title: Definitions of Risky and Problematic Cannabis Use: A Systematic Review.
abstract: Although cannabis is widely used, it remains unclear which consumption patterns are more likely to produce future consequences (risky/hazardous use) or current damage (problematic/harmful use). This unresolved issue contributes to cannabis public health implications. In order to facilitate further consensus, this review analyzes previously used definitions in the literature.
  
  
  
  This systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines. Articles published before October 2015 in the Medline, Scopus-Elsevier, ISI-Web of Knowledge and Cochrane databases and fulfilling a-priori decided criteria were retrieved. Definitions in preselected websites of national and international organizations addressing drug problems were also included.
  
  
  
  Definitions identified in articles (n = 46) and official websites (n = 3) widely varied from each other. Weekly cannabis use was mostly considered risky. Problematic cannabis use was mostly described with the Cannabis Abuse and Screening Test. Evidence-based definitions as well as information on quantities consumed, time-frames and special considerations for risky groups were very limited.
  
  
  
  Working on official definitions is highly necessary as criteria used remain incomplete, leading to increased confusion in the field. Recommendations to improve existing definitions are given.
authors.affiliation: a Addictions Unit, Universitat de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.|b Grup de Recerca en Adiccions Clínic (GRAC) , Barcelona , Spain.|c Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RTA) , Barcelona , Spain.|d Institut d'Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) , Barcelona , Spain.
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Casajuana
authors.affiliation: a Addictions Unit, Universitat de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.|b Grup de Recerca en Adiccions Clínic (GRAC) , Barcelona , Spain.|c Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RTA) , Barcelona , Spain.|e Fundació Clínic per la Recerca Biomédica , Barcelona , Spain.
authors.forename: Hugo
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: López-Pelayo
authors.affiliation: a Addictions Unit, Universitat de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.|b Grup de Recerca en Adiccions Clínic (GRAC) , Barcelona , Spain.|c Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RTA) , Barcelona , Spain.
authors.forename: María Mercedes
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Balcells
authors.affiliation: a Addictions Unit, Universitat de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.|b Grup de Recerca en Adiccions Clínic (GRAC) , Barcelona , Spain.|c Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RTA) , Barcelona , Spain.|d Institut d'Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) , Barcelona , Spain.
authors.forename: Laia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Miquel
authors.affiliation: f Departament de Drogodependències , Agència de Salut Pública de Catalunya , Barcelona , Spain.
authors.forename: Joan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Colom
authors.affiliation: a Addictions Unit, Universitat de Barcelona , Barcelona , Spain.|b Grup de Recerca en Adiccions Clínic (GRAC) , Barcelona , Spain.|c Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RTA) , Barcelona , Spain.|d Institut d'Investigacions Biomédiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS) , Barcelona , Spain.
authors.forename: Antoni
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gual
mesh_terms: D002188:Cannabis; D006801:Humans; D002189:Marijuana Abuse; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders
keywords: Cannabis; problematic use; risky use