Key Highlights
- Cannabis/marijuana is the third most commonly used psychoactive substance worldwide, after alcohol and tobacco/nicotine. Cannabis can be administered by various methods including smoking, vaping, dabbing, ingesting (edibles, beverages, and tinctures), and topical cream.
- CUD affects 10-50% of users, causing cognitive decline, impaired function, driving issues, ER visits, psychiatric symptoms, and addiction risk.
- Recent research estimated that approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis have cannabis use disorder in the US. Meta-analyses show that among cannabis users, about 22% (18-26%) meet criteria for CUD.
- Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) pipeline is not so robust but possesses potential drugs i.e. AEF0117, PP-01, and others.
- In March 2025, Aelis Farma announced the final analysis of its Phase IIB clinical trial with AEF0117 in patients with CUD. These updated results will be the ground to engage in new partnership discussions allowing to move forward the development of AEF0117.
- In June 2025, PleoPharma, presented data from its Phase IIb randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of PP-01 for treating Cannabis Withdrawal Syndrome (CWS) in individuals with Cannabis Use Disorder at the annual meeting of The College on Problems of Drug Dependence in New Orleans.
The report analyzes the existing treatment practices and unmet medical requirements in cannabis use disorder. It evaluates the market potential and identifies potential business prospects for enhancing therapies or interventions. This valuable information enables stakeholders to make well-informed decisions regarding product development and strategic planning for the market.
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) Overview
Cannabis (also called marijuana) is the third most commonly used psychoactive substance worldwide, after alcohol and tobacco (nicotine). Cannabis can be administered by various methods including smoking, vaping, dabbing, ingesting (edibles, beverages, and tinctures), and topical cream. Cannabis use disorder develops in approximately 10% of regular cannabis users and up to 50% of chronic daily users and may be associated with cognitive impairment, poor school or work performance, and psychiatric comorbidities such as mood disorders and psychosis. In terms of addiction, tetrahydrocannabinol is the primary molecule responsible for the reinforcing properties of marijuana.Heavy and sustained cannabis usage can change brain circuitry. The precise pathophysiological mechanisms, nevertheless, are still unknown. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the main chemical responsible for the reinforcing characteristics of marijuana in terms of addiction. Cannabis use and cannabis use disorders are associated with adverse consequences, including cognitive decline, impaired educational or occupational attainment, impaired driving ability, emergency room visits, psychiatric symptoms, poor quality of life, other drug use, and risk of addiction or substance use disorders.
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) Diagnosis and Treatment Algorithm
Laboratory testing of urine, blood, saliva, or hair can be useful to detect cannabis use, but results should be considered along with a clinical rationale. Assays typically rely on the detection of the most common active metabolite, delta-9-tetrahydrocannibinolic acid. It has been studied thoroughly, and this abundant acid metabolite has become an established urinary marker of cannabis consumption in forensic, clinical, and environmental analyses. It is possible to quantify tolerance by comparing the reported intake of cannabis to blood levels. Also, other tests to rule out additional conditions may be of benefit. These include head imaging or laboratory testing of heavy metals, infection and immunological markers, electrolyte disturbances, or hormones.Currently, there are no approved therapies for the treatment of Cannabis Use Disorder, and the current management of Cannabis Use Disorder includes symptomatic therapies. Cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management can substantially reduce cannabis use and cannabis-related problems, but enduring abstinence is not a common outcome. Tetrahydrocannabinol does show some potential in treatment, but more information is needed to demonstrate the validity and information on the dose, duration, formulation, and adjunct therapies. Gabapentin and N-acetylcysteine are also used but have unclear benefits. Another component of cannabis, cannabidiol, holds promise by modulating the serotonergic, glutamatergic, and endocannabinoid systems. Because so many factors contribute to relapse, research shows that it is best to use a variety of treatment strategies, rather than one on its own. Each individual may require a blend of interventions and lifestyle changes.
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) Epidemiology
The epidemiology section of the cannabis use disorder market report offers information on the patient populations, including historical and projected trends for each of the seven major markets. Examining key opinion leader views from physicians or clinical experts can assist in identifying the reasons behind historical and projected trends. The diagnosed patient pool, their trends, and the underlying assumptions are all included in this section of the report.This section also presents the data with relevant tables and graphs, offering a clear and concise view of the prevalence of cannabis use disorder. Additionally, the report discloses the assumptions made during the analysis, ensuring data interpretation and presentation transparency. This epidemiological data is valuable for understanding the disease burden and its impact on the patient population across various regions.
Key Findings
- According to a research study by Patel & Marwaha (2022), nearly 4% of the global population was using cannabis in 2015. Amongst teenagers, 8% in the US and 16% in Europe reported using cannabis. 9% of all users experience addiction, of which nearly 20% of them begin the use of cannabis in adolescence.
