Cristina Casajuana1,2,3,4, Hugo López-Pelayo1,2,3,5, María Mercedes Balcells1,2,3, Laia Miquel1,2,3,4, Joan Colom6, Antoni Gual1,2,3,4. 1. a Addictions Unit, Universitat de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain. 2. b Grup de Recerca en Adiccions Clínic (GRAC) , Barcelona , Spain. 3. c Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RTA) , Barcelona , Spain. 4. d Institut d'Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) , Barcelona , Spain. 5. e Fundació Clínic per la Recerca Biomédica , Barcelona , Spain. 6. f Departament de Drogodependències , Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya , Barcelona , Spain.
Abstract
UNLABELLED: Although cannabis is widely used, it remains unclear which consumption patterns are more likely to produce future consequences (risky/hazardous use) or current damage (problematic/harmful use). This unresolved issue contributes to cannabis public health implications. In order to facilitate further consensus, this review analyzes previously used definitions in the literature. METHODS: This systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. Articles published before October 2015 in the Medline, Scopus-Elsevier, ISI-Web of Knowledge and Cochrane databases and fulfilling a-priori decided criteria were retrieved. Definitions in preselected websites of national and international organizations addressing drug problems were also included. RESULTS: Definitions identified in articles (n = 46) and official websites (n = 3) widely varied from each other. Weekly cannabis use was mostly considered risky. Problematic cannabis use was mostly described with the Cannabis Abuse and Screening Test. Evidence-based definitions as well as information on quantities consumed, time-frames and special considerations for risky groups were very limited. CONCLUSIONS: Working on official definitions is highly necessary as criteria used remain incomplete, leading to increased confusion in the field. Recommendations to improve existing definitions are given.
UNLABELLED: Although cannabis is widely used, it remains unclear which consumption patterns are more likely to produce future consequences (risky/hazardous use) or current damage (problematic/harmful use). This unresolved issue contributes to cannabis public health implications. In order to facilitate further consensus, this review analyzes previously used definitions in the literature. METHODS: This systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. Articles published before October 2015 in the Medline, Scopus-Elsevier, ISI-Web of Knowledge and Cochrane databases and fulfilling a-priori decided criteria were retrieved. Definitions in preselected websites of national and international organizations addressing drug problems were also included. RESULTS: Definitions identified in articles (n = 46) and official websites (n = 3) widely varied from each other. Weekly cannabis use was mostly considered risky. Problematic cannabis use was mostly described with the Cannabis Abuse and Screening Test. Evidence-based definitions as well as information on quantities consumed, time-frames and special considerations for risky groups were very limited. CONCLUSIONS: Working on official definitions is highly necessary as criteria used remain incomplete, leading to increased confusion in the field. Recommendations to improve existing definitions are given.
Authors: Adina S Fischer; Susan F Tapert; Dexter Lee Louie; Alan F Schatzberg; Manpreet K Singh Journal: Curr Treat Options Psychiatry Date: 2020-04-18
Authors: Christine M Steeger; Leah N Hitchcock; Angela D Bryan; Kent E Hutchison; Karl G Hill; L Cinnamon Bidwell Journal: Int J Drug Policy Date: 2021-05-30