis abstinence.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Did Not Outperform Usual Care for Substance Users with Suicide Risk
RCT of 185 patients found an 8-session CBT intervention did not outperform treatment as usual for substance users with suicide risk on any measure over 6 months.
Young Adults Who Smoked Both Cigarettes and Marijuana Had Linked Use Patterns but Different Quit Motivations
Among 972 young adults using both cigarettes and marijuana, use patterns were correlated but quit motivation diverged: more desire to quit cigarettes but less confidence in success.
Adding an Antidepressant to Therapy Did Not Help People Quit Cannabis
Double-blind trial of 52 cannabis-dependent users found escitalopram (SSRI) added to CBT did not improve abstinence rates (19% overall), anxiety, or depression compared to placebo.
A group cessation program helped people quit both cannabis and tobacco at the same time
A group cessation program for 77 cannabis-tobacco co-smokers achieved 23% abstinence at 6-month follow-up, with improvements in mental health and substance use.
Dronabinol reduced opioid withdrawal severity but didn't improve naltrexone treatment retention
Dronabinol reduced opioid withdrawal severity during detox but did not improve naltrexone treatment completion rates in 60 opioid-dependent participants.
Veterans with PTSD used more cannabis at baseline and were slower to cut back after a quit attempt
Among 104 cannabis-dependent veterans, PTSD predicted higher baseline use and slower initial reduction after a quit attempt, but did not affect relapse timing.
Cannabis use in the past year made it harder for young French adults to quit smoking tobacco
Among 678 young French smokers, cannabis use in the prior year and financial difficulties were the strongest barriers to sustaining tobacco cessation for 12 months.
A web-based addiction treatment worked well for stimulant and cannabis users but not for opioid users
Web-based addiction treatment improved abstinence 3.6x for stimulant users with promising trends for cannabis (2.6x) and alcohol (3.2x), but had no effect for opioid users.
The endocannabinoid system plays a key role in nicotine addiction and could be targeted for smoking cessation
Review of endocannabinoid system role in nicotine addiction found rimonabant helped smokers quit but had psychiatric risks, prompting research into safer alternative cannabinoid targets.
What Motivates Indigenous Australian Men to Quit Cannabis
Study of 101 incarcerated Indigenous Australian men found family responsibilities and incarceration were the strongest motivators for quitting cannabis, suggesting culturally tailored cessation programs are needed.
Treating Cannabis and Tobacco Addiction at the Same Time
Pilot study of 32 participants found that simultaneously treating cannabis and tobacco addiction was feasible and did not worsen cannabis outcomes, while reducing tobacco use.
How People with Psychosis Quit Cannabis on Their Own
Qualitative study found young adults with psychosis who quit cannabis naturally relied on recognizing broad harms, social support, diverse coping strategies, and peer pressure resistance.
Bipolar Patients Who Stopped Cannabis During a Manic Episode Had Similar Outcomes to Those Who Never Used
Bipolar patients who quit cannabis during a manic episode had outcomes similar to never-users over two years, while those who continued using had lower recovery, higher recurrence, and more work impairment.
PTSD Symptoms Predicted Declining Friend Support During Cannabis Cessation, Especially for Those Who Relapsed
In 116 veterans attempting cannabis cessation, PTSD symptoms predicted declining friend support over 6 months, but only among those who relapsed in the first month.
A Cannabinoid Receptor Gene Variant Influenced How Much Nicotine Withdrawal Disrupted Brain Function
A CNR1 gene variant moderated how much nicotine withdrawal disrupted brain function, with some genetic profiles showing greater cognitive disruption during deprivation.
Cannabis Users Were Just as Successful at Quitting Tobacco as Non-Cannabis Users
Large clinical trial finds cannabis-using tobacco smokers quit tobacco at the same rate as tobacco-only smokers when given standard cessation treatment.
Teens Reducing Marijuana Also Drank Less Alcohol When Taking NAC
In a teen marijuana cessation trial, NAC-treated adolescents who reduced marijuana use also reduced alcohol use, with no compensatory increase in drinking.
Sativex at High Fixed Doses Reduced Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms in Dependent Users
Proof-of-concept trial shows high fixed doses of Sativex significantly reduced cannabis withdrawal symptoms but not craving, with self-titrated doses proving insufficient.
Cannabis Use Was Linked to Lower Motivation to Quit Tobacco Among Disadvantaged Smokers
Among 369 disadvantaged Australian smokers, 19% used cannabis concurrently (100% simultaneously), and cannabis use was associated with lower motivation but not lower intention to quit tobacco.
Psychotherapy Remains the Best Treatment for Cannabis Dependence, With No Approved Medications
Review finds CBT-based psychotherapy has moderate-to-large effects on cannabis dependence (evidence level Ia), no pharmacotherapy is approved, and serotonergic antidepressants may worsen outcomes.
Reducing Cannabis Use Improved Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep But Not Overall Quality of Life
Study of 302 adults finding that reducing cannabis use over 12 weeks improved anxiety, depression, and sleep quality but not overall quality of life, with effects independent of other substance use changes.
