Identifying Subtypes of Cannabis Use Disorder: A Latent Class Analysis Among Daily Cannabis Consumers and Associated Sociodemographic and Cannabis Characteristics.

Background

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is relatively common among daily cannabis consumers; however, no studies have explored subtypes of CUD based on updated DSM-5 CUD criteria among daily consumers. Our study fills this gap and explores differences between subtypes in sociodemographic and cannabis correlates.

Methods

US adults aged 18 years or older were recruited from social media (February to April 2022) to complete an online survey including sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., age, sex, reason for cannabis use), cannabis use behaviors, and DSM-5 CUD criteria. Latent class analyses (LCA) identified classes of individuals based on endorsement of CUD criteria. Differences in sociodemographic and cannabis characteristics were explored with bivariate testing.

Results

Data from N=4140 daily consumers were analyzed. A 5-class model was selected and labeled as (1) Minimal Problems (30%; no CUD [0-1 criteria]), (2) Common Problems (45%; mild CUD [2-3 criteria]), (3) Social, Physical, and Emotional Problems (6.6%; mild-moderate CUD [2-5 criteria] including use despite physical/emotional and social problems), (4) Physical Dependence Problems (16%; moderate-severe CUD [4+ criteria] including tolerance/withdrawal), and (5) Severe Problems (3.1%; severe CUD [6+ criteria]). Sociodemographic differences between classes included age and reasons for use (P≤0.001). Cannabis correlates (i.e., frequency, quantity) mainly differentiated the Minimal Problems class from others.

Conclusions

Among daily cannabis consumers, strategies to limit use throughout the day, driving under the influence and coping with cravings are warranted. Interventions for moderate CUD should be tailored for psychological/interpersonal versus physiological problems, while those with severe CUD would benefit from interventions to target global problems.