Can You Get Addicted to Marijuana?

According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 21.8% of people 12 years or older used cannabis in 2023, with the highest percentage of use among young adults ages 18 to 25 years. Cannabis is one of the most popular recreational drugs in the United States. It is now legal for recreational and medical use in many U.S. states. Of the millions of Americans who consume cannabis for recreational or therapeutic use, most will not develop a dependence or addiction. Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. 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.

Age People Begin Smoking

• Some studies have found that people often engage in cannabis use to lessen their feelings of anxiety or depression, and that self-medicating in this way can often lead to drug dependence.
• To learn more about all AAA offers or become a member, visit AAA.com.
• Cannabis sativa L plants containing very small, non-intoxicating amounts of delta-9 THC, which are also called hemp, are mainly used for textile fiber and for their edible seed oils.
• This is an increased concern for younger people exposed to THC, including babies during pregnancy.
• If you’re pregnant, you shouldn’t use medical marijuana unless your doctor says it’s OK.

Dried cannabis can also be vaped using electronic vaporizing devices such as dry herb vaporizers and vape pens. Stalcup recommends this simple test for determining if a person has an addiction. is marijuana addictive They look at the immediate benefits and immediate costs to a greater extent than they do at the long-term costs and benefits of using alcohol,” Galloway added. “Part of the problem with prevention and deciding whether you should use a drug or not is that it’s hard to imagine, with one’s current brain, having a brain that isn’t making those evaluations rationally,” he said. “If I try to cut down or stop my intake and have negative consequences — cravings, irritability, upset stomach, chills, etc. — that could be a sign that my use has become dependence.

What we know and don’t know about pot

For example, when I buy Advil in the supermarket, I know that I am getting 200 mg capsules. Compared to other substances, marijuana is not very addicting. It is estimated that 32% of tobacco users will become addicted, 23% of heroin users, 17% of cocaine users, and 15% of alcohol users. Cocaine and heroin are more physically harmful and nicotine is much more addictive. It is much harder to quit smoking cigarettes than it is to quit smoking pot. If you suspect marijuana use disorder, dependence, or addiction in yourself or someone else, help is available.

The drug of choice

These can help you change thoughts and behaviors that make it hard to quit. You could also try to set limits such as only using marijuana  on certain days of the week, like the weekends. If you have trouble sticking to self imposed limits, it may indicate a problem. Meditation or other stress relieving activities may also help you use less. NIDA supports the HEALthy Brain and Child Development (HBCD) Study, which will follow a large population of mothers and their infants from the prenatal period through age 10.

Marijuana Effects

Teenagers tend to use drugs when faced with uncertain changes or stressors. Research suggests there are currently no effective medications in the treatment of cannabis use disorder. Buspirone was one medication of interest, but some research has shown that it is no more effective than a placebo and, in some cases, was linked to worse cannabis use outcomes.

• Inpatient treatment involves a hospital or residential setting that offers 24/7 care and supervision while the patient undergoes treatment plans.
• In order to feel the same high, the person has to take larger and larger doses.
• 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%.
• Doctors will not typically prescribe anything to relieve cannabis intoxication.
• Unfortunately, relapse rates remain high for all addiction psychotherapies.

“I’ve always found quitting marijuana to be easy when I needed to because of travel reasons or personal reasons, or professional, or what have you,” he told Healthline. The conversation around marijuana use has become more nuanced since the World War II era film “Reefer Madness” portrayed the drug as destructive and dangerous. A 2014 review looked at the available research regarding people with epilepsy using marijuana to ease their seizures. Those who don’t become addicted also tend to have more options.

What are the signs of Cannabis Use Disorder?

Not everyone will get a marijuana use disorder from using weed, but the possibility exists. The only way to truly prevent addiction is to avoid marijuana altogether. 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.