Is Marijuana Addictive?

By
Buddy T
Updated on May 15, 2023
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by
John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE
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Olena Ruban / Getty Images

Table of Contents
 Is Marijuana Addictive?
 Signs
 Causes
 Effects
 Treatment

While marijuana is one of the most commonly used drugs in the United States, many people
have the same question: Is marijuana addictive? The answer is yes, it can be. While not everyone
who uses marijuana will become addicted, it is not uncommon, and certain factors may increase
your risk.

However, some who use marijuana develop the symptoms of addiction after chronic marijuana
use.1 Marijuana also poses several other health risks that people should consider.

While a number of states have legalized marijuana for medicinal or recreational use, it is
essential to be aware that marijuana is still illegal according to federal law. This also applies to
any cannabis-derived products containing more than 0.3% THC

Is Marijuana Addictive?
Cannabis use disorder, or marijuana use disorder, results from chronic cannabis use. 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.2

Prevalence

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.3

Signs of Marijuana Addiction

Someone who becomes addicted or dependent upon marijuana will likely display some of the
classic behavioral symptoms of addiction, which include:2

 They will begin to need increasingly larger amounts.

 They will spend more time thinking about using.
 Substance use will begin to take a central role in their life.
 They will spend more time and money acquiring more marijuana.
 They will become irritable or agitated if they run out.
 As negative consequences mount, they will continue to use.
 They will deny claims from those close to them that they have changed.
Two of the most common signs of cannabis use disorder are physical dependence and
withdrawal.

Marijuana Dependence
Most experts agree that dependence on a substance is accompanied by a build-up of tolerance to
that substance, requiring increasingly larger amounts to get the same effects and leading to
withdrawal symptoms when someone stops using the substance.4

Most early research into marijuana addiction suggested that marijuana use rarely produced
tolerance and withdrawal. However, the marijuana that is available today is more potent than the
marijuana of the 1960s, containing higher levels of the active ingredient delta-9-
tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive component in weed.5

The increased potency of modern marijuana strains means that there is a greater risk for
tolerance, dependence, addiction, and withdrawal.

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. In one study, those who had
marijuana dependence had fewer positive emotions, higher stress levels, and increased
irritability.6

How Dopamine Influences Your Mental Health

Marijuana Withdrawal
Today's research shows that tolerance does develop to THC and that withdrawal symptoms do
occur in some people. Studies of those who chronically use and then quit marijuana show that
they experience these withdrawal symptoms:7

 Anxiety and insomnia

 Loss of appetite
 Excessive salivation
 Decreased pulse
 Irritability
 Increased mood swings
 Increase in aggressive behavior

Some researchers believe that because today's pot is much more potent, it makes it more likely
that some people will develop physiological dependence.5

Even if not physically or chemically dependent on marijuana, some people will develop a
psychological dependence upon the drug. This often persists despite a person knowing they have
a dependence or wanting to quit.8
Why Is Marijuana Addictive?
Experts are still investigating why some people become addicted while others don't. There are
various reasons that a person might become dependent on marijuana. Of course, this doesn't
mean that you will develop an addiction to marijuana if you experience one or more of these risk
factors.

Higher Potency Factor

Marijuana is made up of many components called cannabinoids. Two of these components,
delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), have effects that are commonly
known to people who use marijuana. THC is known as the substance that makes a person feel a
"high," while CBD often promotes a feeling of relaxation.

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.9

Is THC Addictive?

THC can be addictive. Studies suggest that THC is the substance that creates the potential for
addiction with weed because of its psychoactive properties.10

Today, weed typically contains more THC than in the past. For instance, marijuana confiscated
by law enforcement today contains an average of 15% THC compared to less than 4% in weed
confiscated in the 1990s. Researchers are investigating if higher potency is the reason for an
increase in emergency department visits by people testing positive for marijuana.11

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%.12

Age People Begin Smoking

Experts are finding a link between the age you begin using cannabis and the likelihood that you'll
develop a dependence on it. One study found that people who used cannabis starting at age 14 to
15 had a higher probability of developing dependence. On the other hand, for those who started
using cannabis after age 15, the risk of developing a dependence drastically decreased.13

Another study found that those who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are four to seven
times more likely to develop a cannabis use disorder later in life.1

Frequency of Use
Daily or weekly marijuana use has been found to increase the chances that a person becomes
dependent on the drug in the future. If you use cannabis infrequently, or abstain completely for
long periods of time between uses, this has been found to lower the odds that you'll develop a
dependence later on.

