Cannabis Dependence as a Primary Drug Use-Related Problem: The Case for Harm Reduction-Oriented Treatment Options

• Published in: Substance use & misuse 2009-01, Vol.44 (7), p.990-1008
• Main Authors: Hathaway, A. D., Callaghan, R. C., Macdonald, S., Erickson, P. G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abstinence; Addictive behaviors; Adolescent; Adult; Adult and adolescent clinical studies; Age Factors; Biological and medical sciences; Cannabis; Cannabis dependence; Cocaine; Cocaine-Related Disorders - psychology; Cocaine-Related Disorders - therapy; Demographic aspects; Drug Abuse; Drug addiction; Drug addicts; Drug dependency; drug effects; Female; Harm Reduction; Humans; Life Style; Male; Marijuana; Marijuana Abuse - complications; Marijuana Abuse - psychology; Marijuana Abuse - therapy; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Prevention; Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry; Psychopathology. Psychiatry; Psychosocial Factors; Risk; Sex Characteristics; Sociodemographic Factors; Substance abuse; Symptoms
• ISSN: 1082-6084; 1532-2491
• DOI: 10.1080/10826080802494875

Few studies have focused on cannabis dependence as compared to other drugs more commonly acknowledged as presenting a substantial need for treatment. This paper presents findings from a 2004-2005 study of drug user treatment clients in Southern Ontario, Canada. Clients with cannabis (n = 128) or cocaine (n = 300) as their primary drug problem were compared on psychosocial and demographic characteristics, drug effects, and clinical impairment. There are more similarities than differences between groups, with DAST and DSM scores showing high rates of "dependence" and reported symptoms of "abuse." However, cannabis consistently scored lower on these items, supporting the idea of a continuum of risk on which its rank compared with other potentially misused drugs holds across a wide range of symptoms of impairment. The less disruptive nature of cannabis use-related problems poses greater challenges for drug user treatment providers guided by strict abstinence agendas. The authors call for the expansion of harm reduction treatment options and educational initiatives beyond primary prevention that acknowledge benefits of moderate controlled use when addressing cannabis misuse.