The emerging cannabis treatment population

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine recent trends in presentation to treatment where cannabis is identified as the primary drug. Design/methodology/approach – Data is drawn from the recently published Public Health England report and supplemented with Home Office and European data. Findings – The data shows a marked increase in presentations for cannabis treatment over recent years. The authors offer some potential explanations for this trend. Research limitations/implications – The authors need to improve our understanding of the type of cannabis that is available and how specifically it is used. In parallel there is a pressing need for an evaluation of evidence in relation to treatment for problematic cannabis users. Originality/value – This paper highlights this recent trend in treatment presentations, offers some potential explanations and makes associated recommendations.