ICD-11 · 6C41.2

Cannabis dependence

Cannabis dependence is a disorder of regulation of cannabis use arising from repeated or continuous use of cannabis. The characteristic feature is a strong internal drive to use cannabis, which is manifested by impaired ability to control use, increasing priority given to use over other activities and persistence of use despite harm or negative consequences. These experiences are often accompanied by a subjective sensation of urge or craving to use cannabis. Physiological features of dependence may also be present, including tolerance to the effects of cannabis, withdrawal symptoms following cessation or reduction in use of cannabis, or repeated use of cannabis or pharmacologically similar substances to prevent or alleviate withdrawal symptoms. The features of dependence are usually evident over a period of at least 12 months but the diagnosis may be made if cannabis use is continuous (daily or almost daily) for at least 3 months.

ICD-11 diagnostic criteria

How to recognise

In the ICD-11 framework, the core symptoms taken into account when recognising Cannabis dependence are:

Differential diagnosis

When diagnosing Cannabis dependence, the following ICD-11 disorders should be considered in the differential diagnosis:

Frequently asked questions

How is Cannabis dependence diagnosed according to ICD-11?

According to ICD-11, the diagnostic criteria for Cannabis dependence (6C41.2) include: silne pragnienie użycia cannabis; utrata kontroli nad używaniem; kontynuowanie używania mimo szkód; tolerancja cannabis; objawy odstawienne cannabis.

What disorders are in the differential diagnosis of Cannabis dependence?

The differential diagnosis of Cannabis dependence (6C41.2) includes: Epizod szkodliwego używania cannabis (6C41.0), Szkodliwy wzorzec używania cannabis (6C41.1), Szkodliwy wzorzec używania cannabis, epizodyczny (6C41.10), Szkodliwy wzorzec używania cannabis, ciągły (6C41.11), Szkodliwy wzorzec używania cannabis, nieokreślony (6C41.1Z).

WHO ICD-11 source

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Source: WHO ICD-11 (chapter 6 – Mental, behavioral and neurodevelopmental disorders). Used under CC BY-ND 3.0 IGO. ICD Diagnostica is not affiliated with or endorsed by WHO. Informational use only – does not replace clinical judgment.