Scientists Created a Tool to Measure What People Expect When They Quit Cannabis
Validation of a new 46-item questionnaire identifying six categories of cannabis cessation expectations, providing clinicians a tool to understand barriers to quitting.
Verbal Memory Improved in Schizophrenia Patients Who Stopped Using Cannabis for 28 Days
Small prospective study found significant verbal memory improvement (d = 1.07) in schizophrenia patients who achieved 28 days of cannabis abstinence.
CB1 Cannabinoid Receptors Drive the Memory Problems That Occur During Nicotine Withdrawal
Mouse study found that memory problems during nicotine withdrawal are driven by increased endocannabinoid (2-AG) signaling through CB1 receptors on inhibitory neurons, with associated loss of dendritic spines.
Current Marijuana Users Were Twice as Likely to Still Be Smoking Tobacco and Far Less Likely to Have Quit for Good
National survey found current marijuana users had double the tobacco use (69% vs. 28%) and one-third the sustained cessation rate (22% vs. 66%) compared to never-marijuana users.
A Family-Based Program Helped Justice-Involved Youth Reduce Marijuana Use and Risky Behaviors
Pilot trial found a family-based intervention with emotional regulation skills reduced marijuana use and risky behaviors among justice-involved youth over 3 months.
A tailored web-based program helped young adults reduce their cannabis use
Web-based tailored intervention reduced cannabis use in 10.8% of young adults versus 5.1% in controls, with increased intention to abstain from use.
Successful tobacco quitters were more likely to not use cannabis, perceive smoking as harmful, and have no environmental smoke exposure
French national survey found cannabis use predicted failed smoking cessation, while successful quitters were distinguished by no e-cigarette use, no environmental smoke exposure, and perceived harmfulness of smoking.
Negative emotional tendencies explained the link between low distress tolerance and cannabis use problems in daily users
Study of 203 daily cannabis users found that the tendency to experience negative emotions explained why people with low distress tolerance have more cannabis problems, worse withdrawal, and less confidence in quitting.
College students who co-used tobacco and marijuana were more ready to quit cigarettes than marijuana, with distinct factors predicting each
Study of 721 college users found tobacco-marijuana co-users prioritized quitting cigarettes over marijuana, with higher importance ratings but lower confidence for cigarette cessation. Different factors predicted quitting each substance.
Monitored Cannabis Abstinence Was Achievable for Many Schizophrenia Patients
Using incentive-based monitoring, 42% of cannabis-dependent schizophrenia patients achieved 28 days of verified abstinence - statistically similar to the 55% rate in non-psychiatric controls.
High-Dose Oral THC Reduced Cannabis Self-Administration in Daily Users
Residential crossover study found dronabinol (oral THC) at 120-240 mg/day significantly reduced cannabis self-administration in daily users, supporting agonist therapy as a potential treatment approach.
Real-Time Tracking Identified What Predicted Cannabis Relapse in Young Adults
Smartphone tracking found that 73.5% of young heavy cannabis users lapsed during attempted abstinence, with negative expectations, low family support, and permissive environments predicting relapse.
Nabiximols Plus Therapy Helped Cannabis Users Cut Their Use by 70%
Pilot trial found nabiximols was safe and well-tolerated in cannabis-dependent patients, with 70.5% cannabis use reduction (vs 42.6% placebo) and reduced craving, though differences were not statistically significant.
Young Adults Who Used Marijuana Were Less Successful at Quitting Tobacco
Among 500 young smokers, marijuana users were equally motivated to quit tobacco but 44% less likely to succeed, suggesting co-use creates a specific barrier that cessation programs need to address.
Cannabinoid Medications Show Promise for Treating Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms
Systematic review of 10 trials found dronabinol, nabilone, and nabiximols all show promise for treating cannabis withdrawal, with good safety profiles and potential dose-dependent effects.
Perceived Barriers to Quitting Cannabis Were Linked to Worse Problems and Lower Confidence
Among 145 cannabis users, those perceiving more barriers to quitting had more use problems, worse withdrawal symptoms, and lower confidence in their ability to quit.
Marijuana use combined with PTSD symptoms increased suicide risk in military personnel
In a year-long study of 545 at-risk military personnel, marijuana use combined with high PTSD symptoms predicted worsening PTSD and increased suicidal behavior, an interaction not seen with alcohol or opioids.
Teens want cannabis cessation apps with rewards, self-tracking, and privacy
Focus groups with 37 cannabis-using teens identified rewards, self-monitoring, peer support, privacy, and customizable notifications as key elements for an engaging cessation app.
Marijuana use nearly doubled among former cigarette smokers in the US between 2002 and 2016
Past-year marijuana use nearly doubled among former US cigarette smokers from 2002-2016, while depression and binge drinking also rose, threatening sustained smoking cessation.
Five-year opioid treatment study found persistent heroin use linked to crack but not cannabis escalation
Five-year study of 7,717 opioid treatment patients found persistent heroin use strongly predicted crack cocaine co-use but was associated with less cannabis escalation, with crack being the key predictor of treatment failure.