- There is limited evidence for cannabis use among older patients. However, its consumption is likely to increase as legal permission for its medical use may justify its use among former non-users.
- According to Lapham et al. (2023), among a primary care sample of cannabis users, 61.9% were female and 38.1% were male.
- According to CDC, Cannabis is the most commonly used federally illegal drug in the United States; 52.5 million people, or about 19% of Americans, used it at least once in 2021.
- The epidemiology of CUD is expected to change during the forecast period (2025-2034).
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) Market Outlook
The cannabis use disorder therapeutics market is further expected to increase by the major drivers, such as the rising prevalence population, technological advancements, and upcoming therapies in the forecast period (2025-2034).With ongoing research and continued dedication, the future holds hope for even more effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this challenging condition. According to the publisher, the cannabis use disorder market in the 7MM is expected to change significantly during the forecast period (2025-2034).
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) Drug Chapters
Emerging Cannabis Use Disorder Drugs
The cannabis use disorder market is expected to evolve gradually, driven by the limited number of emerging therapies currently in development. Key players such as PP-01, and AEF0117 among others are showing active commitment to addressing this unmet need, with ongoing efforts to advance novel treatment options for this complex condition.PP-01: PleoPharma
PP-01 is a drug candidate developed by Pleopharma, a pharmaceutical company focused on treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders and substance abuse. The drug is currently in Phase II clinical trials for the treatment of substance abuse. PP-01 is designed to mitigate cannabis withdrawal symptoms and is administered orally.In February 2025, the FDA granted Fast Track designation to PP-01 for mitigating cannabis withdrawal syndrome in patients with cannabis use disorder.
AEF0117: Aelis Farma
AEF0117 is a first-in-class synthetic signaling specific inhibitor engineered to inhibit the cannabinoid type 1 receptor. In the Phase IIa studies, AEF0117 showed reductions in the positive subjective and reinforcing effects of smoked cannabis in subjects with CUD. In Phase I clinical trials, the therapy was found to have favorable safety and tolerability profiles. AEF0117 is the most advanced new chemical entity under investigation in the clinic and potentially represents a unique opportunity to address a growing unmet public health need.In June 2021, Indivior and Aelis Farma partnered to advance treatment for cannabis use disorder. AEF0117, is being studied in a Phase IIb trial in patients with CUD.
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) Market Segmentation
The ‘Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) - Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034’ report provides a detailed outlook of the current and future cannabis use disorder market, segmented within countries, by therapies, and by classes. Further, the market of each region is then segmented by each therapy to provide a detailed view of the current and future market share of all therapies.Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) Market Size by Countries
The cannabis use disorder market size is assessed separately for various countries, including the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the UK, and Japan. In 2024, the United States held a significant share of the overall 7MM (Seven Major Markets) cannabis use disorder market, primarily attributed to the country’s higher prevalence of the condition and the elevated cost of the available treatments. This dominance is projected to persist, especially with the potential early introduction of new products.Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) Drugs Uptake
This section focuses on the sales uptake of potential CUD drugs that have recently been launched or are anticipated to be launched in the CUD market between 2020 and 2034. It estimates the market penetration of CUD drugs for a given country, examining their impact within and across classes and segments. It also touches upon the financial and regulatory decisions contributing to the probability of success (PoS) of the drugs in the CUD market.The emerging CUD therapies are analyzed based on various attributes such as safety and efficacy in randomized clinical trials, order of entry and other market dynamics, and the unmet need they fulfill in the Cannabis Use Disorder market.
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) Market Access and Reimbursement
The ‘Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) - Market Insights, Epidemiology, and Market Forecast - 2034’ report provides a descriptive overview of the market access and reimbursement scenario of cannabis use disorder.This section includes a detailed analysis of the country-wise healthcare system for each therapy, enlightening the market access, reimbursement policies, and health technology assessments.
KOL Views
To keep up with current CUD market trends and fill gaps in secondary findings, we interview KOLs and SMEs’ working in the CUD domain. Their opinion helps understand and validate current and emerging therapies and treatment patterns or CUD market trends. This will support the clients in potential upcoming novel treatments by identifying the overall scenario of the market and the CUD unmet needs.Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD): KOL Insights
The analysts connected with 25+ KOLs to gather insights; however, interviews were conducted with 15+ KOLs in the 7MM. These KOLs were from organizations, institutes, and hospitals, such as Medical University of South Carolina, UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids, University of Barcelona, Columbia University, University of Leeds, and Translational Neuroscience, among others.“Having a cannabis use disorder may not produce the same dire consequences as an opiate, heroin, or methamphetamine use disorder. But it can certainly cause a lot of problems for some people. Quality of life is often diminished by heavy, frequent use.”
