Is Marijuana Really Addictive? What the Science Actually Says

Like other medicinal treatments for medical conditions, medicinal marijuana can have negative effects even though it is used to treat medical conditions. One of the biggest risk factors of marijuana addiction may be age. The person experiences symptoms when they stop using the substance, which makes them feel the need to use it again. A person first uses a substance such as marijuana repeatedly. Substance dependence, also called chemical dependence, is when a person experiences physical dependence on a substance but is not addicted to it.

Cardiovascular Effects

The same amount can have “major impacts” on one person's daily life but have no impact on another person's, Das said. If you've met just two of the criteria for cannabis use disorder in the last year, doctors say you have a mild form of the condition. Thousands of people have faced this challenge and come out stronger, healthier, and happier.

What is Delta-8 THC?

Other mental health considerations have been noted in people with cannabis dependence as well. A person may have withdrawal symptoms after stopping or significantly decreasing heavy or long-term cannabis use, even if they don’t have cannabis use disorder. Studies have estimated that 22% to 30% of people who use cannabis have the disorder.63,64 The strongest predictor of cannabis use disorder is how often someone uses it, but other factors, like a family history of drug use and how long a person has been using cannabis, can also play a role.65

• A startling shift has occurred in the United States—from use of alcohol to use of cannabis, THC, and cannabis-infused beverages.
• Marijuana also poses several other health risks that people should consider.
• The percentage of drinking adults in the US has been dropping since 2010, and the trend away from alcohol is accelerating.
• There are risks of use, even medicinally, and addiction is one of them.

However, how a person engages with marijuana is an important factor as well. Experts are finding a link between the age you begin using cannabis and the likelihood that you'll develop a dependence on it. 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%. Researchers are investigating if higher potency is the reason for an increase in emergency department visits by people testing positive for marijuana.

The NIDA reports that the higher potency of marijuana available today—specifically in regard to its THC levels—may be a factor in the rising number of people who develop a problem. THC is known as the substance that makes a person feel a "high," while CBD often promotes a feeling of relaxation. There are various reasons that a person might become dependent on marijuana. This often persists despite a person knowing they have a dependence or wanting to quit. In one study, those who had marijuana dependence had fewer positive emotions, higher stress levels, and increased irritability. In addition, it has been found that marijuana dependence may affect your ability to respond to the neurotransmitter dopamine, which allows us to feel pleasure.

Is Marijuana Addictive? Signs, Risks, and Recovery

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.

Wondering if someone you love is dealing with marijuana addiction—or if you are yourself? So while not everyone gets addicted, marijuana is far from risk-free. It ranges from mild to severe, depending on how much marijuana is used, how often, and how it affects someone’s life. This is called tolerance and withdrawal, two key signs of addiction. When someone becomes dependent on marijuana, their body and brain start to rely on it.

It has intoxicating effects, meaning it can temporarily alter a person’s mood, thoughts, and perceptions. Cannabis, which some people call marijuana, refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa L plant. Teenagers and young adults are especially vulnerable to marijuana addiction. THC concentrations in modern strains and cannabis products (vapes, dabs, edibles) have increased dramatically—some concentrates contain over 90% THC.

Help for Cannabis Use Disorder

These include needing more of the drug to get the same effect, having withdrawal symptoms and spending a lot of time trying to get or use it. This article is part of AP’s Be Well coverage, focusing on wellness, fitness, diet and mental health. Experts say relaxed access and high-potency cannabis products may be contributing to a rise in addiction. More research is needed, particularly studies in addiction and other at-risk populations. Low-dose chronic THC is likely to impair attention, increase impaired driving risks, and produce dependency, withdrawal, anxiety, and tachycardia. The rise of THC-infused beverages represents a significant shift from the alcohol-only landscape of social substance use in the US.

• Fortunately, there are many types of treatment for cannabis use disorder.
• These include needing more of the drug to get the same effect, having withdrawal symptoms and spending a lot of time trying to get or use it.
• As I have noted earlier, Gen Z and millennials are using less alcohol and more cannabis, often edibles.
• Unless mentioned otherwise, the information on this webpage is only about cannabis products containing intoxicating amounts of delta-9 THC.
• Additionally, over 80 percent of people who use medicinal marijuana also use it recreationally.

Life After Marijuana Addiction

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. It is important to consult with a doctor before consuming cannabis and cannabinoid products to treat medical conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved the use of any product containing whole cannabis plant material for any purpose, even though cannabis and cannabinoid products are marketed for various therapeutic uses and are available in many states from medical cannabis dispensaries. Some research suggests that cannabis use may have different effects on the brain in older adults compared to adolescents or young adults who use cannabis.93,94 Cannabis may also interact with other medicines older adults may be taking such as warfarin, opioids, and benzodiazepines.95,96 This study will provide critical insights into risk and resilience factors for cannabis and other substance use to inform future prevention interventions. The ABCD Study® explores the effects of environmental, social, genetic, and other biological factors on the developing adolescent brain.

What are synthetic cannabinoids?

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

If you recognize these patterns, it may be time to consider quitting marijuana with professional support. Some people use it occasionally without any major problems. Some people might still go to work or school while using, but struggle with focus, memory, or motivation. Over time, they might need more weed to feel the same effects—or feel sick, anxious, or angry when they try to stop. Use profiles to select personalised content.

Some research shows an association between long-term cannabis use and an increased risk of stroke, heart attack, and arrythmias.35,36 However, more research is needed to determine if there is a direct connection between cannabis use and cardiovascular disease, or if other factors are involved.37 Children eating cannabis edibles, such as gummies, is a growing health concern. Many people use cannabis to feel intoxicated or “high”.17 Cannabis can make people feel more happy or relaxed. CBD is marketed as an ingredient in many consumer products, including supplements, foods, oils, and lotions.

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.

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 understanding different types of psychedelic mushrooms scores, compromised memory and cognitive ability, and decreased performance on tests.