LEAVES BIO

Find Freedom From Weed

DSM-5 Criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder

Cannabis Use Disorder refers to a pattern of use that results in significant impairment or distress, marked by symptoms such as increased consumption, repeated unsuccessful attempts to quit, cravings, and continued use despite adverse consequences. Now, let’s explore the diagnostic criteria to understand how a doctor determines if someone has Cannabis Use Disorder.

Woman in Black Blazer Holding White Tablet Computer

What is DSM-5?

The DSM-5, or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, is a comprehensive classification system published by the American Psychiatric Association, providing standardized criteria for diagnosing mental disorders. Essentially, it serves as a crucial reference for therapists and psychiatrists. Released in 2013, this fifth edition is regularly reviewed by experts who discuss potential modifications to the diagnostic criteria for various conditions.

This manual is particularly important because insurance companies typically only cover treatments for psychiatric disorders that are listed within it. Consequently, Cannabis Use Disorder is recognized as a legitimate condition by insurance providers, allowing individuals to receive reimbursement for related treatment costs.

DSM-5

The cover of DSM-5

How many people are affected by Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)?

Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is a significant yet often overlooked risk associated with cannabis use, impacting approximately 10% of the 193 million cannabis users globally (Connor, 2021).

DSM-5 Criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder

If you meet two or more of the criteria listed below within a 12-month period, your doctor may diagnose you with Cannabis Use Disorder.

1. Hazardous use

Cannabis is used in contexts that are potentially dangerous, such as operating a motor vehicle.

Broken Car

2. Social/interpersonal problems related to use

Extensive marijuana use can result in conflicts with family and friends, lead to reduced participation in social activities

A Couple Fighting

3. Neglected Major Roles to Use

Continued cannabis use despite negative consequences, such as legal issues, ultimatums from partners or friends, and decreased productivity.

4. Withdrawal

Marijuana withdrawal (also called cannabis withdrawal) refers to the physical and mental symptoms that arise after stopping or reducing the intake of marijuana products. 

Marijuana Withdrawal: Is that a real thing?

5. Tolerance

Tolerance to cannabis is characterized by the need for progressively larger amounts to achieve the same psychoactive effects that were initially experienced, or by a noticeably diminished effect when using the same quantity of cannabis.

6. Use larger amount/longer

Difficulty controlling cannabis use, leading to consumption of larger amounts and for longer periods than originally intended.

7. Repeated Attempts to Quit/Control Use

Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop using cannabis.

Frustrated young female having mental problem reflecting in mirror while sitting alone in room

8. Much Time Spent Using

An excessive amount of time is spent obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of cannabis.

9. Physical/Phychological Problems Related to Use

Cannabis use persists even when the individual is aware of physical or psychological issues related to its consumption, such as lethargy, lack of motivation, or chronic cough

10. Activities Given Up to Use

Other important activities in life, such as work, school, personal hygiene, and responsibilities to family and friends, are overshadowed by the desire to use cannabis.

11. Craving

Cravings or strong desires to use cannabis, which may manifest as intrusive thoughts, images, dreams about cannabis, or even sensory experiences like the smell of cannabis, stemming from a preoccupation with its use.

How bad is my cannabis use disorder?

The severity of Cannabis Use Disorder is typically assessed based on the number of criteria you meet from the DSM-5. Here’s a general breakdown:

 

  • Mild: 2-3 symptoms
  • Moderate: 4-5 symptoms
  • Severe: 6 or more symptoms

If you’re concerned about your cannabis use, it may be helpful to reflect on how it impacts your daily life, responsibilities, and relationships. Consulting a mental health professional can provide you with a clearer understanding and appropriate support.

Summary

Understanding Cannabis Use Disorder is essential for encouraging open conversations and providing support to those seeking to quit. At Leaves Bio, we recognize that the journey to overcoming marijuana addiction is deeply personal and can be especially challenging for some individuals. Our mission is to offer support, information, and resources to those ready to make a change and regain control of their lives.

Feel free to share this article with anyone who might find it helpful. 

Remember, you are loved and you are not alone!

Reference

  1. Connor, J.P., Stjepanović, D., Le Foll, B. et al. Cannabis use and cannabis use disorder. Nat Rev Dis Primers 7, 16 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-021-00247-4
  2. Cannabis Use Disorder DSM-5, 305.20, 304.30

Sign up to our newsletter

Stay up to date with Leaves Bio and Cannabis Use Disorder Research!

Sign up to our email newsletter to receive news on treatment options, research, meetings and events!