With marijuana legalized for recreational use in 24 states and 40 states allowing it for medical use, availability and potency are an ever-growing concern. The rates of marijuana use and cannabis use disorder (CUD) have increased despite fewer people getting the treatment they need.

A recent study on trends in CUD treatment showed a steady decline in the percentage of people receiving treatment, from 19% in 2003 to 13% in 2019. This drop in treatment engagement is especially concerning given that:

  • Over 16 million people aged 12 and older meet the criteria for CUD,
  • Around 3 in 10 marijuana users have a CUD, and
  • 30% of marijuana users are estimated to become addicted.

The study found mixed reasons why individuals with CUD may not be seeking help, ranging from practical, emotional, to systemic barriers.

  • Nearly 19% said they couldn’t afford treatment or had no insurance,
  • About 23% had a negative opinion about treatment, a fourfold increase since 2003,
  • Nearly 29% thought it would impact their job negatively, up from 6% in 2003,
  • Approximately 34% said they were not ready to stop using, and
  • About 38% of people said they did not know where to go, up from 8% in 2003.

The study further evaluated what populations were more likely to receive treatment and found that:

  • People with co-occurring mental health treatment were 3 to 4 times more likely to receive help for CUD,
  • Those in the criminal justice system were 7 times more likely to get treatment in 2019, and
  • Individuals over the age of 35 with other types of insurance that were neither private nor public, were more likely to access care.

However, access to treatment varied significantly by income, education level, and race/ethnicity, highlighting critical gaps.

Although the research may be discouraging, it signifies the need for different sectors of prevention and treatment to educate on the harms of marijuana use, the dangers associated with chronic use, and the available treatment options without shame, fear or confusion. Supporting individuals with CUD requires a compassionate approach, one that fosters openness, reshapes the narrative, and builds sustainable support systems that promote lasting, positive outcomes.

Sources:

Graves, B. D., Mowbray, O., Aletraris, L., & O’Shields, J. (2025). An Analysis of 16-Year Trends in Cannabis Use Disorder Treatment: Predictors, Barriers, and Utilization Patterns. Substance Use & Misuse, 60(10), 1540–1549. https://doi.org/10.1080/10826084.2025.2505773

Thompson, D. (2025). Fewer people seeking treatment for cannabis use disorder. USNews HealthDay. https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2025-06-09/fewer-people-seeking-treatment-for-cannabis-use-disorder

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Cannabis use disorder. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/cannabis-use-disorder.html