Table 1.

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th Edition (DSM-5) Criteria for a Cannabis Use Disorder

A problematic pattern of cannabis use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least 2 of the following, occurring within a 12-month period

  1. Cannabis is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended

  2. There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control cannabis use

  3. A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain cannabis, use cannabis, or recover from its effects

  4. Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use cannabis

  5. Recurrent cannabis use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home

  6. Continued cannabis use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of cannabis

  7. Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of cannabis use

  8. Recurrent cannabis use in situations in which it is physically hazardous

  9. Cannabis use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by cannabis

  10. Tolerance, as defined by either a (1) need for markedly increased cannabis to achieve intoxication or desired effect, or (2) markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of cannabis

  11. Withdrawal, as manifested by either (1) the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for cannabis, or (2) cannabis is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms

  • Note: The severity of a cannabis use disorder is defined as: mild (2 or 3 symptoms), moderate (4 or 5), and severe (6 or more). Reprinted with permission from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. American Psychiatric Association; 2013. All Rights Reserved.