What does the drugcom cannabis check show?

The drugcom cannabis check is a self-test that helps you find out how risky your cannabis use is. According to drugcom, it takes about 5 to 10 minutes, after which you receive feedback tailored to your answers. The test is aimed at people who use cannabis mainly for recreational purposes, with no medical reason. The feedback is a guide and replaces neither a medical diagnosis nor a counselling conversation. This article explains what the test can do and where its limits lie.

What the test asks

The questions relate to your use over the last twelve months, for example whether you had the impression that you no longer had your use under control. On its page “Am I dependent on cannabis?”, drugcom explains that the check examines further features of use beyond dependence and ends with detailed feedback and recommendations. Read the questions carefully and answer as honestly as you can.

How to read the result

The feedback is tailored to your answers, but it remains a guide only and passes no verdict. If a result surprises you, note the question that led to it and take it with you to a conversation. The wording used in the feedback is best checked on the page itself.

What specialists understand by dependence

On a separate page, drugcom explains that the US classification system DSM-5 speaks of a substance use disorder (the term dependence is no longer used there), which can be assessed against 11 criteria. If at least two features apply within 12 months, the disorder is considered present, and the more criteria are present, the more severe it is. The criteria include, among others, larger amounts or use for longer than planned, unsuccessful attempts to stop, strong cravings, use despite problems and withdrawal symptoms.

According to drugcom, the decisive question is whether use has already led to negative consequences, and less the amount or frequency. More on the signs can be found in the article How do I recognise cannabis dependence?

Where the test reaches its limits

A self-test cannot tell how you are doing inside. It does not show how your health is, whether you take medication or whether other substances play a role. Feelings and living circumstances can only be asked about to a limited extent. The test is therefore a beginning, but it does not close the matter. If you are unsure, discuss the result with a specialist.

Data protection before the test

Before use, the site asks for consent to a statistical web analysis (Matomo); you can decline. According to drugcom, the IP address is anonymised immediately and stored for 90 days. How your answers are processed is set out in the data protection notices on the site. Do not enter details you do not want to share.

What you can do with the result

Use the feedback as an occasion to look at your use consciously. Note two or three situations in which you use cannabis and think about what you are missing in those moments. A use diary helps you recognise patterns over several weeks. The article Does a use diary help when stopping cannabis? explains the method.

What to keep in mind after the test

An indication of risk does not automatically mean that you are dependent, and a reassuring result does not mean that everything is fine. Pay attention to how you feel after the test. If you feel worse, or feel guilt or pressure, talk to someone about it. If you feel confirmed, check the feedback against your everyday life anyway.

It also helps to repeat the test when something in your life has changed, such as a new job, family stress or a move. Then you can see whether your use has shifted. Do not compare your answers with those of other people, because every life situation is different.

Prevention means looking early

The younger you are and the more often you use cannabis, the greater the health risk, according to cannabispraevention.de. According to that source, frequent cannabis use impairs concentration, which can lead to problems at school and in training. A self-test is one way to look at your own use early. You can read more in the article How does cannabis affect memory and schooling?

Next steps

Take the test if you are curious or have concerns. If the result keeps occupying you, call a counselling centre. You can find the right centre via Where can I find an addiction counselling centre for cannabis? The article How do I recognise cannabis dependence? also helps with classifying the result.