MS patients who quit cannabis for 28 days showed significant cognitive improvement on every test
Controlled study of 40 MS patients found 28 days of cannabis abstinence produced significant improvements in every cognitive measure tested, with corresponding increases in brain activation on fMRI.
Varenicline helped tobacco-cannabis co-users quit tobacco, while nabilone eased cannabis withdrawal
Controlled study shows varenicline doubled tobacco abstinence rates in cannabis co-users (46% vs 24%), while nabilone eased cannabis withdrawal, with tobacco-related variables predicting cannabis relapse.
Guanfacine showed trends toward improving mood during cannabis withdrawal but didn't significantly reduce symptoms
Small pilot study of guanfacine for cannabis withdrawal in 7 volunteers found no significant effects on withdrawal or craving, with trends toward improved mood that may warrant larger investigation.
Computer training that reduced cannabis approach bias didn't change brain cue responses in teens
Substudy of 37 cannabis-using youth found approach avoidance training that reduced cannabis use in a larger trial did not significantly change brain cue reactivity on fMRI, with only trend-level effects.
Motivational interviewing in primary care revealed why teens use cannabis: mainly emotional coping
Motivational therapy sessions with 56 frequent cannabis-using teens found emotional coping was the main use driver, with most identifying education, career, and family as values they saw cannabis use conflicting with.
Computer-based screening and brief counseling reduced teen cannabis use and riding with impaired drivers
Pilot RCT found computer-based screening and brief counseling in pediatric visits reduced teen cannabis use by 38% and riding with impaired drivers by 42% over 12 months.
Addressing tobacco use during cannabis treatment is feasible but tobacco quit rates remain poor
Pilot RCT found simultaneous tobacco treatment during cannabis treatment was feasible and acceptable, but tobacco quit rates were low in both timing conditions.
Cannabis-tobacco co-users have high interest in quitting tobacco but low interest in quitting cannabis
Survey of 282 cannabis-tobacco co-users found high tobacco quit interest (7.1/10) but low cannabis quit interest (2.4/10), with bidirectional substitution during quit attempts.
Patients who quit cannabis after first-episode psychosis had outcomes similar to never-users at 10 years
At 10-year follow-up, first-episode psychosis patients who quit cannabis had outcomes matching never-users, while persistent users fared significantly worse.
Computer-based motivational intervention reduced marijuana use via concerns about relationships
Computer-delivered ED intervention reduced marijuana use at 6 months, with relationship concerns predicting up to 5.5 fewer use days per month.
About Half of Heavy Cannabis Users Experience Withdrawal. This Meta-Analysis Measured It.
First meta-analysis of cannabis withdrawal prevalence: 47% of regular/dependent users experienced clinically significant withdrawal across 23 studies and 27,000+ participants.
One in four tobacco quitline callers in legalized states also used marijuana
A study of 1,059 tobacco quitline callers in states with legal marijuana found 24% also used marijuana, with 43% of those users wanting to quit or reduce their marijuana consumption.
First clinical trial finds CBD at 400mg and 800mg reduced cannabis use compared to placebo
First RCT of CBD for cannabis use disorder found 400mg and 800mg daily were safe and more effective than placebo at reducing cannabis use over 4 weeks, with 94% completing treatment.
Most Canadians with a history of cannabis dependence achieved remission, but many still struggled
National Canadian survey found 72% of people with cannabis dependence history achieved remission, but only 43% reached positive mental health, compared to 74% without dependence history.
Nearly half of adult smokers in primary care also used cannabis or e-cigarettes
Among 601 adult smokers in San Francisco primary care clinics, over half also used cannabis, e-cigarettes, or both, but cessation counseling rarely addressed poly-use.
Interventions for tobacco-cannabis co-users showed weak effects on cessation but some reduction in cannabis use
A Bayesian meta-analysis found current interventions for tobacco-cannabis co-users showed weak evidence for cessation of either substance, though multi-substance approaches were more promising for cannabis.
Cigarette quit rates were dramatically lower among cannabis users and did not improve over 15 years for those with cannabis use disorder
US cigarette quit ratios from 2002-2016 remained dramatically lower for cannabis users (23%) and those with CUD (15%) compared to non-users (51%), with no improvement for CUD over 15 years.
Few high school cannabis users quit on their own, but those who did showed improved attendance and homework completion
A longitudinal study of 91,774 Canadian high school students found few cannabis users quit spontaneously, but those who did showed 2.5x better attendance and 2.3x better homework completion than continuing users.
Higher trait mindfulness linked to fewer cannabis-related problems in frequent young users
A study of 70 young frequent cannabis users found those with higher trait mindfulness reported fewer cannabis-related problems, though mindfulness did not predict motivation to reduce use.
Nearly half of medical cannabis patients who used tobacco reported reducing or quitting
A survey of 2,102 Canadian medical cannabis patients found that among 650 tobacco/nicotine users, 49% reported reducing use and 25% reported quitting after starting medical cannabis.
