What is the current status of pharmacotherapy for cannabis use disorder and what are common withdrawal symptoms?

• A. There is an FDA-approved medication; common withdrawal symptoms include euphoria and increased appetite.
• B. There is no FDA-approved medication; common withdrawal symptoms include irritability, sleep disturbance, decreased appetite, restlessness, and craving.
• C. There is an FDA-approved medication for cannabis withdrawal.
• D. Cannabis withdrawal has no standardized symptoms.

Answer: (B)

There is no FDA-approved medication specifically for cannabis use disorder. The condition is treated mainly with behavioral and psychosocial approaches, while pharmacotherapy has not received regulatory approval to treat the disorder itself. Cannabis withdrawal, when it occurs in regular or heavy users who stop, typically includes irritability, sleep disturbances, decreased appetite, restlessness, and cravings. These symptoms often begin within a day or two of cessation, peak in the first week, and can last for one to two weeks or longer in some individuals. While several agents have been studied to ease withdrawal or reduce use, none have earned approval, so any medication use in this context is off-label and focused on managing symptoms rather than treating the disorder directly.