Can you get Addicted to Weed? New Marijuana Addiction research
Clinical Review by:
Published:
Nov 21, 2024
,
08:31 p.m.
ET
For a long time it has been widely believed that cannabis is one of the drugs that is not addictive and therefore relatively safe to use. There are many recreational marijuana users all over the world and for a large number of them, their use remains mostly harmless.
But recent studies have debunked the myth that weed is not addictive and Cannabis Use Disorder has become increasingly more diagnosed, with the number of people seeking out help for marijuana dependency rising as well.
Is weed addictive? Cannabis addiction studies debunk myth
Despite the popular belief that weed is not addictive, new studies into cannabis and its addictive properties have shown quite the opposite. Cannabis Use Disorder is associated with a dependence on using marijuana and symptoms of withdrawal when not using it.
Cannabis addiction can happen when someone uses large amounts of marijuana over time and their brain produces less of and is less sensitive to its own natural endocannabinoid neurotransmitters. Data in recent studies found that of those who use marijuana, 30% have some degree of Cannabis Use Disorder, with 9% of overall marijuana users becoming dependent.
Can marijuana addiction be diagnosed?
Cannabis Use Disorder was added to the DSM-5 in 2013 with a revision combining Cannabis dependence and withdrawal into one diagnosis. Medical professionals can diagnose Marijuana addiction by assessing if someone has had a significant negative impact, impairment or distress with two or more of the following criteria present in the past 12 months:
Cannabis use increases over time or is used longer than intended
Wanting to cut down cannabis use but unable to
Large amounts of time used getting, using and recovering from cannabis
Cannabis cravings
Neglecting social obligations to use cannabis
Continued use regardless of negative social or personal impact
Ignoring work, social obligations or other events to use cannabis
Using cannabis despite negative physical impact
Cannabis use harms mental health
Develop a tolerance to cannabis and have to increase the amount used
Withdrawal symptoms when not using cannabis
More than just a “gateway drug”? Dangers of cannabis consumption
Studies have found that cannabis, in addition to alcohol and tobacco, is one of the first substances someone is likely to encounter. While cannabis is now legal in many places and its use is typically considered less harmful than other illegal drugs, there is a risk of significant physical and mental health dangers that are associated with excessive cannabis consumption.
Long and short-term dangers of cannabis use include:
Altered time perception
Impaired thinking
Memory issues
Reduced physical coordination
Irritability
Increased anxiety, fear or paranoia
Respiratory damage
Increased risk of heart attack, stroke and arrhythmias
Gastrointestinal problems
Increased risk of head, neck or throat cancer for those that smoke cannabis
Increased risk of developing schizophrenia
Exacerbation of symptoms in pre-existing mental health conditions
Signs of Marijuana Addiction
While recreational marijuana use may seem harmless, there are signs that loved ones can be aware of that may indicate someone has developed an addiction. The common signs of marijuana addiction can include a variety of psychological, physical and behavioral changes including:
Regularly red or bloodshot looking eyes
Getting the “munchies” or eating/craving excessive food after smoking marijuana
Decrease in performance at school or work
Losing interest in spending time with friends, family or previously enjoyed activities
Hanging out with people who also use marijuana
Buying marijuana paraphernalia
Buying multiple forms of marijuana including waxes, edible, tinctures, pens, etc.
Speaking about marijuana in slang terms, such as pot, bud, trees or kush
Denial about the negative effect marijuana use is having on one's life
Treatment options for addiction to weed, marijuana, cannabis
Treatment for marijuana addiction will depend on the severity of an individual's use and what option best fits their personal needs. If someone is experiencing withdrawal symptoms due to their marijuana addiction, inpatient treatment may be necessary. Inpatient treatment provides around-the-clock medical and mental health support.
Other options include outpatient programs like partial hospitalization or intensive outpatient treatment. Individual therapy is another option that can supplement more intensive types of treatment, or can be done after inpatient and outpatient treatment. For some people, getting to in-person therapy may be difficult and virtual therapy is a more realistic option.
Birches Health is a completely virtual program that offers specialized addiction treatment. You can reach out to Birches to schedule a consultation with a licensed professional to discuss next steps, or confidentiality refer a friend or family member. You can also call or email Birches at 833-483-3838 or hello@bircheshealth.com to speak with someone immediately.