“There is a well-documented association between heavy cannabis use and increased risk for psychiatric disorders, including psychosis, particularly in those who are genetically or developmentally vulnerable. However, the causal relationship is complex and likely involves multiple factors, not just cannabis use alone “
“The shift toward legalization and social acceptance of cannabis has outpaced the accumulation of robust scientific evidence, leading to policy decisions sometimes made in a "scientific vacuum."
Competitive Intelligence Analysis
We conduct a Competitive and Market Intelligence analysis of the cannabis use disorder Market, utilizing various Competitive Intelligence tools such as SWOT analysis and Market entry strategies. The inclusion of these analyses is contingent upon data availability, ensuring a comprehensive and well-informed assessment of the market landscape and competitive dynamics.Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) Pipeline Development Activities
The report offers an analysis of therapeutic candidates in Phase II and III stages and examines companies involved in developing targeted therapeutics for cannabis use disorder. It provides valuable insights into the advancements and progress of potential treatments in clinical development for this condition.Pipeline Development Activities
The report covers information on collaborations, acquisition and merger, licensing, patent details, and other information for emerging cannabis use disorder therapies.Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) Report Insights
- Cannabis Use Disorder Patient Population
- Therapeutic Approaches
- Cannabis Use Disorder Pipeline Analysis
- Cannabis Use Disorder Market Size and Trends
- Cannabis Use Disorder Market Opportunities
- Impact of Upcoming Therapies
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) Report Key Strengths
- 10 Years Forecast
- The 7MM Coverage
- Cannabis Use Disorder Epidemiology Segmentation
- Key Cross Competition
- Highly Analyzed Cannabis Use Disorder Market
- Cannabis Use Disorder Drugs Uptake
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) Report Assessment
- Cannabis Use Disorder Current Treatment Practices
- Unmet Needs
- Cannabis Use Disorder Pipeline Product Profiles
- Cannabis Use Disorder Market Attractiveness
Key Questions
- How common is cannabis use disorder?
- What are the key findings of cannabis use disorder epidemiology across the 7MM, and which country will have the highest number of patients during the study period (2020-2034)?
- What are the currently available treatments for cannabis use disorder?
- What are the disease risk, burden, and unmet needs of cannabis use disorder?
- At what CAGR is the cannabis use disorder market and its epidemiology is expected to grow in the 7MM during the forecast period (2025-2034)?
- How would the unmet needs impact the cannabis use disorder market dynamics and subsequently influence the analysis of the related trends?
- What would be the forecasted patient pool of cannabis use disorder in the 7MM covering the United States, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the UK, and Japan?
- Among EU4 and the UK, which country will have the highest number of patients during the forecast period (2025-2034)?
- How many companies are currently developing therapies for the treatment of cannabis use disorder?
Reasons to buy
- The report will help in developing business strategies by understanding the latest trends and changing treatment dynamics driving the Cannabis Use Disorder Market.
- Insights on patient burden/disease prevalence, evolution in diagnosis, and factors contributing to the change in the epidemiology of the disease during the forecast years.
- To understand the existing market opportunity in varying geographies and the growth potential over the coming years.
- Distribution of historical and current patient share based on real-world prescription data along with reported sales of current treatment in the US, EU4 (Germany, France, Italy, and Spain), the United Kingdom, and Japan.
- Identification of strong upcoming players in the market will help in devising strategies that will help in getting ahead of competitors.
- Detailed analysis and ranking of class-wise potential current and emerging therapies under the conjoint analysis section to provide visibility around leading classes.
- Highlights of Access and Reimbursement policies of approved therapies, barriers to accessibility of off-label expensive therapies, and patient assistance programs.
- To understand the perspective of Key Opinion Leaders around the accessibility, acceptability, and compliance-related challenges of existing treatment to overcome barriers in the future.
- Detailed insights on the unmet needs of the existing market so that the upcoming players can strengthen their development and launch strategy.
This product will be updated with the latest data at the time of order. Consequently, dispatch time for this product will be 7-10 business days.
Table of Contents
1. Key Insights2. Report Introduction4. Epidemiology and Market Methodology5. Executive Summary6. Key Events9. Patient Journey12. Key Opinion Leaders’ Views13. Unmet Needs14. SWOT Analysis17. Publisher Capabilities18. Disclaimer19. About the Publisher
3. Market Overview at a Glance
7. Disease Background and Overview
8. Epidemiology and Patient Population
10. Emerging Therapies
11. Cannabis Use Disorder: Seven Major Market Analysis
15. Cannabis Use Disorder Market Access and Reimbursement
16. Appendix
List of Tables
List of Figures
Companies Mentioned (Partial List)
A selection of companies mentioned in this report includes, but is not limited to:
- PleoPharma
- Aelis Farma/ Indivior
