In California, problem gamblers can receive no-cost treatment through CalGETS. Between July 1, 2016 and June 30, 2017, 879 problem gamblers entered outpatient treatment; 333 of whom also provided end-of-treatment data. We analyzed reports of marijuana use for those 333 clients.
Problem gamblers’ use of marijuana decreased from 21% at CalGETS treatment entry to 14% at the end of treatment. This decrease in marijuana use is statistically significant.
Medicinal use of marijuana was legal during the study timeline, while recreational use of marijuana was legalized in California starting January 1, 2018.
Source – Outpatient Gamblers: CalGETS Fiscal Year 2016-17 dataset, prepared for the California Department of Public Health, Office of Problem Gambling by the University of California Los Angeles Gambling Studies Program. CalGETS treatment participants were asked: “In the past 12 months, have you used any of the following substances? Marijuana.” At the end of treatment they were asked, “Since intake, have you used any of the following substances? Marijuana.” The decrease in marijuana use from Intake to End of Treatment was significant (p < .0001, N=333) using the McNemar test.
USA Marijuana use: Compton, W. M., Han, B., Jones, C. M., Blanco, C., & Hughes, A. (2016). Marijuana use and use disorders in adults in the USA, 2002–14: analysis of annual cross-sectional surveys. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(10), 954-964.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. For help with substance use problems, call SAMHSA’s helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)