Psychiatrists' opinions about  demedicalization of cannabis use disorder: a qualitative study

Background Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is a significant challenge in public health and treatment policy. While medicalization has facilitated greater access to treatment services, it may also lead to dependency on pharmacological treatments and increased unnecessary healthcare costs. This study aimed to explore psychiatrists' perspectives on the demedicalization of CUD. Methods This qualitative study with a phenomenological approach, was conducted through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 16 experienced psychiatrists specializing in addiction. The qualitative data were analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results Four main themes obtained from the interviews: “Advantages of Demedicalization”, “Disadvantages of Demedicalization”, "Social and Cultural Impacts", and “Policy Making and Suggested Interventions”. Key perceived benefits included reducing social stigma, enhancing patient empowerment, reducing dependency on pharmacological treatments, and addressing the socio-economic and psychological roots of cannabis use. The main reported disadvantages included increasing treatment challenges and exacerbation of social damages. Regarding sociocultural effects, participants emphasized improved social interactions and changes in cultural attitudes. In terms of policy making and interventions, the psychiatrists recommended modifying legal approaches, adopting a comprehensive and multifaceted treatment model, and preventing the dangerous normalization of cannabis use. Conclusion The findings suggest that demedicalization of CUD offers significant benefits, including reducing social stigma and improving social acceptance. However, demedicalization must be implemented through comprehensive strategies that integrate medical, psychological, and social interventions to minimize potential risks and enhance positive outcomes.