Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsIs Marijuana Addictive?SymptomsRisk FactorsEffect on the BrainIs Recreational Marijuana to Blame?Addiction CriteriaTreatmentFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Is Marijuana Addictive?
Symptoms
Risk Factors
Effect on the Brain
Is Recreational Marijuana to Blame?
Addiction Criteria
Treatment
Frequently Asked Questions
In light of the legalization of marijuana, many people have wondered about the substance, its safety, and whether it’s addictive. Marijuana—also called weed, cannabis, and other names—is a species of plant that is used as a medical and recreational drug.
People can become addicted to marijuana.While it is possible to try and use the substance without becomingaddicted, that is not the case for everyone. There are risks of use, even medicinally, and addiction is one of them.
Like any drug used medicinally, the potential risks of use are weighed against the potential benefits when deciding what should and should not be tried. Learn more about marijuana addiction, risk factors, effects on the brain, and more.
While some people can try and use marijuana without becoming addicted, it can also be addictive for some people. Marijuana use disorder, also known as cannabis use disorder, is when the use of marijuana negatively impacts a person’s health or life but they continue to use it anyway.
Although the numbers are not entirely known, it is estimated that 6.3 percent of adults have experienced marijuana use disorder, and that percentage is increasing.As many as 30 percent of people who use marijuana may experience marijuana use disorder.Marijuana use can also be associated with addiction and dependency.
Addiction vs. Dependency
Addiction and dependency are two terms that are often used interchangeably. There are differences between the two.
Substance dependence, also called chemical dependence, is when a person experiences physical dependence on a substance but is not addicted to it. One example is when a person who has taken a prescription medication for a long time stops taking that medication and experiences physical or mentalwithdrawal symptoms.Dependence symptoms can be cognitive, behavioral, and physical.
Dependence presents as a pattern. A person first uses a substance such as marijuana repeatedly. After regular use over time, they build a tolerance, where the effects of the substance are not noticed as much or at all. The person experiences symptoms when they stop using the substance, which makes them feel the need to use it again.
Symptoms of Cannabis Use Disorder
Symptoms may include:
One of the biggest risk factors of marijuana addiction may be age. People are up to seven times as likely to experience marijuana use disorder when they start using before the age of 18.Additionally, men are twice as likely as women to experience marijuana use disorder.
Other risk factors include:
Teenage Drug Addiction: A Complete Guide
Marijuana use can have a negative impact on the brain. THC, which stands fortetrahydrocannabinol, is the part of the cannabis plant that causes the mental effect.THC can cause changes to the brain that impact the structure and ability to function, including learning, memory, cognitive ability, and behavior—including future substance use. This is an increased concern for younger people exposed to THC, including babies during pregnancy.
The use of marijuana has also been found to be connected with lower IQ scores, compromised memory and cognitive ability, and decreased performance on tests.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. However, research is limited and the details of the negative effects on the brain are not fully understood.
The negative effects of marijuana are not limited to recreational marijuana. Medicinal marijuana use comes with risks too. Like other medicinal treatments for medical conditions, medicinal marijuana can have negative effects even though it is used to treat medical conditions.
Additionally, over 80 percent of people who use medicinal marijuana also use it recreationally.This can lead to more use and an increased risk of marijuana use disorder.
Medicinal Use of Marijuana
Medicinal marijuanais used to treat and manage a variety of medical concerns, including physical and mental health challenges. Despite the risks, studies of medicinal marijuana use have shown effectiveness. Nearly 90 percent of people who use medicinal marijuana claim that it helps them to manage their disease and symptoms, and many find that they are able to decrease their use of other medications.
The Debate Over the Legalization of Marijuana for Medical Use
Conditions commonly treated with medical marijuana include:
Marijuana Addiction Criteria
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) classifies the diagnostic criteria for cannabis use disorder.Use of the substance must be associated with impairment or distress. Diagnosis of this condition requires at least two of the 11 criteria within one year.
Cannabis Use Disorder DSM-5 Criteria
Help for Cannabis Use Disorder
Substance Use HelplineIf you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Substance Use Helpline
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
Summary
It is possible to become addicted to marijuana. Cannabis use disorder involves continued use of the substance even though the person experiences negative health or life effects from it. Men and young people are at an increased risk.
