Marijuana—also known as weed, herb, pot, grass, bud, ganja, Mary Jane, and more—is the most commonly used addictive drug in the United States behind tobacco and alcohol. It is socially acceptable in many settings, and in recent years, the stigma behind the drug has significantly decreased. Despite popular belief, marijuana is addictive. Knowing the signs of addiction to marijuana can help individuals get help when they need it. 

What Is Marijuana?

Marijuana is a mixture of the dried flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant. Most people smoke marijuana, but it can also be brewed into teas or mixed into foods, such as brownies and cookies. Vaporizers are being used increasingly to consume marijuana. 

The main psychoactive chemical in marijuana is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which causes a “high” when used. The chemical is found in the resin produced by the leaves and buds, primarily of the female cannabis plant. The plant contains more than 500 other chemicals, including more than 100 compounds chemically related to THC, called cannabinoids.

Marijuana Is an Addictive Drug

Marijuana use can lead to the development of substance use disorder (SUD). SUD occurs when a person cannot stop using a substance even when it is causing health, social, and emotional problems. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 30% of people who use marijuana develop some form of SUD. People who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are 4-7 times more likely to develop SUD than adults.

Understanding Substance Use Disorder

SUD is diagnosed using 11 criteria outlined by the DSM-5. To be diagnosed with SUD, a person must meet a certain number of criteria in a 12-month period. Below are the criteria:

• The substance is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
• There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful effort to cut down or control use of the substance.
• A significant amount of time is spent on activities necessary to obtain the substance, use the substance, or recover from its effects.
• Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use the substance, occurs.
• Recurrent use of the substance results in a failure to fulfill significant obligations at work, school, or home.
• Use of the substance continues despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of its use.
• Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of the use of the substance.
• Use of the substance is recurrent in physically hazardous situations.
• Use of the substance is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by the substance.
• Tolerance, as defined by either of the following, occurs:
  • A need for increased amounts of the substance to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
  • A diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of the substance.
• Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following, occurs:
  • The characteristic withdrawal symptoms for that substance.
  • The use of the substance (or closely related substance) to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Those who meet two or three criteria are considered to have a “mild” SUD, four or five is considered “moderate,” and six or more symptoms, “severe.” 

Are You Addicted to Marijuana?

If an individual meets two or more of the criteria used to diagnose SUD, they may have a problem with marijuana. SUD related to marijuana is most often associated with dependence—the presence of withdrawal symptoms. 

People who use marijuana frequently often report irritability, mood and sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, cravings, restlessness, and various forms of physical discomfort that peak within the first week after quitting marijuana and last up to two weeks. Marijuana dependence occurs when the brain adapts to large amounts of the drug by reducing its production and sensitivity to natural endocannabinoid neurotransmitters.

Marijuana addiction occurs when a person cannot stop using the drug even though it interferes with various aspects of their life. Estimates of the number of people addicted to marijuana are controversial, in part because epidemiological studies of substance use often use dependence as a proxy for addiction even though it is possible to be dependent without being addicted.

Seeking Treatment

If an individual believes they may have a problem with marijuana, they should speak to a medical professional. Even if someone’s SUD is mainly characterized by their dependence on marijuana, help is still available. A medical professional can help an individual determine the best first step for treatment, which may include detox: the process by which marijuana leaves the body and withdrawal symptoms are medically managed. 

Some people may not require detox for overcoming SUD related to marijuana, but may benefit from various forms of treatment, including therapy. Therapy can help an individual understand why they use marijuana, how it affects their life, and how they can cope with life’s stressors without the use of marijuana. Therapy for marijuana abuse can be completed at various levels of care, including inpatient or outpatient care. 

Marijuana is a commonly used drug. Contrary to popular belief, marijuana is, in fact, an addictive drug. Knowing whether or not you are addicted to marijuana starts with determining whether you meet certain criteria for SUD. If you believe you may have a problem with marijuana, it is best to speak to a medical professional. At The Kimberly Center, we are here to help you overcome marijuana addiction. The Kimberly Center provides a welcoming, open-minded community for adult men and women in Fort Myers, Florida. Our detox and outpatient programs are designed for individuals who need help with their addiction but are seeking a flexible environment to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities alongside their recovery journey. Let us help you take your first step toward healing today. Call The Kimberly Center to learn more about our program and how we can help you overcome marijuana addiction at (855) 452-3683.