Cannabis Use Disorder: Implications and Best Practices by Cameron Duncan, DNP, MS, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC; Kendra Butler, BSN, RN; and Laurielyn Loa, BSN, RN
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Mental Health Matters Cannabis use disorder: Implications and best practices By Cameron Duncan, DNP, MS, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC; Kendra Butler, BSN, RN; and Laurielyn Loa, BSN, RN Cannabis is the most commonly specifi c factors, such as age of fi rst receptors, such as c annabinoid misused illicit substance in the use as well as amount and fre- receptor type 1 (CB1). C B1 exists US.1,2 The National Survey on quency of use, are associated with a throughout the brain, although it Drug Use and Health found that person developing CUD.6 is mainly found in the frontal cor- cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a Pregnant women are also sig- tex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum; prevalent problem in the country, nifi cantly affected by cannabis use: these receptors are also found in requiring accurate and timely roughly 111,000 (4.7%) had used other parts of the body, from the diagnosis as well as effective cannabis in the previous month spinal cord and gastrointestinal therapeutic management.2 Accord- in 2018, with an estimated 35,000 tract to the reproductive organs.9 ing to the National Academies of (1.5%) admitting to its use every A second receptor, cannabinoid Sciences, Engineering, and Medi- day or nearly every day.7 Accord- receptor type 2 (CB2), is con- cine, this condition is associated ing to a retrospective cohort study sidered the peripheral cannabi- with a higher risk for other of more than 12 million births noid receptor, and is principally substance use and mental health conducted from 1999 through 2013, expressed in the body’s immune disorders.3 incidence of cannabis abuse or cells.9 THC works primarily as a dependence rose from 3.22 in 1,000 partial agonist of CB1, infl uencing ■ Prevalence and epidemiology births in 1999 to 8.55 in 1,000 births pain, digestion, appetite enhance- Recent research indicates the in 2013.8 Pregnant women report- ment, emotions, and processes prevalence of CUD is increasing. ing cannabis use were also more that are mediated through the In 2015, nearly 4% of the global likely to experience adverse peri- endocannabinoid system. Con- population used cannabis, with natal conditions, such as preterm versely, CBD is the major non- 8% of teenagers in the US report- rupture of membranes and intra- psychoactive phytocannabinoid ing having engaged in cannabis uterine fetal demise.8 The Substance component in cannabis.9 use; 9% of users become addicted, Abuse and Mental Health Services THC. Among the major can- with nearly 20% beginning Administration (SAMHSA) lists nabinoids, THC is regarded as the marijuana use in adolescence.1,4 other negative outcomes, including most psychoactive component According to the National Institute fetal growth restriction, preterm when considering behavioral on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, birth, and neurologic development effects.9 It is proposed that the nearly 6 million adults experience concerns that may result in cogni- interaction of THC with the endo- CUD within any given year. In tive abnormalities.7 cannabinoid system is responsible addition, 6.3% meet the diagnostic for the way in which the physiologic criteria for the disorder at some ■ Pharmacokinetics effects of cannabis are primarily point in their lives.5 Cannabis is derived from a can- mediated.10 THC is the main mol- Cannabis is often used as a nabis plant (Cannabis sativa). ecule behind the reinforcing prop- form of self-medication for mental Although more than 100 dif- erties of marijuana (for example, health conditions, such as depres- ferent cannabinoids can be dependence), although the specifi c sion, anxiety, and posttraumatic isolated from this plant, the pathophysiologic mechanisms of stress disorder and is among the primary psychoactive compound cannabis are yet unclear.1 top four psychoactive substances is delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol CBD. CBD produces pharma- used in the US.1,6 The risk for (THC).9 The physiologic effects of cologic effects without any signifi - developing dependence among cannabinoids are due to interac- cant activity on CB1 and CB2 cannabis users is roughly 1 in 10; tions with specifi c cannabinoid receptors, meaning it does not 12 The Nurse Practitioner • Vol. 46, No. 3 www.tnpj.com Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. Mental Health Matters produce euphoria or intoxication.11 not limited to: larger amounts or psychological changes; these Therapeutic potential for CBD is of cannabis use than intended; may include impaired motor tied to its antiepileptic, anxiolytic, continual desire to reduce/control coordination, euphoria, anxiety, antipsychotic, anti-infl