2024-11-02 09:00:00
A man smokes a joint during a demonstration for the decriminalization of cannabis in France, in Paris on May 12, 2018. THOMAS SAMSON / AFP
Will we soon have a new drug to treat cannabis addiction, when there is currently no treatment? Cannabis is today the most consumed illicit drug in France: half of the older adult population reports having already taken it. during its life in 2023, according to data from Public Health France and the French Observatory on Drugs and Addictive Tendencies (OFDT). Regular use concerns 3.4% of adults aged 18 to 64 in 2023, stable since 2017, or around 900,000 people.
If the product is commonplace, the trend is however downward among young people, according to an OFDT surveywith 5.3% of 4th and 3rd year middle school students having experienced it in 2022, compared to 6.7% in 2018. On the other hand, the percentage increases with age: 16.2% of second year students say have already used and almost one in three students in final year.
Remember that cannabis, generally smoked, in the form of herb or resin (hashish), contains numerous components, including THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), its main active molecule. THC acts on CB1, one of the receptors of the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays an important role in neurodevelopment. THC binds to CB1 receptors and activates them, leading to its psychotropic effects, including those of addiction.
In the United States, for the first time, the number of daily and almost daily users of cannabis (17.7 million) exceeded that of alcohol (14.7), according to the survey published in the journal Addictions in May 2024. An increase linked to the legalization of the recreational use of cannabis in almost half of the states in the country, but not only that.
The dangers of early consumption
In France, while the majority of cannabis consumers use recreationally, around 10% become dependent, according to experts, and “this is the case for 50% of daily users according to international data”recalls psychiatrist Jean-Michel Delile, president of the Addiction Federation, “16% of adolescents who have started are at risk of sticking,” recalled Jean-Michel Delile and the clinical psychologist Jean-Pierre Couteron in the magazine Mental health practices in 2017.
“We are talking about addiction, the risk of which varies from one person to another, when there is a loss of control, with an invasive aspect on the subject’s life, an impact on family life, a decline in school functioning. , etc. »adds Professor Benjamin Rolland, head of the university addiction department of Lyon (HCL, CH Le Vinatier). However, cannabis is less addictive than tobacco, alcohol or other drugs.
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**Interview: Tackling Cannabis Use and Addiction in Europe**
**Date:** November 2, 2024
**Alex Reed:** Dr. Lucie Moreau, Expert in Drug Addiction and Public Health
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Moreau. Recent reports indicate that cannabis remains the most widely consumed illicit drug in Europe, with significant use in countries like France. What are your thoughts on this rising trend?
**Dr. Moreau:** Thank you for having me. The data is quite alarming but not surprising. Cannabis has become normalized in many societies, with a high prevalence of use among adults. In France, reports show that about half of the adult population has tried it at some point in their lives. Furthermore, 3.4% of adults are regular users. This sustained usage highlights the need for effective public health strategies.
**Editor:** Speaking of strategies, there’s no formal treatment for cannabis dependency at present. Do you anticipate any developments in this area?
**Dr. Moreau:** Yes, there’s ongoing research into potential treatments for cannabis addiction, including behavioral therapies and pharmaceuticals. While we don’t have a specific drug approved yet, there are promising studies exploring compounds that could reduce cravings or withdrawal symptoms. However, it’s essential that such treatments are scientifically validated and integrated into a comprehensive care model.
**Editor:** The report also mentions a decline in cannabis use among younger people in France. What does that tell us?
**Dr. Moreau:** The decline in use among younger populations is a positive sign. It suggests that prevention efforts, educational campaigns, and perhaps even changing societal attitudes towards cannabis are having an impact. We need to continue these efforts to ensure that the trend continues, especially given that use increases with age.
**Editor:** You mentioned the implications of THC on neurodevelopment. Could you elaborate on that and the potential risks for young users?
**Dr. Moreau:** THC, the active compound in cannabis, interacts with the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which is crucial for neurodevelopment. High exposure during adolescence can lead to long-term cognitive impairments and increased vulnerability to psychiatric disorders. This is particularly concerning since more than 30% of final-year high school students report having used cannabis.
**Editor:** the data from the United States indicates a shift where daily cannabis users now outnumber those who consume alcohol. Do you foresee this trend reaching Europe?
**Dr. Moreau:** It’s definitely a possibility. As societal norms shift and cannabis becomes more accessible, we may see similar trends in Europe. This underlines the importance of not only addressing immediate health concerns but also anticipating future challenges in public health regarding substance use.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Moreau, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. Your expertise sheds valuable light on the complexities of cannabis use and addiction in Europe.
**Dr. Moreau:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we stay informed and active in addressing these challenges as a community.