A Word From Verywell
Marijuana addiction can be challenging both for the person experiencing the addiction and for those around them. Marijuana use disorder, addiction, and dependence are treatable.
If you suspect marijuana use disorder, dependence, or addiction in yourself or someone else, help is available. Reach out to a healthcare professional such as a primary care provider or a psychologist for support. Substance use resources are also available in local communities and at the state level.
The Effects of Drug Addiction on the Brain and Body
Compared to alcohol, marijuana is considered to be less addictive for most people. However, that does not mean there are no risks, and marijuana can still be addictive.Learn MoreMarijuana Abuse and Addiction: Know the Signs
Compared to alcohol, marijuana is considered to be less addictive for most people. However, that does not mean there are no risks, and marijuana can still be addictive.
Learn MoreMarijuana Abuse and Addiction: Know the Signs
THC affects the hippocampus and the orbitofrontal cortex. This impairs focus, memory, and functioning. It can also be addictive.Learn MoreWhat Is the Endocannabinoid System?
THC affects the hippocampus and the orbitofrontal cortex. This impairs focus, memory, and functioning. It can also be addictive.
Learn MoreWhat Is the Endocannabinoid System?
Compared to recreational marijuana, medicinal marijuana typically contains a higher percentage of cannabidiol (CBD) and lower percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), making it less likely to be addictive. However, it does contain THC and patients can become addicted.Learn MoreWhat Are Cannabinoids?
Compared to recreational marijuana, medicinal marijuana typically contains a higher percentage of cannabidiol (CBD) and lower percentage of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), making it less likely to be addictive. However, it does contain THC and patients can become addicted.
Learn MoreWhat Are Cannabinoids?
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Cannabis.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Marijuana research report.Yale Medicine.Cannabis/marijuana use disorder.National Institutes of Health.Marijuana use disorder is common and often untreated.American Psychological Association.Addiction.American Psychological Association.Substance dependence.American Addiction Centers.Marijuana use disorder.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: What you need to know.Turna J, Balodis I, Munn C, Van Ameringen M, Busse J, MacKillop J.Overlapping patterns of recreational and medical cannabis use in a large community sample of cannabis users.Comprehensive Psychiatry. 2020;102:152188. doi:10.1016//j.comppsych.2020.152188StatPearls.Cannabis use disorder.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Cannabis.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Marijuana research report.Yale Medicine.Cannabis/marijuana use disorder.National Institutes of Health.Marijuana use disorder is common and often untreated.American Psychological Association.Addiction.American Psychological Association.Substance dependence.American Addiction Centers.Marijuana use disorder.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: What you need to know.Turna J, Balodis I, Munn C, Van Ameringen M, Busse J, MacKillop J.Overlapping patterns of recreational and medical cannabis use in a large community sample of cannabis users.Comprehensive Psychiatry. 2020;102:152188. doi:10.1016//j.comppsych.2020.152188StatPearls.Cannabis use disorder.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychological Association.Cannabis.National Institute on Drug Abuse.Marijuana research report.Yale Medicine.Cannabis/marijuana use disorder.National Institutes of Health.Marijuana use disorder is common and often untreated.American Psychological Association.Addiction.American Psychological Association.Substance dependence.American Addiction Centers.Marijuana use disorder.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: What you need to know.Turna J, Balodis I, Munn C, Van Ameringen M, Busse J, MacKillop J.Overlapping patterns of recreational and medical cannabis use in a large community sample of cannabis users.Comprehensive Psychiatry. 2020;102:152188. doi:10.1016//j.comppsych.2020.152188StatPearls.Cannabis use disorder.
American Psychological Association.Cannabis.
National Institute on Drug Abuse.Marijuana research report.
Yale Medicine.Cannabis/marijuana use disorder.
National Institutes of Health.Marijuana use disorder is common and often untreated.
American Psychological Association.Addiction.
American Psychological Association.Substance dependence.
American Addiction Centers.Marijuana use disorder.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabinoids: What you need to know.
Turna J, Balodis I, Munn C, Van Ameringen M, Busse J, MacKillop J.Overlapping patterns of recreational and medical cannabis use in a large community sample of cannabis users.Comprehensive Psychiatry. 2020;102:152188. doi:10.1016//j.comppsych.2020.152188
StatPearls.Cannabis use disorder.
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