ammatory, use; cravings; continued substance sensation of slowed time, impaired and neuroprotective effects.11 As it use despite persistent social prob- judgment, and social withdrawal, is generally tolerated, recent lems; compromised engagement which develop during, or soon research indicates that CBD may be in activities (social, occupational, after, cannabis use.15 The patient a promising candidate for pharma- or recreational); tolerance; and may also experience cannabis with- cotherapy of psychostimulant withdrawal.14 drawal especially when undergoing substance use disorders.12 More When assessing a patient pre- detoxifi cation. This occurs if the research is needed into CBD’s senting with symptoms of CUD, patient has a history of prolonged potential health benefi ts. the advanced practice registered cannabis use but has recently nurse (APRN) must take a thor- stopped.15 Some symptoms associ- ■ Complications ough medical and mental health ated with cannabis withdrawal Heavy or chronic cannabis users history; this includes any history include irritability or aggression, are more likely to report a reduced of substance use or family history nervousness or anxiety, sleeping quality of life, including decreased of abuse. All physical and psycho- diffi culties, decreased appetite, satisfaction and achievement logical symptoms should be iden- restlessness, depressed mood, and/ compared with nonusers.13 Long- tifi ed. It is important to monitor or symptoms of physical discom- term use can cause disruptions in psychological symptoms, identify- fort.15 These usually present 1 week not only neurologic and mental, ing whether they are associated after cannabis cessation. A person but also physiologic and social with withdrawal or an undiag- undergoing detoxifi cation may health.13 Cannabis use has been nosed primary mental health ill- experience withdrawal, and APRNs associated with altered brain ness. The patient should be asked need to recommend or coordinate development and cognitive how long these symptoms have medical supervision to effectively impairment, which may lead to been occurring, if they have wors- manage presenting symptoms. lower IQ and poor educational ened over time, as well as if any outcomes; in adolescent users, this actions alleviate them. Cannabis- ■ Comorbidities increases the likelihood of drop- focused questions should also Associations have been found ping out of school.13 be asked, such as when they fi rst between CUDs and other sub- started using cannabis, its amount stance and mental health disor- ■ Assessment and diagnosis and frequency, the route (that is, ders, including alcohol use The American Psychiatric Asso- inhalation through smoking, oral disorders, nicotine disorders, ciation’s Diagnostic and Statistical ingestion through edible products, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, Manual of Mental Disorders and the like), as well as when they personality disorders, and post- (DSM-5) explains that CUD is last used the substance. The APRN traumatic stress disorder; canna- the continued use of cannabis must determine if the patient will bis use and psychosis have also regardless of impairment in need to undergo detoxifi cation been linked, as cannabis users are psychological, physical, or social and whether medical supervision found to have higher rates of posi- functioning.14 CUD includes is necessary. tive psychotic symptoms than pathologic patterns classifi ed nonusers.13 According to the under impaired control, social ■ Cannabis intoxication and SAMHSA, individuals with CUD impairment, risky behavior, or cannabis withdrawal are more likely to have alcohol physiologic adaptation.1 Phases within CUD include canna- and/or tobacco use disorders These patterns of impairment bis intoxication and cannabis with- (over 50%), with nearly 75% of or distress must be manifested drawal. In cannabis intoxication, individuals reporting problematic by specifi c symptoms within a the patient must have recently used use of a secondary or tertiary 12-month time frame for diag- cannabis, resulting in clinically substance (for example, alcohol, nosis of CUD, including but signifi cant problematic behavioral cocaine, methamphetamine, or www.tnpj.com The Nurse Practitioner • March 2021 13 Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved. Mental Health Matters opiates).15 According to a recent ■ Management and treatment may also be considered for the study on the association between The aim of CUD management treatment of anxious and depres- CUD and those with alcohol use should be to improve the indi- sive symptoms. Sedative hypnotics disorder (AUD), cannabis users vidual’s overall function.1 Patel such as zolpidem may be effective who meet criteria for AUD and and Marwaha recommend to help treat sleep disturbances.23 CUD diagnoses are at a greater increased access to mental health Off-label use of other medications, risk for problem drinking on days services, such as psychological including