Nigerian cannabis users reframed recovery as a process rather than just abstinence
Interviews with 97 cannabis users in Nigeria found that abstinence-only recovery frameworks led to feelings of failure after relapse, prompting some to redefine recovery as a process of reduced use and improved well-being.
Cannabis smoking did not prevent people from quitting cigarettes in a large cancer society study
Large longitudinal study of 4,535 cigarette smokers found no evidence that cannabis use inhibits quitting cigarettes, with similar quit rates across never, former, and current cannabis users.
Web-based cannabis reduction program worked for adults with ADHD symptoms, also reducing depression and anxiety
Web-based cannabis reduction program reduced use by 11.5 days/month in adults with ADHD symptoms, with significant improvements in depression, anxiety, and ADHD symptom severity at 3 months.
Comprehensive review describes cannabis withdrawal occurring in half of regular users, with no approved medications for treatment
Cannabis withdrawal occurs in half of regular users, starting 24-48 hours after quitting and peaking within a week. No approved medications exist, but supportive counseling is first-line treatment.
A Digital Therapy App More Than Doubled Abstinence Rates for Substance Use Disorders
A digital therapeutic app delivering behavioral therapy and contingency management more than doubled 12-week abstinence rates for alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, and stimulant use disorders compared to treatment-as-usual.
Counseling Plus Nabiximols Worked Best for Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment
Analysis of a CUD treatment trial found counseling attendance was the strongest predictor of abstinence, while nabiximols reduced dropout and improved engagement, supporting combined treatment.
Treating Cannabis Dependence Improved Depression, Sleep, and Pain Even Without Full Abstinence
In a cannabis dependence trial, depression, anxiety, insomnia, and pain all improved over 12 weeks regardless of medication type, and even without complete abstinence from cannabis.
Cutting Back on Tobacco Was Linked to Cutting Back on Cannabis Too
In a smoking cessation program, reductions in cigarette, e-cigarette, and cigar use were all associated with reductions in cannabis use over 3 months.
Young Psychosis Patients Kept Using Cannabis Because They Lacked Alternative Coping Strategies
Focus groups with 16 young psychosis patients found they continued cannabis use not despite knowing risks but because they lacked alternative strategies for socializing, enjoyment, and mood management.
Self-Regulation Program Added to Residential Treatment Reduced Cannabis and Meth Use
Adding a self-regulation-focused Grit program to residential substance treatment produced larger reductions in cannabis and methamphetamine use in young adults, sustained at 12 months.
Contingency Management Helped People with Mental Health Disorders Reduce Cannabis Use
Systematic review of 6 studies found contingency management effectively reduced cannabis use and achieved abstinence periods in people with psychotic disorders or major depression.
Cannabis ex-users with first-episode psychosis recovered attention closest to healthy levels over 3 years
Three-year study of 461 first-episode psychosis patients found those who quit cannabis showed the most attention recovery, reaching scores closest to healthy controls.
Reducing cannabis use risk level was linked to less anxiety and fewer cannabis-related problems
Analysis of 225 participants found reducing cannabis use to lower risk levels was associated with less anxiety, depression, and cannabis-related problems.
Young cannabis users experienced withdrawal symptoms that peaked in the first week of quitting
Study of 79 young people found cannabis withdrawal symptoms peaked in the first week of monitored abstinence then declined, with mood and sleep most affected.
Systematic review found nabiximols and CBD more promising than THC-based drugs for treating cannabis use disorder
Systematic review of 8 RCTs found nabiximols, CBD, and PF-04457845 outperformed dronabinol and nabilone for cannabis use disorder, covering more treatment outcomes.
Therapy Targeting Emotional Reactions Reduced Distress in Young Adults With Cannabis Use Disorder
Pilot trial of 52 young adults found emotion-focused therapy outperformed standard CBT for reducing emotional distress in cannabis use disorder, with both treatments reducing cannabis use.
Brain Glutamate Levels Were Lower in Cannabis Users and Linked to Craving During Abstinence
Study of 20 cannabis users found brain glutamate levels were lower than controls during 21 days of abstinence, with declining glutamate strongly correlated with increasing craving.
Cannabis Use Disorder Was the Strongest Predictor of Relapse in Patients With Dual Diagnoses
Among 611 substance use inpatients, cannabis use disorder was the strongest predictor of 3-month relapse (53.3% rate, OR=2.31) in patients with co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
Teens quitting cannabis experienced a brief sleep disruption that resolved within two weeks
RCT found adolescents who quit cannabis experienced trouble falling asleep during the first week, but sleep returned to normal by week two and stayed there through week four.
Telehealth program promoting cannabis-free activities showed promise for untreated cannabis use disorder
Pilot telehealth intervention promoting cannabis-free activities for untreated CUD achieved 70% completion with preliminary reductions in use, depression, and anxiety.
Three distinct profiles of cannabis treatment patients predicted very different long-term outcomes
Study of 2,055 CUD patients found three treatment profiles, with 80% of high-adherence patients relapse-free at 2 years versus 24% in the moderate group.
