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Are There Concerns About Cannabis Dependency in Dementia? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Julia Sutton, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD

As medical cannabis becomes more widely studied for managing agitation, sleep problems, and anxiety in dementia, concerns about dependency and withdrawal have also emerged. While cannabis-based medicines are prescribed under strict regulation, their long-term use, particularly those containing THC, may carry a risk of dependence. For people with dementia, who are often older and take multiple medications, this risk must be carefully monitored. 

Can medical cannabis be accessed legally for women’s health?

Understanding Cannabis Dependency 

Cannabis dependency, also called cannabis use disorder (CUD), occurs when repeated use leads to tolerance, cravings, or withdrawal symptoms such as irritability or sleep problems. According to the NHS, dependency is more likely with products high in THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis. CBD, which is non-intoxicating, is not considered addictive and may even reduce cravings caused by THC. 

In older adults, dependency risk is lower than in younger users, but sensitivity to sedative and cognitive effects is higher. The BMJ 2021 review (BMJ, 2021) noted that although dependency from prescribed cannabis is uncommon, habitual use of THC-heavy oils can lead to mild withdrawal if stopped abruptly. 

Evidence In Dementia Populations 

Most dementia trials to date, such as the STAND trial (UK, 2025) and Pautex et al., 2022, used low-dose THC: CBD combinations for agitation and behavioural symptoms. These studies reported no dependency or withdrawal cases when treatment was discontinued (PMC12143470; PubMed 36247984). 

A 2024 review in Frontiers in Psychiatry (PubMed 38447959) found that THC dependency risk rises with higher doses and long-term use, while CBD-dominant products showed no addictive potential. Importantly, older adults metabolise cannabinoids more slowly, so psychological habituation may occur even without classic dependence. 

NICE And Alzheimer’s Society Guidance 

The NICE NG144 guideline on cannabis-based medicinal products restricts prescribing to specialist physicians and warns that THC can cause dependence and withdrawal if used continuously. The NHS and Alzheimer’s Society UK both emphasise that cannabis should not be self-administered or used outside of medical supervision due to potential dependency and cognitive side effects. 

Clinical Bottom Line 

  • THC can cause dependence with regular or long-term use. 
  • CBD is not addictive and may reduce cravings or withdrawal symptoms. 
  • No dementia trials have reported dependency, but caution is advised in prolonged use. 
  • NICE and NHS recommend specialist oversight and regular medication review. 

Educational Context: AlleviMed 

AlleviMed provides education on medical cannabis regulation under MHRA and Home Office oversight. It clarifies that cannabis must be clinically supervised and is not licensed for unsupervised or long-term dementia use. 

Takeaway 

While dependency from prescribed cannabis in dementia is rare, THC-containing products can cause tolerance and withdrawal if misused. CBD-based formulations appear safer, but long-term effects remain under study. According to NHS and NICE, medical cannabis should be prescribed only under specialist supervision, with careful monitoring to prevent dependency in older dementia patients. 

Julia Sutton, MSc
Author

Julia Sutton is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and experience providing psychological assessment and therapy to adolescents and adults. Skilled in CBT, client-centered therapy, and evidence-based interventions, she has worked with conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and conversion disorder. She also has experience in child psychology, conducting psycho-educational evaluations and developing tailored treatment plans to improve learning and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD
Reviewer

Dr. Clarissa Morton is a licensed pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and experience across hospital, community, and industrial pharmacy. She has worked in emergency, outpatient, and inpatient pharmacy settings, providing patient counseling, dispensing medications, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Alongside her pharmacy expertise, she has worked as a Support Plan & Risk Assessment (SPRA) officer and in medical coding, applying knowledge of medical terminology, EMIS, and SystmOne software to deliver accurate, compliant healthcare documentation. Her skills span medication safety, regulatory standards, healthcare data management, and statistical reporting.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewers's privacy. 

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