Cannabis control. An approach to cannabis use and dependence.
BACKGROUND
Cannabis use is widespread in our community. Dependence on cannabis may be associated with significant mental and physical harms.


OBJECTIVE
This article aims to give an overview of the adverse effects of cannabis use and guidelines for management of cannabis dependence.


CONCLUSIONS
General practitioners can manage cannabis dependence from a harm minimisation framework using motivational interviewing and other counselling measures. Occasionally, pharmacologic approaches may be used with the caveat that they should be brief and carefully monitored.
Frei
Matthew Y
MY
Turning Point Drug and Alcohol Centre, Fitzroy, Victoria. matthewf@turningpoint.org.au
D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia; D002188:Cannabis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005194:Family Practice / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000517:prevention & control*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000188:drug therapy*