Increasing Cannabis Use Made It Harder to Quit Cigarettes for People With HIV
Among 374 PWH trying to quit smoking, increasing cannabis use was associated with 78% lower odds of cigarette abstinence.
No Evidence-Based Intervention Effectively Reduces Cannabis Use in Young Adults With Psychosis, Review Finds
Scoping review found no proven intervention for reducing cannabis use in young adults with psychosis, though MI, CBT, and family training show minimal evidence.
No FDA-Approved Treatment Exists for Cannabis Craving, but 22 Trials Show Several Promising Approaches
Review of 22 RCTs found no approved cannabis craving treatment, but THC+lofexidine, oxytocin, progesterone, and NAC show promise.
Paranoid and Dysphoric Cannabis Experiences Were the Strongest Predictors of Wanting to Quit
Among 441 cannabis users, paranoid and dysphoric intoxication experiences were the strongest predictors of motivation to quit, more than psychosis-like hallucinations.
Machine learning models struggled to predict who would respond to cannabis use disorder treatment
Machine learning and traditional models achieved only modest accuracy predicting cannabis use disorder treatment response in a multi-site trial analysis.
A 12-Week CBT + Motivation Program for Cannabis Use Disorder: Patients Used Less and Felt Better
A 12-week group therapy program combining CBT and motivational enhancement reduced cannabis use, cravings, withdrawal, depression, and anxiety in treatment-seeking patients.
High-dose nabiximols for cannabis use disorder did not cause concerning changes in lab markers
Analysis of a CUD clinical trial found high-dose nabiximols did not cause clinically significant changes in biological markers including liver function.
Review of medications being tested to treat cannabis use disorder
Review of clinical trials found CB1 receptor agonists like nabilone are the most promising medications for treating cannabis use disorder, though none are yet approved.
Quitting smoking was linked to reduced cannabis use among US veterans
Veterans who quit smoking had 75% higher odds of reducing cannabis use and 2x higher odds of reducing alcohol use, but quitting did not improve depression, anxiety, or pain.
Mobile app helped heavy cannabis users reduce use by half
Pilot mobile app helped heavy cannabis users cut use from 94% of days to 47% and from 1.42 grams to 0.61 grams daily, with half achieving 50%+ reduction.
CBD reduced nicotine self-administration and eased withdrawal symptoms in mice
CBD reduced nicotine self-administration in mice without affecting food intake, and attenuated both physical withdrawal symptoms and withdrawal-related pain sensitivity, suggesting potential as a smoking cessation aid.
CBD reduced nicotine withdrawal symptoms and anxiety during a 4-hour e-cigarette abstinence period
Open-label study of 20 daily e-cigarette users found 320 mg oral CBD reduced nicotine withdrawal severity and anxiety during a 4-hour abstinence period.
Cannabis Users with PTSD Still Benefit from Trauma-Focused Therapy — But Attend Fewer Sessions
Meta-analysis of 4 RCTs found cannabis users with PTSD still benefited from trauma-focused therapy, but attended fewer sessions and showed less improvement in other substance use.
Using blunts during a cigarette quit attempt did not significantly reduce chances of quitting
A cessation trial secondary analysis found that among 500 Black adults, blunt use during a quit attempt did not significantly reduce odds of quitting cigarettes at 12 or 26 weeks.
Sleep medication helped cannabis users sleep during early withdrawal but did not significantly boost quit rates
A 12-week RCT found zolpidem prevented early cannabis withdrawal sleep disturbance but did not significantly increase quit rates (27% vs 15%), with sleep problems returning after medication stopped.
Mindfulness therapy added to standard inpatient treatment did not outperform standard care for adolescent cannabis use disorder
An RCT of 84 adolescent inpatients with cannabis use disorder found mindfulness therapy added to standard care did not improve cannabis outcomes at 6 months, though standard care was effective.
More than half of teens who vape want to quit or cut back, but fewer want to change their cannabis use
Survey of nearly 24,000 students found most teen e-cigarette users wanted to quit or cut back, but fewer were motivated to change their cannabis use.
Four Types of Cannabis Users and How They Differ When Trying to Quit
A study identified four distinct cannabis user profiles and found that rapidly escalating users tried to quit most often, while long-term heavy users had the worst cessation outcomes.
What Works for Treating Cannabis Use Disorder in Teens: CBT Approaches
A systematic review found CBT shows promise for adolescent CUD, with shorter courses and parental involvement most promising.
Medical Cannabis Laws Were Linked to Declining Specialty Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder
Medical cannabis laws with dispensaries were associated with declining CUD treatment in 2004-2014, though the effect faded by 2015-2019.
Reducing Cannabis Use by 50-75% Was Enough to See Real Improvements
Analysis of 920 participants found reducing cannabis use ~50% in frequency and ~75% in amount was associated with clinician-assessed improvement.
A community-based therapy helped Iranian teens with cannabis use disorder achieve abstinence and reduce distress
Randomized trial found that A-CRA therapy helped Iranian teen boys with cannabis use disorder achieve higher abstinence and better family relationships than standard treatment.
