A recently published study examined how often individuals with cannabis use disorder (CUD) receive treatment and possible reasons behind lack of treatment (1). The study’s abstract noted the potential impact on CUD from changes in cannabis potency and policies, plus the need for more data on the reasons why people diagnosed with CUD may not receive treatment. The study, “An Analysis of 16-Year Trends in Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment: Predictors, Barriers, and Utilization Patterns,” was published in Substance Use & Misuse in May 2025.

Using National Survey on Drug Use and Health datasets, the researchers looked at three timepoints across a 16-year timeframe: 2003, 2011, and 2019. The datasets covered individuals who met diagnostic criteria for CUD. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to examine the predictors of receiving treatment for CUD versus not receiving treatment.

“Cannabis use disorder treatment is often overshadowed by treatments for other substance use disorders, despite its growing prevalence and impact,” stated study senior author Brian D. Graves assistant professor with Florida Atlantic University, in a June 3 news release (2). “Barriers to treatment are not only widespread but also evolving over time. Understanding these shifting challenges – and the consistent predictors of who does and doesn’t get help – can guide targeted efforts to expand access and improve outcomes for those struggling with this disorder.”

The news release also noted that most of the individuals with CUD were male, and most who received treatment were older, non-Hispanic white, and had a lower income (2). Some of the results from the study were that most individuals did not receive CUD treatment and that treatment even decreased over the timepoints – from 19% in 2003 to 13% in 2019 (1,2). Some of the predictors for CUD treatment were receiving mental-health treatment over the previous year, as well as community supervision involvement (1).

Additionally, other predictors were listed (1):

• In 2003, Hispanic individuals had lower odds of receiving CUD treatment than non-Hispanic white individuals, though this was not seen in later years
• Also significant was an association of prior arrest with 2-3 greater odds of receiving CUD treatment, which was not seen in 2003 but was seen in later years

The reasons for not receiving treatment for CUD varied, from lack of certainty about where to receive treatment or not being ready to cease cannabis use, to the potential for encountering stigma or possible effects on occupation, plus the inability to afford treatment.

“Our findings highlight an urgent and growing need for targeted outreach and improved education about available treatment options for cannabis use disorder,” added Graves. “Beyond simply increasing awareness, we must address the practical obstacles – like affordability and access – as well as the perceptual barriers such as stigma and misinformation that prevent many individuals from seeking help. Achieving access to care requires coordinated, systemic efforts that prioritize the unique challenges faced by varied communities affected by cannabis use disorder. Only through comprehensive strategies can we hope to close the treatment gap and provide effective support to those who need it most.”

References

1. Graves, BD.; Mowbray, O.; Aletraris, L.; O’Shields, J. An Analysis of 16-Year Trends in Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment: Predictors, Barriers, and Utilization Patterns. Substance Use & Misuse, 2025. DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2025.2505773.
2. Galoustian, G. Study Explores Barriers and Trends in Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment https://www.fau.edu/newsdesk/articles/cannabis-use-disorder-treatment.php (accessed Jun 12, 2025).