Pelago, a leader in digital addiction care, has announced an innovative new program dedicated to cannabis use disorder treatment. This initiative comes as cannabis use disorder (CUD) rates rise sharply across the U.S., creating an urgent need for effective and accessible care options.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 3 in 10 individuals who have used marijuana meet the clinical criteria for cannabis use disorder. As legalization and decriminalization efforts expand nationwide, more adults and adolescents are developing CUD, yet fewer are receiving appropriate treatment. This discrepancy highlights a growing public health challenge that Pelago’s cannabis use disorder treatment program aims to address.
The Impact of Untreated Cannabis Use Disorder
Pelago’s CEO, Dr. Yusuf Sherwani, emphasized the broader impact of untreated cannabis use disorder on workplaces and health plans: “Employers are facing rising healthcare claims, decreased productivity, and increased safety risks due to untreated CUD. Our program targets these challenges by providing evidence-based cannabis use disorder treatment accessible through digital platforms.”
Evidence-Based Therapies at the Core of Treatment
The new program will mirror Pelago’s successful tobacco, alcohol, and opioid treatment offerings by incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET), and contingency management. This combination of therapies forms the foundation of effective cannabis use disorder treatment and helps individuals manage cravings, improve motivation, and sustain recovery.
Expanding Access Through Employer and Payer Partnerships
Pelago primarily delivers its programs via partnerships with employers and payers, increasing accessibility for individuals who might not otherwise seek care. Dr. Suzette Glasner, Pelago’s chief scientific officer, explained, “People often use cannabis for different reasons—from recreation to perceived health benefits. Through our cannabis use disorder treatment, we help users recognize signs of loss of control and better understand how cannabis impacts their health.”
Performance-Based Payment Model Ensures Accountability
A key differentiator of Pelago’s approach is its 100% at-risk payment model. The company receives compensation only when it meets strict clinical, engagement, and satisfaction benchmarks. This ensures that every element of the cannabis use disorder treatment program is designed to deliver measurable outcomes for patients and payers alike.
Funding Fuels Growth and Innovation
Pelago’s recent $58 million Series C funding round, which brought total funding to $151 million, will accelerate expansion of digital addiction services, including this latest cannabis use disorder treatment program. The company also recently introduced a contingency management initiative that incentivizes healthy behaviors, supporting positive change and engagement throughout the treatment process.
Looking Ahead: Continued Expansion of Treatment Programs
Looking forward, Dr. Sherwani stated, “Since launching with tobacco treatment, we have continuously expanded our portfolio to include alcohol and opioid use disorder. Our new cannabis use disorder treatment program is a critical next step, and we’ll keep innovating to meet emerging needs based on feedback and demand.”
Pelago’s digital cannabis use disorder treatment program offers a promising path forward for individuals struggling with CUD, employers seeking to protect workforce health, and payers aiming to reduce costs. By integrating technology, evidence-based therapy, and accountability-driven models, Pelago is helping transform the future of addiction care.