Why We Urgently Need Better Treatments for People Who Use Both Tobacco and Cannabis
Only 9 studies address tobacco-cannabis co-use treatment. Combined therapy showed promise with no compensatory use.
Cannabis Use Made It Harder for LGBTQ+ Smokers to Quit Cigarettes
LGBTQ+ dual users who also used cannabis had smaller reductions in cigarette smoking during quit attempts, especially on cannabis-use days.
Cannabis Legalization Increased Cannabis Use But Did Not Affect Tobacco Use or Co-Use
National US cohort study found legalization increased cannabis use but had no effect on tobacco use or cannabis-tobacco co-use from 2017-2021.
Cannabis Use Disorder Worsens PTSD — And 'Psychological Inflexibility' Is the Bridge Between Them
Cannabis use disorder worsens PTSD through psychological inflexibility — rigid, avoidant thinking that prevents trauma processing — a mechanism that's treatable with targeted therapy.
Brain Stimulation (rTMS) Reduced Cannabis Use Frequency in Preliminary Trial
In a double-blind RCT of 72 people with CUD, active brain stimulation reduced cannabis use by about 1 fewer day per week compared to sham, though craving was not significantly affected.
Why People With Cannabis Problems Avoid Treatment in Sweden
Swedish mixed-methods study found that cannabis, alcohol, and gambling users largely share the same barriers to treatment: privacy concerns, stigma, and poor availability.
Several Medications Show Promise for Treating Cannabis Use Disorder
Review of randomized controlled trials found 10 medications across 8 neurotransmitter systems showing promise for cannabis use disorder, though none yet has strong enough evidence for approval.
Telehealth Plus Smartphone App Helped Young Adults Cut Cannabis Use by 27%
Pilot study of telehealth counseling plus smartphone-based interventions for young cannabis users showed 100% engagement and 27% reduction in use days at 2-month follow-up.
Canada's Cannabis Surveillance Is Broken: Outdated Tools Miss the Harms Legalization Was Supposed to Track
Seven years after legalization, Canada's cannabis surveillance still uses outdated diagnostic frameworks, excludes key populations, and can't reliably measure whether legalization has increased or decreased harms.
Real-Time Mobile Support Reduced Cannabis Cravings More Than Therapy Alone
RCT: motivational therapy plus mobile-triggered support reduced cannabis temptation and dependence more than therapy alone in 70 young adults with CUD.
92% of Teens Seeking Help to Quit Vaping Also Use Cannabis
223 teens seeking to quit vaping: 92% also use cannabis, 69% in the past month. Heavier cannabis use linked to more frequent nicotine vaping.
Can Quitting Cannabis Reduce Depression and Suicide Risk in Teens? A Major RCT Protocol to Find Out
Protocol for a 200-teen RCT testing whether 8 weeks of cannabis abstinence reduces depression and suicidal ideation — using 8 daily phone surveys to capture the moment-by-moment relationship.
What makes cannabis use disorder treatment work: motivation, coping skills, self-efficacy, and therapeutic relationship
A review found CUD treatment success depends on duration, motivation, coping skills, self-efficacy, and therapeutic alliance, with sex, age, and comorbidity predicting who benefits.
A Culturally Tailored Phone App for Cannabis Use Disorder in Black Adults: Proof-of-Concept Trial
Culturally tailored mobile app for Black adults with cannabis use disorder showed strong feasibility and acceptability plus preliminary efficacy signals in a 50-person proof-of-concept RCT.
Does Smoking Weed Make It Harder to Quit Vaping?
In a clinical trial of 192 young people, cannabis use didn't predict whether they successfully quit nicotine vaping—though co-use days showed higher vaping.
Can Young People Quit Vaping and Cannabis at the Same Time?
About a third of teen dual users quit both vaping and cannabis at 7 months—and quitting vaping appeared to help with quitting cannabis too.
16-Year Trends Show Fewer People with Cannabis Use Disorder Are Getting Treatment
Analysis of 16 years of national data found CUD treatment rates declined while barriers like cost, awareness, and stigma grew.
N-Acetylcysteine Did Not Help Youth Quit Cannabis Without Contingency Management
Rigorous trial of 192 youth found N-acetylcysteine was no better than placebo for cannabis use disorder when not paired with contingency management.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy Reduced Cannabis and Cocaine Cravings in People with Alcohol Problems
Pilot trial of 50 adults found mindfulness-based therapy (MORE) significantly reduced cannabis and cocaine cravings in people being treated for alcohol problems.
CBT with Motivational Enhancement Is the Best-Supported Psychotherapy for Cannabis Use Disorder
Meta-analysis of 22 trials (3,304 people) found MET-CBT significantly increased cannabis abstinence but also had higher dropout rates.
What Young Vapers Actually Want When They Try to Quit
Most young vapers want help quitting, but there's no consensus on how—and 40% also vape cannabis, which they see as less harmful than nicotine.
