DSM-5 cannabis use disorder in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III: Gender-specific profiles

- Women demonstrated telescoping from onset of cannabis use to cocaine use disorder.
- Men and women with CUD were highly comorbid and had low quality of life.
- Odds of severe/moderate CUD among Black men/women were greater than White counterparts.
- Odds of CUD among Native American women were greater than White women.

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to present current information on the prevalence, correlates, comorbidity and quality of life among men and women with cannabis use disorder (CUD).MethodsIn 2012-2013, 36,309 respondents ≥ 18 years old participated in face-to-face interviews in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III.ResultsPrevalence of 12-month CUD was greater among men (3.5%) than women (1.7%). Women experienced shorter duration from onset of cannabis use to onset of CUD than men (mean = 5.8 years, men; mean = 4.7 years, women). In both men and women, prevalences of CUD were greater among young adults, Blacks, and those with lower income and greater among Native American women relative to White women. CUD was highly comorbid with other substance use disorders, PTSD, ASPD and borderline and schizotypal PDs for men and women. Quality of life for individuals with CUD was low regardless of gender.ConclusionsDSM-5 CUD among men and women is highly prevalent, comorbid and characterized by low quality of life. Results highlighted the need for integrated treatment of CUD and comorbid disorders and the urgency of identifying and implementing effective prevention and intervention approaches, especially for those sociodemographic subgroups for which both men and women are at greater risk for the disorder.