Handbook of Cannabis and Related Pathologies

This chapter focuses on self-report screening to detect the problematic use of cannabis (CAST). For a European standardized definition of problematic use of cannabis, the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) suggests the use of the Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST). Cannabis Abuse Screening Test (CAST) is short and easy to administer. Not all European countries have tested and validated the CAST in the adolescent or general population. Few studies have investigated the association between the PCU detected by the CAST and other components relating to the subject and social and family environments. The positive relationship between problematic cannabis use and other risk behaviors, such as use of other substances (tobacco, alcohol and other, illegal substances), truancy at school and poor scholastic performance, and gambling for money. The protective variables regarding the PCU are high self-esteem and satisfaction with health status. These results must be taken into consideration when designing interventions of prevention and treatment targeting young people and families.