Is Marijuana Addictive?

What Is Marijuana?

Marijuana is a mind-altering substance derived from the flower of the Cannabis sativa plant. It goes by many names, including weed, cannabis, bud, grass, herb, pot, ganja, and Mary Jane.

Though marijuana has been legalized or decriminalized in several states, it’s still classified as a Schedule I substance because of its misuse potential, and it’s still illegal on the federal level.[3] Still, approximately 49.6 million people over the age of 12 used marijuana in 2020, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).[4]

The effects of marijuana vary, but tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive compound in marijuana, can cause feelings of euphoria, changes in sensory perception, and increased appetite. Some people experience adverse effects, such as anxiety or fear.

Is Marijuana Physically or Psychologically Addictive?

Yes, based on current research, marijuana can be physically or psychologically addictive.[5] Not everyone who uses marijuana will become addicted, but it’s possible. The risk is greatest in people who use marijuana before the age of 18 or use it heavily.

According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the official term for problematic marijuana use is cannabis use disorder, which includes the following signs:[6]

• Using more marijuana than intended
• Trying but failing to quit using marijuana
• Spending a lot of time obtaining or using marijuana
• Craving marijuana
• Using marijuana despite problems at school, work, or home
• Continuing to use marijuana despite relationship problems
• Giving up important activities or hobbies to use marijuana
• Using marijuana in risky situations, such as while driving
• Continuing to use marijuana despite physical or psychological problems
• Needing to use more and more marijuana to get the same effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stopping marijuana use

Cannabis use disorder can range from mild to moderate to severe. Like other addictions, cannabis use disorder can cause problems with physical or mental health and serious disruptions to work, school, or interpersonal relationships.

Marijuana Withdrawal

One of the signs of physiological dependence is withdrawal, which occurs with frequent use or marijuana abuse. When you stop using marijuana after using it heavily, withdrawal sets in and causes physical symptoms like:[7]

• Decreased appetite
• Irritability
• Mood and sleep problems
• Cravings
• Restlessness
• Malaise

Though these symptoms can be unpleasant, they’re not usually life-threatening like the withdrawal symptoms from alcohol or opioids. These symptoms can persist for days or weeks, however, after enduring them one can enjoy the benefits of quitting weed.

Why Is Marijuana Addictive?

Chronic marijuana use causes physiological changes in the brain that may contribute to misuse and dependence. THC is responsible for the reinforcing properties of marijuana and subsequent addiction because it stimulates the brain’s reward system and promotes the release of dopamine, a “feel-good” hormone. This is at a higher level than normally seen with naturally rewarding stimuli, which can lead to addiction.

Another concern with modern marijuana is that it’s far more potent than in past decades. Based on testing of confiscated samples, marijuana potency has been steadily increasing over the past few decades.

In the early 1990s, the average THC content in marijuana samples was less than 4%. In 2018, it was more than 15%.[8] Marijuana concentrates also have a much higher level of THC. Between the two, addiction is a greater possibility with current marijuana use than it once was.

Along with addiction, researchers are unsure to what extent higher concentrations of THC will affect the body and brain of marijuana users. They’re unsure if people are adjusting for the increased potency by using less marijuana at one time or using it less frequently. However, it would be challenging to adjust for these differences accurately.

How Do You Know If You Are Addicted to Marijuana?

Along with the diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorder, there are some signs that marijuana use has ventured into misuse or addiction:

• Do you use marijuana every day?
• Have you tried to quit marijuana and failed?
• Do you get withdrawal symptoms when you quit?
• Do the withdrawal symptoms subside if you use marijuana again?
• Do you get strong marijuana cravings?
• Are you continuing to use marijuana despite problems at work, school, or with friends and family?

If you answered “yes” to several of these questions, you may have cannabis use disorder.

Treatment for Marijuana Use Disorder

Marijuana use disorder is a growing problem, but fortunately, addiction treatment can be effective in addressing marijuana addiction. Like other drug abuse treatments, the treatment programs for marijuana use disorder are tailored to the individual and their unique use patterns, history, and possible co-occurring disorders.

If you or a loved one is struggling with marijuana use disorder, there are numerous options available, including:

Medical Detox

Marijuana has withdrawal symptoms, although they are generally less severe than those of heroin or alcohol, but you can still benefit from a medical detox. The purpose of detox is to manage withdrawal symptoms to keep you safe and comfortable while your body clears itself of marijuana.

Learn more about detox

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment involves a hospital or residential setting that offers 24/7 care and supervision while the patient undergoes treatment plans. This is ideal for people struggling to quit independently and benefit from an intensive program’s accountability and structure.

Learn More About Inpatient Treatment

Medication

There are no FDA-approved medications to treat marijuana use disorder specifically, but medications can help address accompanying issues like insomnia or co-occurring mental health disorders like depression or anxiety.

Behavioral Therapies

Behavioral therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or motivational enhancement therapy, are often included in treatment plans for cannabis use disorder. They’re highly effective at increasing self-control, identifying problematic behavioral patterns and relapse triggers, and developing strategies to overcome marijuana misuse.

Learn More About Our Therapies