Patients with this risk level are using cannabis in ways that can have important implications for their health and may meet DSM-5 criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder at a lower level of severity. They are at some risk for adverse outcomes associated with their cannabis use.
Display Title
Cannabis Risk Level: Problem Use - Risk for Adverse Outcomes
Tool Type
Drugs of Abuse
Risk Level
Moderate
Additional Resources
Cannabis Use Resources
- DrugFacts – Drugged Driving – NIDA
- Cannabis Report – World Health Organization
General Resources
- Screening, Brief Intervention & Referral to Treatment Training Manual – Yale School of Medicine
- Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator – SAMHSA
- Motivational Interviewing Skills Practice – NIDA
- OARS Essential Communication Techniques – Oregon.gov
- Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide (3rd ed.) - Behavioral Therapies – NIDA
Suggested Action
The suggested intervention for patients in the “problem use” group is to deliver a brief intervention.
- Talk about health consequences.
- Tailor messages to the individual patient.
- Express concern and recommend quitting.
- Assess further for Cannabis Use Disorder (consider using the DSM-5 Cannabis Use Disorder criteria as a guide).
- Use the FRAMES components and motivational interviewing techniques (see references for specific resources) to encourage change.
- Make a specific plan, including strategies for reducing the health consequences of cannabis use.
- Review any prescribed medications to identify those that may increase the risk of sedation and impairment (opioids, benzodiazepines).
- Educate patient on risks associated with combining cannabis with alcohol or other drugs.
- Advise not to use cannabis and drive.
- Arrange follow-up.