Addressing Cannabis Use Disorder in Primary Care Settings: A Lifespan Approach

Course overview

Course Description: This advisory from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) examines cannabis use disorder (CUD) across the lifespan, offering clinicians a comprehensive framework for identification, risk assessment, and evidence-based intervention. The course covers the pharmacology of major and minor cannabinoids, DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, and severity classifications for CUD. It reviews the short- and long-term physical, psychological, and social harms associated with cannabis use, including harms specific to pregnancy and parenting. Clinicians will explore lifespan-specific screening and treatment considerations for adolescents, young adults, adults in middle adulthood, pregnant women, and older adults, with attention to co-occurring mental disorders and medical conditions. The course presents the SBIRT framework as a practical tool for primary care settings and outlines evidence-based psychological treatments including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management as well as family-based interventions for adolescents and technology-based approaches for young adults. Current gaps in screening, standardized measurement, and pharmacotherapy are also addressed. This course on cannabis use disorder is designed for social workers, professional counselors, psychologists, nurses, and substance abuse counselors, who do clinical work. This course is appropriate for intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to develop or increase their knowledge of cannabis use disorder assessment and treatment across the lifespan. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require clinical continuing education courses for license renewal. Authors: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration Learning Objectives: This course will provide a professional with detailed information about cannabis use disorder in primary care settings across the lifespan. Specifically, the practitioner will: 1. Identify the DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria, severity classifications, prevalence trends, and risk factors associated with cannabis use disorder across the lifespan. 2. Describe the short-term, long-term, and pregnancy-related harms of cannabis use, including co-occurring psychiatric disorders and the impact of cannabinoid pharmacology on clinical presentations. 3. Apply evidence-based SBIRT screening strategies and lifespan-tailored psychological treatment approaches to identify, assess, and address cannabis use disorder in diverse patient populations. Citation: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2026). Addressing cannabis use disorder in primary care settings A lifespan approach. Advisory. Publication No. PEP26-07-003. Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality. https://www.samhsa.gov