Self-Guided Online Program Helps Cannabis Users Meet Their Reduction Goals in Two Weeks
A two-week self-guided online intervention helped 69% of cannabis users meet reduction goals, vs. 49% in the control group.
Cannabis Users Who Try to Quit Smoking Increase Their Cannabis Use as Compensation
In a smoking cessation trial, 47% of participants also used cannabis and increased their cannabis consumption while reducing cigarettes at similar rates to non-users.
Computer-Based Motivational Interviews for Cannabis Showed Promise but Were Less Effective Than Face-to-Face
A trial of 150 participants found computer-based motivational interviews generated similar "change talk" about marijuana as face-to-face sessions, but only face-to-face showed a trend toward reducing actual use.
Do Young Smokers Prefer Apps or Face-to-Face Therapy—and How Does Cannabis Fit In?
Young smokers with cannabis dependence perceived fewer downsides to smoking, and younger people preferred app-based cessation therapy over face-to-face.
A Brief Mindfulness Program Did Not Help People With Cannabis Use Disorder Reduce Their Use
A randomized trial of 66 adults found that a brief (~16-day) mindfulness program did not reduce cannabis use, cravings, or quantity compared to relaxation or monitoring alone.
Personality-Targeted Prevention Slowed Cannabis Use Escalation in At-Risk Teens Over 4 Years
A JAMA Network Open trial found a two-session personality-targeted intervention reduced cannabis use escalation by 25% over 4 years in at-risk teens, with similar effects for alcohol and tobacco.
One in Three European Treatment Admissions for Substance Use Are Now Cannabis-Related
European analysis shows cannabis-related treatment admissions rose to 37% of all substance treatment entries by 2020, but only 3% of frequent users sought help, indicating a widening treatment gap.
Clinicians Say Tobacco Cessation Should Be Integrated Into Cannabis Treatment Services
Focus groups with 15 clinicians found tobacco cessation is overlooked in cannabis treatment settings, with healthcare fragmentation and training gaps as key barriers.
Text-Message Cannabis Treatment Moved Young Adults to Action Stage, Cutting Use by 50%
RCT of 1,078 young adults found text-message motivational treatment advanced participants through stages of change, resulting in 50% lower THC levels and 4 fewer use days at 6 months.
Text-Message Cannabis Treatment Worked Indirectly by Boosting Motivation and Harm Reduction Skills
RCT of 1,078 young adults found text-message CUD treatment worked indirectly through increased motivation and harm reduction strategies, reducing cannabis use at 6 months.
Urine THC Levels Dropped About 50% in People Who Self-Reported Reducing Cannabis Use
Analysis of 7 CUD trials found urinary THC dropped about 50% in self-reported reducers, but no reliable individual-level cut-point could be established.
Young Adults at Psychosis Risk Describe What Makes Quitting Cannabis Hard
Interviews with 20 young adults at psychosis risk reveal coping motives and social pressure as top barriers to cutting back on cannabis, informing mobile intervention design.
Clinicians Say Parents and Teens Both Downplay Cannabis Risks
Clinicians across four specialties identify risk minimization by both teens and parents as the top barrier to treating adolescent cannabis use.
Only 37% of Teens Complete Cannabis Treatment, With Stark Racial Disparities
National data on 40,054 teens with CUD shows only 37% complete treatment, with Black adolescents and those experiencing homelessness facing the lowest completion odds.
Young Adults Want to Quit Nicotine Vaping More Than Cannabis Vaping
Interviews with 20 young adults found stronger motivation to quit nicotine vaping than cannabis vaping, with addiction, mental health coping, and identity as key barriers, and health concerns as the main facilitator.
Cannabis Use in Bipolar Disorder Was Linked to Earlier Onset and More Psychosis, But Not More Relapses
A 3-year study of 279 bipolar patients found cannabis linked to earlier onset and more psychotic symptoms but not more hospital readmissions, while tobacco predicted higher relapse rates.
Cannabis Helped Sleep in the First Week of Treatment but Hurt It by Week Two
Daily tracking of 65 young people in cannabis treatment showed cannabis helped sleep in the first two weeks but the benefit disappeared by week three.
Mindfulness-Based Therapy Showed Promising But Not Significant Results for Cannabis Reduction
Small trial of mindfulness-based therapy for cannabis users showed better adherence and trends toward more durable reduction, but differences did not reach statistical significance.
Brain Stimulation via Telehealth Reduced Cannabis Use and Withdrawal in Women with MS
Pilot RCT found telehealth brain stimulation with mindfulness reduced cannabis use by 1.4 days/week and significantly decreased withdrawal in women with MS.
Cannabis Co-Users Were Less Likely to Switch Away from Cigarettes
Study found cannabis co-users smoked more cigarettes when asked to switch to alternatives and were less likely to attempt tobacco cessation.
School Prevention Program Improved Emotional Skills and Shifted Cannabis Habits in Polynesian Teens
Culturally adapted prevention program improved emotional skills and shifted cannabis habits among Polynesian adolescents, with strongest effects in non-users and low-users.
