Aim: Cannabis use, as well as the prevalence of cannabis use disorder, are not known among the population attending general practices in France. We wanted to describe the characteristics of current cannabis users, estimate cannabis use disorder and self-rating of cannabis dependence, and describe medical conditions associated with cannabis use in a general practice in Paris.
Methods: An anonymous questionnaire was proposed to every patient aged 18-65 in a general practice during three months from June to August 2014. Cannabis use in the last six months was recorded and cannabis use disorder was assessed according to three different means: answering yes to the question: do you feel like you are dependent on cannabis? or answering yes to the question: do you smoke cannabis in the first 5minutes after awakening? or CUDIT score≥8 points.
Results: Two hundred and fifty-eight questionnaires were analyzed. Cannabis use in the past six months was found in 54 subjects (21%). Subjective feeling of cannabis dependence was endorsed by 18 subjects (6.9%). Cannabis use in the first 5minutes after awakening was found in five subjects (1.9%) and 23 (8.9%) had a CUDIT score≥8 points. Cannabis smokers had more often addictive and psychiatric associated medical conditions.
Conclusion: General practitioners could ask about cannabis use and self-rated cannabis use disorder because it is frequent and patients with cannabis use disorder deserve specific care.
Keywords: Cannabis; Dépendance; Marijuana; Primary care; Soins primaires; Substance use disorder.
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