Understanding Cannabis Use Disorder
- 2 hours ago
- 1 min read
As cannabis use continues to rise across the United States—driven in part by expanding legalization and shifting public perceptions—there is growing urgency to better understand the potential health risks associated with use. One of the most overlooked concerns is Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), a diagnosable medical condition that affects millions of Americans each year.
In this Ask the Expert explainer, Addiction Policy Forum CEO Jessica Hulsey unpacks the latest science on CUD—what it is, how it develops, and how clinicians diagnose it. While many people view cannabis as low-risk, research shows that regular use can have significant impacts on both physical and mental health. These include potential effects on the cardiovascular system, increased risk of psychosis and schizophrenia, and emerging evidence on reproductive health—including fertility challenges and impacts on fetal development.
This conversation offers a clear, evidence-based overview of a complex issue—equipping families, professionals, and policymakers with the information needed to make informed decisions in a rapidly evolving landscape.
