A brief clinical review outlining the harms associated with cannabis use, and the optimal approaches for assessing and managing problem cannabis use in UK primary care.

Summary: Two major diagnostic manuals recognise cannabis as a substance that can cause dependence. This is thought to happen in about one in ten users, and can be identified by a cluster of symptoms including: loss of control; inability to cut down or stop; preoccupation with use; neglecting activities unrelated to use; continued use despite experiencing problems related to use; and the development of tolerance and withdrawal.

No intervention to date has proved consistently effective for the majority of those with cannabis dependence, though trials in the United States and Australia support four methods of behavioural-based interventions: motivational interviewing; motivational enhancement therapy; cognitive-behavioural therapy; and contingency management. For younger users, evidence suggests family-based interventions may be the most effective.......