Prevalence of Cannabis Use Disorder Linked to Marijuana Laws
The debates related to the use of marijuana for medical purposes across the United States are happening for quite some time. Although the federal government does not acknowledge the use of medical marijuana, multiple states across the country have legalized marijuana either through voting or via legislative actions.
As of now, 29 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medical use, with West Virginia being the latest state. Taking a step further, eight of these states and D.C. have also legalized the recreational use of marijuana. However, laws that regulate the consumption of marijuana, legal possession limit and distribution policies significantly vary from state to state, which leads to differences in guiding their programs, participant eligibility, and impact on marijuana use patterns and disorders.

Many experts worry that the differences in implementation guidelines could influence the crucial aspects of marijuana regulation across various states. Some call for increased active physician oversight, participation in the state-licensed dispensaries, and the use of state-licensed marijuana because it can potentially increase morbidity, social cost, and chances of developing cannabis use disorder in the name of the enforcement of medical marijuana laws.
Risk of cannabis use disorder
A study, published in the journal Addiction and conducted by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health and Columbia University Medical Center, found increased reports of marijuana use among adults over the age of 26 in states with less rigid medical marijuana laws (MMLs) and programs. Moreover, a significant shift was witnessed in the prevalence of cannabis use disorder among adolescents, particularly after the states implemented medical marijuana laws.
The study found little changes in the past-month marijuana use among adolescents and young adults who form the high-risk group for marijuana abuse at any given age. The residents over the age of 26 in the states with less regulated medical marijuana programs saw an increase in the past month marijuana use from 4 percent to 6.59 percent after the implementation of MMLs. The study found that there was no prevalence of cannabis use disorder in the age group of 18 to 25 years, regardless of the fact that MMLs and programs were heavily regulated or loose.
Silvia Martins, M.D., Ph.D., professor of epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health and senior author of the study, explained that the impact was greatest among the heavy users of marijuana, with the findings suggesting an annual increase of 2.36 percent among near-daily users.
The lead author of the study, Arthur Robin Williams, M.D., Department of Psychiatry at Columbia, stated that heavy marijuana use would potentially and proportionately increase the prevalence of cannabis use disorder as per the DSM-IV guidelines.
Methodology and challenges of the study
The researchers used data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2004 to 2013 for this study, with the focus on age groups. This entailed the annual marijuana use outcomes in states, degree of rigidity in the enforcement of MMLs and recreational programs. In addition, the study classified marijuana dependence and abuse as per the guidelines of the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).
The study had its own challenges and limitations due to the gaps in ascertaining the prevalence of cannabis use disorder among the heavy users of marijuana. Some of the factors determining the onset of this condition are an individual’s initiation into marijuana use, escalation of use and meeting the diagnostic criteria. Dr. Martins said, “While the United States has entered a new era of marijuana control policy over the past two decades, our findings strongly suggest researchers should not treat all states with medical marijuana laws uniformly.”
Though further investigation of this close relationship between cannabis use disorder and changes in marijuana laws is required, the above study succeeds in highlighting the trends apparent after the significant changes made with regard to marijuana use. The findings will assist policymakers and medical practitioners in understanding the gap areas to not let such legislative changes turn into horrifying rick factors.
Will to recover is key
There are studies which demonstrate that every person has the neurobiological potential for developing an addiction. The abuse of substances like marijuana affects the brain in such a way that it increases the drug-seeking behavior among users. To prevent the aggravation of addiction or substance use disorder (SUD), it is imperative to seek professional help.
If you or your loved one is battling an addiction to marijuana or any other drug, get in touch with Sovereign Health of Florida to gain access to the latest and innovative treatment methods at our state-of-the-art marijuana rehab centers in Florida or a place closer to home. Call us at our 24/7 helpline number 866–269–2493 to know more about marijuana addiction treatment at our reliable rehabilitation centers.
