Lead Story:

Chronic pain, cannabis legalisation, and cannabis use disorder among patients in the US Veterans Health Administration system, 2005 to 2019: a repeated, cross-sectional study

The Lancet Psychiatry

The prevalence of cannabis use disorder (CUD) in patients with chronic pain is increasing. This study considered the impact of both recreational (RCL) and medical cannabis laws (MCL) on the diagnosis of CUD using a VA population with chronic pain. Results demonstrate that MCL led to a 0.135% increase in the prevalence of CUD. Enacting RCL led to a 0.188% increase in its prevalence. The authors emphasize the importance of these findings and their public health implications, with a focus on clinician monitoring and patient education.

Read this issue of the ASAM Weekly

Subscribe to the ASAM Weekly

Visit ASAM