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35th AM (2025) - Poster Session
The Effects of Extended Cannabis Absitenance in Ad ...
The Effects of Extended Cannabis Absitenance in Adults with Co-Occurring Cannabis Use Disorder and Major Depressive
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Pdf Summary
This study examined whether a 28-day period of cannabis abstinence improves depression and anxiety symptoms in adults aged 18-55 who have co-occurring Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), while on stable antidepressant medication. The sample included 31 participants (mean age 32.8 years, 74% female), assessed using clinical measures including the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Cannabis abstinence was biochemically verified through urine THC-COOH levels.<br /><br />Participants were randomized to either a Contingency Reinforcement (CR) group, which included financial incentives for abstinence, or a Non-Contingent Reinforcement (NCR) group. Assessments were conducted at baseline, and at days 7, 14, 21, and 28 with supportive behavioral sessions.<br /><br />Results showed significant improvements in depressive and anxiety symptoms across all participants over the 28 days. Notably, those who successfully abstained from cannabis exhibited greater reductions in depressive symptoms, reflected in significantly lower BDI scores, especially after two weeks, with a sharp symptom decline between days 21 and 28. HAM-D and BAI scores also improved over time but did not significantly differ between abstinent and non-abstinent groups. These findings suggest extended cannabis abstinence can lead to meaningful mood improvements in individuals with co-occurring MDD and CUD.<br /><br />The study highlights that about 40% of individuals with lifetime CUD have comorbid mood disorders, which complicates treatment and prognosis. The preliminary evidence supports the benefit of sustained cannabis abstinence in improving mood and anxiety symptoms. Ongoing recruitment aims to expand the sample to 100 participants, and future research will explore individual factors (e.g., sex, coping styles, withdrawal severity) that may moderate treatment response to abstinence.<br /><br />Funding was provided by CREMS, CGS-D scholarships, and a CIHR grant. References include studies on prevalence of cannabis use disorders and prior evidence of symptom improvements with cannabis abstinence.
Keywords
Cannabis abstinence
Major Depressive Disorder
Cannabis Use Disorder
Depression symptoms
Anxiety symptoms
Contingency Reinforcement
Beck Depression Inventory
Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
Mood improvement
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