Cannabis may cause reversible urinary retention in heavy users

This case report describes a 22-year-old male who experienced acute urinary retention linked to heavy cannabis use. The patient presented with an inability to urinate despite having normal neurological and urological evaluations, a condition called detrusor acontractility where the bladder muscles fail to contract properly. The timing is significant: the severe urinary symptoms appeared after markedly increased cannabis consumption in the preceding weeks, suggesting a potential causal relationship that hadn't been well-documented in clinical literature.

The most compelling finding is the complete reversal of symptoms after four months of total cannabis abstinence. The patient's bladder function fully recovered with restoration of normal detrusor activity and spontaneous voiding, indicating that cannabis's effects on urinary function are reversible and not permanently damaging. This recovery strongly suggests that cannabinoids directly interfere with bladder muscle contraction rather than causing structural damage to the urinary system.

The clinical significance of this case lies in expanding awareness among healthcare providers. Cannabis should now be considered in the differential diagnosis when evaluating unexplained urinary retention in young, otherwise healthy adults. For cannabis users experiencing urinary symptoms, this case provides reassurance that the condition may resolve with cessation, while also highlighting an underrecognized adverse effect that warrants further research and patient counseling.