Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2017 Jun;4(2):43-52.
doi: 10.1007/s40429-017-0133-3. Epub 2017 May 6.

Longitudinal Studies on the Etiology of Cannabis Use Disorder: A Review

Kelly E Courtney  1 , Margie Hernandez Mejia  1 , Joanna Jacobus  1
Affiliations

Longitudinal Studies on the Etiology of Cannabis Use Disorder: A Review

Kelly E Courtney et al. Curr Addict Rep. 2017 Jun.

Abstract

Purpose of review: This review summarizes the literature to date that has capitalized on the longitudinal research study framework in order to elucidate the etiology of cannabis use disorders (CUDs).

Recent findings: The studies are mixed with respect to reliable predictors of CUD development. Of the studies outlined, the most consistently indicated risk factors for CUD development include: male sex, past cannabis and other substance use (especially tobacco), and the presence of pre/comorbid psychopathology (especially mood disorders). Social motives and peer involvement may also play a role in this transition. Many of these CUD risk factors appear to be distinct from other factors linked with overall cannabis use.

Summary: CUD development is likely the product of interactions between biological, psychological, social, and environmental factors. However, many more well-planned and developmentally sensitive prospective studies are needed to identify specific and reliable risk factors for CUD development.

Keywords: CUD; cannabis use; etiology of cannabis use disorder; longitudinal studies.

PubMed Disclaimer

References

    1. Hasin DS, Kerridge BT, Saha TD, Huang B, Pickering R, Smith SM, et al. Prevalence and Correlates of DSM-5 Cannabis Use Disorder, 2012–2013: Findings from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions–III. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2016;173(6):588–99. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Berg CJ, Stratton E, Schauer GL, Lewis M, Wang Y, Windle M, et al. Perceived harm, addictiveness, and social acceptability of tobacco products and marijuana among young adults: marijuana, hookah, and electronic cigarettes win. Subst Use Misuse. 2015;50(1):79–89. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Lopez-Quintero C, Perez de los Cobos J, Hasin DS, Okuda M, Wang S, Grant BF, et al. Probability and predictors of transition from first use to dependence on nicotine, alcohol, cannabis, and cocaine: results of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) Drug Alcohol Depend. 2011;115(1–2):120–30. – This report provides a recent and broad analysis of the rates and predictors of transitioning from cannabis use to CUD in a large nationally represantative sample. Discrepancies in predictors of nonproblemmatic use and disorder development are highlighted. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Budney AJ, Roffman R, Stephens RS, Walker D. Marijuana Dependence and Its Treatment. Addict Sci Clin Pract. 2007;4(1):4–16. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Copeland J, Swift W. Cannabis use disorder: Epidemiology and management. International Review of Psychiatry. 2009;21(2):96–103. - PubMed