Comprehensive interventions for reducing cannabis use

Abstract

Purpose of review: Cannabis is globally the most commonly cultivated, trafficked and consumed illicit drug of abuse. The current article provides an updated overview of existing comprehensive interventions for preventing and reducing cannabis use.

Recent findings: The PubMed database was searched for evidence regarding comprehensive interventions for preventing and reducing cannabis use from June 2016 to January 2018. The search resulted in 274 articles. Twenty-one studies were selected for assessment and 13 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Six systematic reviews regarding preventive, psychosocial, pharmacological and risk reduction interventions were identified. Psychosocial interventions included therapist-assisted and computerized interventions. Four therapist-assisted, one computerized and two pharmacological clinical trials were published over the review period. Overall, considering the three different approaches (preventive, psychosocial or pharmacological) promising results have been found in certain interventions in reducing cannabis use among different types of users. In addition, recommendations to reduce adverse health outcomes related to cannabis use have also been reviewed.

Summary: Although relevant findings have been found so far, further research with adequately powered trials assessing comprehensive interventions for reducing cannabis use remains a need before definitive treatment recommendations can be established.