Somatic consequences of cannabis use and use disorders: systematic review and results from the COGA-(Collaborative Study on Genetics in Alcoholism) Sample

Introduction: Cannabis use is associated with a number of somatic consequences. These include acute cardiovascular events and an increased risk of diseases of the respiratory system as well as cancer. The aim of this presentation is to review recent evidence of studies reporting short and long-term consequences of cannabis use. These results are supported by an analysis of the COGA (Collaborative study on genetics in alcoholism) dataset which includes subjects with cannabis use and cannabis use disorders.

Methods: Approximately 37% of the total sample (n = 9200) ever used cannabis, of which 1600 subjects (28%) developed cannabis dependence. Characteristics of cannabis use and disorders and somatic consequences were obtained using the SSAGA (Semi-Structured Assessment on Genetics in Alcoholism).

Results: While recent reviews support a high co-morbidity of cannabis use with several somatic disorders, these findings are supported by COGA-data.

Conclusion: Cannabis use and cannabis use disorders are associated with a number of somatic comorbid conditions. However, while the evidence for some physical diseases are well-documented, other associated somatic disorders need to be better researched.