Cannabis Users Had Worse Tobacco Withdrawal in the First Week of Quitting
In a tobacco cessation trial, cannabis co-users experienced significantly worse withdrawal during week 1 of quitting compared to tobacco-only users, with no difference at later timepoints.
CBD Alone Does Not Effectively Treat Substance Use Disorders, But CBD-THC Combination Helps Cannabis Withdrawal
Umbrella review of 22 systematic reviews found CBD alone is not effective for substance use disorders, but CBD+THC combination (nabiximols) helps cannabis withdrawal and craving.
Psychedelic Experiences Linked to Reduced Cannabis Use and Greater Psychological Flexibility
Retrospective survey of 152 cannabis users found significant psychedelic experiences associated with reduced cannabis use, with 'mystical' quality predicting greater reductions.
Only 1 in 10 Cannabis Users Seek Help for Problems, and Most Go to a Doctor First
Survey found only 9.2% of cannabis consumers sought help for problems, with doctors most common in legal jurisdictions and family/friends preferred where cannabis is illegal.
Who Downloads an App to Take a 30-Day Break From Cannabis?
Analysis of 4,415 cannabis break app users found they were predominantly young daily users seeking mental clarity, with most planning to reduce rather than quit entirely.
Is There a Pill to Help You Quit Cannabis? The Cochrane Review Says Not Yet
The Cochrane Review's second update confirms: no medication has strong evidence for treating cannabis use disorder or reliably reducing withdrawal symptoms.
Pregnant Women in Legal Cannabis States Are Less Likely to Complete Treatment
Among 13,088 pregnant women in cannabis treatment, those in legal states had 67% lower odds of completing treatment—only 28.3% completed overall.
Brain Stimulation Shows Early Promise for Treating Cannabis Use Disorder
First pilot trial of H4 deep brain stimulation for cannabis use disorder found the treatment feasible and tolerable — laying groundwork for controlled efficacy trials.
Varenicline reduced cannabis use in men with cannabis use disorder but not in women
A 12-week RCT found varenicline reduced cannabis use in men with CUD but had no effect in women.
A virtual group therapy program significantly reduced cannabis use, cravings, depression, and anxiety in adults with cannabis use disorder
A 12-week virtual group therapy program reduced cannabis use, cravings, depression, and anxiety with 68% retention.
A text-based mobile health treatment for young adults with cannabis use disorder worked equally well in rural and urban areas
A text-based mobile treatment for young adults with CUD reduced cannabis use at 6 months with equal effectiveness in rural and urban areas.
Integrated therapy plus AI-enhanced contingency management shows promise for treating cannabis use disorder with co-occurring mental health conditions
Systematic review of 38 studies finds integrated CBT works for CUD with co-occurring conditions, and AI tools can enhance contingency management.
Cannabis Use Makes Quitting Tobacco Harder, But CBD Might Help
Major meta-analysis shows cannabis co-use reduces tobacco quit odds by 35%, but CBD interventions cut cigarette consumption by 40%, suggesting a promising new cessation approach.
Could Ozempic-Type Drugs Help Treat Addiction? What Clinical Trials Are Testing
Systematic review finds 33 clinical trials testing Ozempic-type drugs for addiction, mostly for alcohol and tobacco, with zero trials targeting cannabis use disorder.
Veterans With PTSD Who Quit Cannabis Saw Major Symptom Improvement
Pilot study found veterans with PTSD who achieved 12 weeks of cannabis abstinence saw 71% symptom reduction vs. 37% in those who continued using.
Online cannabis reduction program helped heavy users cut back, with or without therapist introduction
An RCT of 152 Canadian heavy cannabis users found an online self-guided treatment program reduced use frequency and problems, with a brief therapist introduction adding benefit for quantity reduction but not essential for frequency reduction.
How Cannabis and Tobacco Are Used Together in Spain — and What Withdrawal Looks Like
Study of 94 Spanish cannabis treatment seekers found 88% co-used cannabis with tobacco, 76% had withdrawal symptoms (worse in women), with two distinct user profiles.
British Pharmacology Guidelines for Treating Cannabis and Other Drug Dependencies
British pharmacology consensus guidelines found no approved medications for cannabis or synthetic cannabinoid dependence — a major gap compared to alcohol, opioid, and nicotine treatment.
Starting cannabis before age 14 was linked to greater difficulty quitting among both American Indian and non-American Indian youth
Survey of 9,178 youth found earlier cannabis initiation predicted greater difficulty quitting for both American Indian and non-AI students, with AI youth more likely to start before age 14.
Cognitive behavioral therapy did not significantly outperform other treatments for reducing cannabis use in a meta-analysis of 9 trials
Meta-analysis of 9 RCTs found CBT did not significantly outperform other psychosocial treatments for reducing cannabis use frequency, though one measure of daily consumption showed a medium-term benefit.
When Household Members Quit Cannabis, Teens' Mental Health Improved
ABCD Study found adolescents' mental health improved when household members quit cannabis, mediated by reduced family conflict and better sleep.