The findings of the current study do not support the validity of the DSM-IV abuse and dependence distinction in two ways: First, a single dimension represented the criteria rather than the two implied by the separate abuse and dependence categories. Second, the CRCs identified some dependence criteria (e.g., quit/control, tolerance, physical/psychological problems) that were well represented among the mildest criteria, and some abuse criteria (e.g., legal problems, neglect of role) that tapped the more severe range of the continuum. These results are inconsistent with the common interpretation of DSM-IV cannabis abuse as a milder disorder or prodrome of cannabis dependence.
