Over treatment for substance use disorder kaiser permanente time, addiction can take a toll on both mental and physical health. If you suspect marijuana use disorder, dependence, or addiction in yourself or someone else, help is available. This condition can be diagnosed by a healthcare professional such as a medical doctor or psychologist.
It’s about compulsive use despite consequences—a pattern marijuana users are absolutely vulnerable to. The confusion often stems from comparisons to “harder” drugs like heroin or methamphetamine. So yes—marijuana can be addictive, especially with consistent, heavy use.
- Additionally, men are twice as likely as women to experience marijuana use disorder.
- High-dose or heavy use would likely increase addiction risk, cannabis hyperemesis, arrhythmias, respiratory issues (if smoked), acute panic, psychosis, cognitive decline, accidents, and intoxication emergencies.
- Cannabis use disorder involves continued use of the substance even though the person experiences negative health or life effects from it.
- Medications such as antidepressants may be prescribed to treat co-occurring mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression.
Using these products at a younger age in particular increases the likelihood of developing a cannabis use disorder later in life.73,74 In addition, using cannabis may cause brain changes that can make a person more likely to develop an addiction to other drugs.75 While people with mental health disorders and related symptoms are more likely to use cannabis,51 many factors that influence mental health—such as genes, trauma, and stress—also influence how likely someone is to use drugs, including cannabis. Although research shows that people in the United States increasingly view cannabis use as low risk, it may cause negative health effects and can interact with other drugs a person is taking.97 Cannabis use at a young age has also been linked to other mental health conditions, including the likelihood of developing psychosis87 and to developing cannabis use disorder later in life. Cannabis products are among the first substances along with alcohol and tobacco that a person will likely encounter in their life (MTF, 2023), and people who use substances commonly use these before trying others. This study aims to better understand healthy development and shed light on how early exposure to cannabis and other substances, stressors, and trauma affect brain development and mental health, and how to reduce adverse outcomes.
Physical Side Effects
People dealing with poor sleep quality may also use cannabis to relieve these symptoms (although in the long term, it’s been found to decrease sleep quality). This includes people coping with panic disorder, with symptoms of ADHD, social anxiety disorder, and low self-esteem. Family relationships have been found to play a role in some cases of cannabis addiction. For instance, one study found that “solitary use,” or using the drug by yourself, was a strong sign that dependence would form in the future.
How is NIDA researching cannabis?
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that 30% of people who use marijuana will develop problems with its use, known as marijuana use disorder. It is defined in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) as a result of either dependence or abuse of marijuana. Cannabis use disorder, or marijuana use disorder, results from chronic cannabis use. While not everyone who uses marijuana will become addicted, it is not uncommon, and certain factors may increase your risk. If you’re dependent on cannabis, you could go through withdrawal for weeks or relapse after you quit.
- Information provided by NIDA is not a substitute for professional medical care or legal consultation.
- Mental health issues, like an anxiety or a mood disorder, can raise your chances, too.
- Most early research into marijuana addiction suggested that marijuana use rarely produced tolerance and withdrawal.
- Marijuana consumed in products made from marijuana extract, such as a solvent-based oil, contains between 54% and 69% THC—in some cases, exceeding 80%.
- Research has linked the use of cannabis products with an increased likelihood of developing head, neck, or throat cancer,40 particularly in people who smoke cannabis.41
- Using these products at a younger age in particular increases the likelihood of developing a cannabis use disorder later in life.73,74 In addition, using cannabis may cause brain changes that can make a person more likely to develop an addiction to other drugs.75
Research suggests there are currently no effective medications in the treatment of cannabis use disorder. There are currently no medications approved for the treatment of cannabis use disorder. In addition, experts are investigating whether there are specific medications that can help with cannabis use disorder. People develop cannabis dependence for different reasons, so it’s important to address any underlying issues. Fortunately, there are many types of treatment for cannabis use disorder.
Who Gets CUD?
Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) is when a person has nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain after long-term, heavy cannabis use.40 It can recur and often requires medical attention. Some research has also shown an increased risk of depression in people who use cannabis during adolescence.47 Research has also linked cannabis use with suicidal thoughts and behaviors among teens48 and military veterans in the United States.49,50 Research has linked the use of cannabis products with an increased likelihood of developing head, neck, or throat cancer,40 particularly in people who smoke cannabis.41 This usually happens by accident and can result in hospitalization and serious illness.25,26 Eating large amounts of products containing delta-8-THC has led to medical emergencies, including among children.27,28 Commonly reported symptoms of cannabis use include increased appetite.22 Research shows that cannabis use may help manage symptoms of nausea or vomiting, common side effects of chemotherapy.23 However, other side effects may include an elevated heart rate and respiratory problems.20,24
Delta-9 THC is the most abundant form of THC in the cannabis plant. The plant contains at least 125 different cannabinoids,1 including delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). If you are under the direction of medical supervision please speak to your doctor or therapist before following the advice and recommendations in these articles. If you or someone you love is struggling with marijuana use, know that help is available—and recovery is possible.
Shift in recreational intoxicant use changes—but doesn’t eliminate—risks.
Since marijuana doesn’t typically produce the same extreme physical withdrawal symptoms or overdose risks, it’s easy to assume it’s safe. But for others, especially those with mental health issues or a family history of addiction, the risk is much higher. Marijuana addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder, can lead to real problems in your daily life, relationships, and health. Cannabis use disorder involves continued use of the substance even though the person experiences negative health or life effects from it.
Marijuana Withdrawal: What to Expect
Today, the THC potency in cannabis flower and concentrates in dispensaries can reach 40% or more, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. In the 1960s, most pot that people smoked contained less than 5% THC, the ingredient that gets you high. It’s become more common as cannabis has gotten stronger in recent years. “The more that somebody uses and the higher potency that somebody uses, the higher the risk of that,” Das said. Here’s how to know whether you or a loved one are addicted to marijuana — and what kinds of treatment exist. Around half now allow recreational use for adults and 40 states allow medical use.
Debunking the myth that you can’t get addicted to cannabis
Let’s take a closer look at what marijuana addiction is, why it happens, and how to spot it early. Marijuana is often viewed as harmless or “just a plant.” Many people see it as safe—especially now that it’s legal in many states. Reach out to a healthcare professional such as a primary care provider or a psychologist for support. Marijuana use disorder, addiction, and dependence are treatable. Marijuana addiction can be challenging both for the person experiencing the addiction and for those around them. Men and young people are at an increased risk.
Marijuana also poses several other health risks that people should consider. However, some who use marijuana develop the symptoms of addiction after chronic marijuana use. If you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t use medical marijuana unless your doctor says it’s OK.
Help for Marijuana Addiction
See ABCD Study® results on cannabis exposure for more information. NIDA supports the Adolescent Brain Cognitive DevelopmentSM Study (ABCD Study®), which follows nearly 12,000 children ages 9 and 10—before substance use typically begins—into young adulthood. Positive urine tests have been reported in children exposed to secondhand cannabis in their homes or in attached homes,59 which can lead to respiratory infections.60
Latest from NIDA
Investigators enrolled 157 participants who used alcohol and cannabis heavily (at least twice weekly). There has long been speculation that cannabis legalization would reduce alcohol consumption. Until recently, hemp-derived THC products, including drinks, exploited a gray area created by the 2018 Farm Bill. Cannabis also has a particular appeal for older adults who want fewer hangover effects and a drink fitting wellness-oriented senior lifestyles.
Create profiles to personalise content. Healthcare professionals can support by diagnosing and then providing talk therapy, medications, or a combination of the two. While this is a serious medical concern, it can also be treated. It is possible to become addicted to marijuana. The negative effects of use appear to be more of an issue for those who use more often and over a longer period of time. The use of marijuana has also been found to be connected with lower IQ scores, compromised memory and cognitive ability, and decreased performance on tests.
On the other hand, for those who started using cannabis after age 15, the risk of developing a dependence drastically decreased. One study found that people who used cannabis starting at age 14 to 15 had a higher probability of developing dependence. Studies suggest that THC is the substance that creates the potential for marijuana addiction because of its psychoactive properties. Two of these components, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have effects that are commonly known to people who use marijuana.
