Of course, this doesn’t mean that you will develop an addiction to marijuana if you experience one or more of these risk factors. Some researchers believe that because today’s marijuana is much more potent, it makes it more likely that some people will develop physiological dependence. Today’s research shows that tolerance does develop to THC and that withdrawal symptoms do occur in some people. Most early research into marijuana addiction suggested that marijuana use rarely produced tolerance and withdrawal.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) classifies the diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorder. Despite the risks, studies of medicinal marijuana use have shown effectiveness. This can lead to more use and an increased risk of marijuana use disorder.
Where people can get help for cannabis use disorder
Additionally, over 80 percent of people who use medicinal marijuana also use it recreationally. Medicinal marijuana use comes with risks too. The negative effects of marijuana are not limited to recreational marijuana.
Signs of cannabis use disorder
- Marijuana addiction can be challenging both for the person experiencing the addiction and for those around them.
- Cannabis use disorder can be diagnosed as mild (when a person has two or three of these symptoms), moderate (four or five of these symptoms), or severe (six or more of these symptoms).
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- Addiction happens when a person uses a substance such as alcohol, marijuana, or another drug in excess.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You may have heard that marijuana helps with morning sickness. In some states, doctors can prescribe cannabis. If you’re pregnant or want to be, ask your doctor for help on how to give up cannabis
Reported drug use among adolescents continued to hold below pre-pandemic levels in 2023
If pot interferes with your daily life, health or relationships, those are red flags. But “cannabis is definitely something that someone can develop an addiction to,” said Das, an addiction psychiatrist at Stanford University. A recent JAMA review of the evidence from randomized clinical trials does not support cannabis or cannabinoids for most conditions for which it is promoted. After decades of promised treatments, cannabis has disappointed. Cannabis and other sedating or psychoactive drugs may worsen falls and confusion, impair driving, increase workplace accidents, and cause respiratory suppression (with opioids) and prolonged sedation. THC beverages (for now) exhibit astonishing dose variability—from products with 2–5 mg THC to those containing 50–100 mg per serving.
Cannabis use disorder and increased THC concentration
You’re more likely to get CUD if you misuse other drugs, like alcohol. If you use it every day, you might get withdrawal symptoms a day or two after stopping. People who use marijuana a lot are more likely to be jobless and not happy with life. Addiction is more common in drugs like alcohol or cocaine. As with alcohol, “just because something’s legal doesn’t mean that it’s safe,” Das said. Doctors urged people who need help to get it, whether it’s with a professional or in a peer group.
What the Research Says: Key Studies
Today, marijuana typically contains more THC than in the past. Experts are still investigating why some people become addicted while others don’t. He is the medical director at Alcohol Recovery Medicine. John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. Buddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Marijuana isn’t harmless, and some people may become addicted
Addiction happens when a person uses a substance such as alcohol, marijuana, or another drug in excess. Learn more about marijuana addiction, risk factors, effects on the brain, and more. Research is mixed as to whether mental health issues are more often the cause of cannabis abuse, or whether dependence on cannabis can, in turn, lead to mental health issues. The increased potency of modern marijuana strains means that there is a greater risk for tolerance, dependence, addiction, and withdrawal. Still, most people who use or have used cannabis do not go on to use other substances later in life.71
- But if they’re exposed to marijuana daily, they may have a hard time learning or paying attention when they get older.
- This article is part of AP’s Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health.
- When you use addictive drugs like marijuana a lot, you can change circuits in your brain.
- One study found that people who used cannabis starting at age 14 to 15 had a higher probability of developing dependence.
- Two of these components, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have effects that are commonly known to people who use marijuana.
Mental Health Effects
And the misconception has become more widespread as a growing number of states legalize marijuana.
Medicinal marijuana is used to treat and manage a variety of medical concerns, including physical and mental health challenges. Cannabis use disorder, or marijuana use disorder, is when a person continues to use the substance even though they experience negative health or life effects from use. Marijuana use disorder, also known as cannabis use disorder, is when the use of marijuana negatively impacts a person’s health or life but they continue to use it anyway.
Answering “yes” to even a few of these might mean it’s time to talk to a professional. It’s when marijuana stops being a choice and starts feeling like a need. You might use marijuana occasionally and still meet your responsibilities. These symptoms usually start within 24 to 72 hours of quitting and can last up to 2 weeks or longer in some cases.
Effects of Marijuana Addiction
Eating large amounts of products containing delta-8-THC has led to medical emergencies, including breathing problems5,6. Early exposure primes the brain for long-term cannabis use disorder and makes it harder to quit later. With frequent use, the brain adjusts by producing fewer natural cannabinoids, which leads to tolerance, dependence, and eventually addiction. It refers to a situation where an individual cannot stop using marijuana—even when it negatively impacts their life, health, work, or relationships.
These effects are more common when a person takes a large amount, the cannabis product is strong (has a high level of THC), or the person has little experience with using cannabis.19,20,21 CBD is not intoxicating like THC.7 However, it may have side effects including drowsiness, decreased appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.8 Products have been found to contain different amounts of CBD than their labels show, and some products marketed as CBD have been found to contain THC.9 Read more about CBD on the U.S. There is limited research on the health effects delta-8-THC and other intoxicating cannabinoids and related compounds, including delta-10-THC, THC-O-acetate, THCV, THCP, HHC, HHC-O-acetate, HHCP, and CBN.
GLP-1 receptor agonists seem particularly promising since a recent randomized controlled trial showed that semaglutide reduced alcohol craving, number of drinks consumed per day, and laboratory self-administration. Those who received 7.2% THC consumed 27% less alcohol. Subjects could consume their preferred alcoholic beverage or receive small cash payments for abstaining. Participants completed three sessions in which they smoked cannabis with either 7.2% THC, 3.1% THC, what are club drugs effects, types, list of street names or a placebo (0.03% THC).
Is Marijuana Withdrawal Real?
But if they’re exposed to marijuana daily, they may have a hard time learning or paying attention when they get older. But animal studies show it may change how their brain grows. Experts aren’t sure how cannabis affects your baby. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor about how to treat these symptoms. But in the long run, marijuana can do a lot of harm to your sleep. You may use cannabis to help you doze off at night.
But addiction doesn’t mean the end of the road—it’s a signal to seek help, not a reason to feel shame. CBT helps people understand the thought patterns behind their use and replace them with healthier coping strategies. Cannabis use disorder means marijuana use causes problems in your life—but you can’t seem to stop. In severe cases, marijuana addiction can lead to job loss, broken relationships, or legal trouble.