Marijuana may also trigger certain disorders, such as schizophrenia, in vulnerable persons see “A Mind in Danger,” by Victoria Costello, although researchers continue to debate the evidence on this issue. Finally, because marijuana is still illegal in most states and under federal law, people who possess or sell marijuana may face legal consequences. Like other substance use disorders, cannabis use disorder and addiction can lead to withdrawal symptoms, dependence, social challenges, legal issues, and more. For a long time, marijuana was thought to be primarily psychologically addictive but not physiologically (physically) addictive. People who use marijuana chronically and quit can experience withdrawal symptoms – which are primarily due to THC and a classic symptom of drug addiction and substance use disorders.
Effects of Marijuana Addiction
People can speak with a doctor for more advice and information if they experience any of the above criteria. Cannabis use disorder is defined as “a problematic pattern of cannabis use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress,” according to the DSM-5. This article was medically reviewed by Jason R. McKnight, MD, MS, a family medicine physician and clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M College of Medicine. To ensure accuracy and quality, every contributor to the Alpas Wellness resource library undergoes a thorough evaluation of their experience, credentials, and achievements prior to publication. 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%. If you use weed and need to go somewhere, ask a sober friend to drive you, take public transit, or call a taxi or ride-share service.
Can recreational pot smokers become addicted?
One marijuana user, Conrad, age 47, of San Francisco, said that when he can’t smoke, he drinks more. This classification is something that really grates people who support legalization of marijuana. A 2017 study reported that adult cancer patients are using marijuana to ease nausea and other symptoms.
Effect on the Brain
- They have a variety of strains and types to choose from, and the people who work there can probably suggest products you can try, based on the outcome you’re looking for.
- It will become part of your medical record, but that’s private information.
- Some researchers believe that because today’s marijuana is much more potent, it makes it more likely that some people will develop physiological dependence.
- If you have trouble sticking to self imposed limits, it may indicate a problem.
- If you’ve been regularly using large amounts of weed, withdrawal symptoms might start within a day or two.
- The corresponding figure for alcohol was 15 percent; for cocaine, 17 percent; for heroin, 23 percent; and for nicotine, 32 percent.
Support and treatment are available if someone develops cannabis use disorder or wants to stop using cannabis. Some people may use cannabis to avoid negative experiences, such as trouble sleeping, anxiety, or depression. This may spur people to use it regularly over a longer term, increasing the risk of CUD and addiction. There’s no clear answer to this question as it varies by individual. Some people may develop a marijuana addiction quickly, while others may use marijuana chronically throughout their lives without any dependency. However, there are long-term side effects of marijuana to consider.
- It is estimated that 32% of tobacco users will become addicted, 23% of heroin users, 17% of cocaine users, and 15% of alcohol users.
- Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.
- Today, marijuana is cultivated and consumed in many parts of the world.
- The most notable compound in the cannabis plant is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC.
- If you drive while high, you’re more likely to have a car wreck.
Psychosis is a symptom of a serious medical condition called schizophrenia. Schizophrenia also affects the way you understand what’s real, is marijuana addictive but it includes other symptoms, such as trouble with speech and not being able to focus and show emotions. Also, schizophrenia, unlike psychosis, is a long-term condition.
What we know and don’t know about pot
Cannabis use and heart attack incidence was assessed in a similar manner across the different studies. Kamel and his team conducted the retrospective study using data from TriNetX, a global health research network that provides access to electronic medical records. Marijuana use has risen in the United States, especially in states where it is legal to buy, sell and use the drug recreationally. In the retrospective study, researchers found that cannabis users younger than age 50 were over six times as likely to suffer a heart attack compared to non-users. The meta-analysis, which is the largest pooled study to date examining heart attacks and cannabis use, showed a 50% increased risk among those who used the drug.
With the rise in cannabis use, this form of impaired driving has become more common, leading to a heightened risk of crashes, injuries, and fatalities. The public needs to be aware of the facts about marijuana so that it can dismiss fictions about the drug’s effects. Only by knowing when marijuana presents a real threat and when the risk is minimal can people properly weigh its dangers and benefits in specific situations. When a person does become addicted, several types of psychotherapy can help him or her kick the habit. One of the more effective types is a form of cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) tailored to the addictive mind-set. Using CBT, therapists teach patients practical coping skills that lead to a change in behavior.
