Cannabis

Cannabis dependence

Case definition
Cases meet DSM-IV (304.30) or ICD-10 (F12.2) criteria for cannabis dependence, excluding cases in remission.

Substance dependence
Presence of at least three of the following criteria at some time during the previous year:

• Tolerance
• Withdrawal
• Discontinuation of important social activities and other pleasurable events and/or failure to meet occupational obligations
• Increased dosage and/or duration of use
• Significant amount of time spent obtaining, using or recovering from the substance
• Persistent use despite significant associated problems
• Compulsion to take the substance*
• Desire to cut down use, or unsuccessful attempts to cut down**

*ICD-10 only
**DSM-IV only

Cannabis dependence (specifically)

• Use patterns develop to continued use throughout the day
• Withdrawal from cannabis, when experienced, can include anxiety, irritability, restlessness, weight change and insomnia.

Discussion papers

The following discussion papers are now available:

Flowcharts

Cannabis mortality flowchart