Cannabis is the most widely consumed illicit drug worldwide, with an estimated 228 million people using it as of 2022. While many experience no adverse effects, a significant percentage face challenges related to heavy consumption. Research shows that up to 33% of regular users develop cannabis use disorder (CUD), which can disrupt personal, professional, and social well-being. Seeking counselling for cannabis use can be a vital step in addressing these challenges and fostering recovery.

A recent study in Switzerland sheds light on how counselling, combined with regulated access to cannabis, can offer a meaningful solution to reducing problematic cannabis use. This groundbreaking research has opened discussions on how public health-focused policies could better address the needs of those struggling with cannabis use.

Why Problem Cannabis Use is a Growing Concern

Cannabis use disorder poses a serious global health challenge. Though many people consume cannabis recreationally with little to no adverse effects, frequent use can lead to dependency, mental health complications, and physical health issues. Common risks include an increased likelihood of developing psychotic, affective, and substance use disorders.

The problem becomes even more complex with the widespread availability of cannabis through illegal markets, where products are unregulated and often lack clear information about potency or composition. This underscores the need for strategies like counselling for cannabis use that address both individual consumption habits and the larger systemic issues.

A Study Exploring Cannabis Use and Counselling Services

To investigate how counselling combined with legal cannabis access could reduce cannabis misuse, Swiss researchers conducted a rigorous randomised controlled trial. The study followed 378 adult cannabis users divided into two groups:

1. Legal Cannabis Access Group

Participants in this group could buy regulated cannabis from participating pharmacies. They had access to quality-controlled cannabis products, safer use information, and optional counselling for cannabis use.

2. Illegal Market Group

This control group continued to source cannabis from illegal markets without additional support.

The study aimed to measure cannabis misuse severity while also looking at secondary outcomes, such as mental health symptoms and the use of other substances.

Counselling for Cannabis Use Shows Promising Results

The trial found that participants in the legal cannabis group experienced a greater reduction in problematic cannabis use compared to the control group. Although the difference just missed statistical significance, the findings still offer important insights into how regulated access combined with counselling can make a difference.

Here are some key takeaways from the study’s results:

• Reduced Cannabis Misuse

Both groups saw reductions in cannabis misuse, but those with legal access showed slightly more improvement. Among participants who used other substances in addition to cannabis, counselling for cannabis use made an even larger difference, highlighting its importance for higher-risk groups.

• Minimal Changes in Mental Health

The study did not observe significant changes in mental health outcomes like depression, anxiety, or psychotic symptoms over the six-month trial, suggesting that regulated cannabis access may not immediately affect these areas.

• Improved Day-to-Day Functionality

Participants in the legal cannabis group reported spending less time acquiring, using, and recovering from cannabis, indicating a tangible improvement in their daily routines.

Why Factors Like Counselling Matter

The study’s findings underline the critical role counselling services can play in helping individuals manage their cannabis consumption habits. Counselling for cannabis use goes beyond addressing dependency. It provides individuals with the tools needed to:

• Understand the patterns and triggers driving their consumption habits.
• Set realistic goals to manage or reduce usage.
• Make more informed decisions about their health and well-being.

When combined with controlled access to cannabis products, counselling also ensures that individuals are educated about safer use practices and the risks associated with certain consumption behaviours.

Public Health-Oriented Policies and What They Mean

This study highlights the benefits of public health-focused cannabis laws, which integrate elements like counselling and regulated access. These policies aim to:

• Reduce consumption-related risks by providing safer products.
• Increase awareness of potential consequences through preventive information and counselling.
• Help people develop healthier habits while reducing the burdens associated with illegal markets.

What Do the Results Mean for Broader Applications?

The implications of this Swiss trial extend beyond its local context. By providing evidence from a randomised controlled trial (a gold standard in scientific research), this study challenges preconceived notions about cannabis regulation. Importantly, it shows that regulated access, when paired with tools like cannabis use counselling services, has the potential to address problematic use more effectively.

Countries considering cannabis policy reforms, such as Germany and several U.S. states, can draw valuable lessons from this study. Public health-focused approaches that prioritise education, prevention, and support services may yield better long-term outcomes than punitive or unregulated systems.

Limitations and Future Directions

While the findings are highly promising, the study is not without its limitations. The six-month follow-up might have been too short to fully capture long-term effects, and certain population subsets may react differently to interventions like counselling and regulated access. However, ongoing follow-ups and additional research could fill these gaps, offering more robust evidence of the broader impacts.

If you or someone you know is concerned about cannabis use, seeking counselling is a proactive step. Expert guidance can pave the way toward healthier habits, empowering individuals to regain control over their lives.

Source: dbrecoveryresources