ASAM Practice Pearls
ASAM Practice Pearls
ASAM Education
Navigating Cannabis and Cannabinoid Use in Today’s Clinical Practice
34 minutes Posted Apr 20, 2026 at 9:00 am.
Introduction
How to Approach the Conversation with Patients
Clarifying Terms and Product Use with Patients
Legal and Regional Differences
Addressing Patient’s Perceived Pros and Cons of Cannabis
Assessing for Cannabis Use Disorder
What if a Patient Doesn’t Want to Stop?
Approaching Drug Testing with Patients
Recommended Treatment Options
Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms
Considerations for Adolescents
The Risk of Psychosis
Harm Reduction
Signs of Cannabis Toxicity
Key Takeaways
Conclusion and Additional Learning Opportunity
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Show notes
In this episode of ASAM Practice Pearls, Drs. Stephen Taylor and Takeo Toyoshima address the misconception that cannabis is not addictive. They discuss how clinicians can better understand the cannabis products their patients are using, navigate the changing legal landscape, and assess for cannabis use disorder using the “Three Cs” framework. The conversation highlights treatment strategies like motivational interviewing and harm reduction, managing cannabis withdrawal, the risk of psychosis from high-potency products, and emerging pharmacotherapy options. Throughout the episode, they offer practical strategies for keeping patients engaged in care.