However, how a person engages with weed is an important factor as well. For instance, one
study found that "solitary use," or using the drug by yourself, was a strong sign that a
dependence would form in the future.13

Genetics
Family relationships have been found to play a role in some cases of cannabis addiction. For
instance, one study found that if your biological parents abuse alcohol or other drugs, you may
be more likely to abuse alcohol or other drugs, including marijuana.14

A 2020 study found that people have "genetic liability" with cannabis use disorder, meaning they
are born with specific genes that increase their risk.15 However, experts agree there are usually
more contributing factors such as environment, access to marijuana, socioeconomic status, and
more.

Mental Health
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.
Other mental health considerations have been noted in people with cannabis dependence as well.

This includes people coping with panic disorder, with symptoms of ADHD, social anxiety
disorder, and low self-esteem. Those coping with poor sleep quality may also use cannabis to
relieve these symptoms (although in the long term, it's been found to decrease sleep quality).

Research is mixed as to whether mental health issues are more often the cause of cannabis abuse,
or whether dependence on cannabis can, in turn, lead to mental health issues.13

Effects of Marijuana Addiction

There are many chronic effects associated with cannabis use disorder. It has been found people
with this condition often experience impaired cognitive functioning. This might mean:

 Memory loss
 Trouble concentrating
 Decreased problem-solving skills
 Low ability to control emotions
 Difficulty making decisions16
Cannabis use disorder can impact other areas. Studies have found those who struggle with
cannabis dependence often find dissatisfaction in various areas of their lives, including
relationships, career, and education.17

Treatment for Marijuana Addiction

Treatments are available that can help people overcome marijuana addiction. Such treatments
primarily focus on psychotherapy, but researchers are also exploring medications that might
someday be helpful.18

Therapy
Fortunately, there are many types of treatment for cannabis use disorder. These include specific
types of therapy.

 Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A therapist will work with you to address any
underlying mental health issues, thoughts, or behaviors that contribute to your addiction.
Together, you identify healthy coping mechanisms to address these.
 Contingency management: This method is sometimes used at substance abuse clinics. It
focuses on promoting positive behavior (abstaining from marijuana) through rewards. For
example, a clinic might give material objects as prizes or even give money to those with
negative drug tests.19
 Motivational enhancement therapy: This focuses on a person's internal attitudes and
beliefs. A therapist would help you to create statements that reflect why you want to stop
using marijuana, and together, you create an action plan to quit.20

Lifestyle Modifications
In addition, certain lifestyle changes may help you reduce or stop your marijuana use.

 Change your social environment: It can be more challenging to quit cannabis when
those around you are still using it. One study found that people who recovered from
cannabis use disorder found it helpful to socialize with people who did not use cannabis
as part of their recovery.21
 Focus on the reasons you want to quit: If you remind yourself of the reasons you want
to quit cannabis, you might feel more motivated. Try keeping a list of reasons in your
bedroom or on your fridge so you see it everyday.
 Engage in new hobbies: You will probably have more time on your hands when you quit
marijuana, so it can be useful to find a new hobby or activity that you enjoy. This can
help distract you from any cravings as well as boost your mood, especially if it's physical
activity.

People develop cannabis dependence for different reasons, so it's important to address any
underlying issues. For instance, those who use marijuana to cope with anxiety, depression, or
sleep disorders can find more appropriate treatment types—including lifestyle changes, therapy,
and medication—to help relieve their symptoms.3

Medication
In addition, experts are investigating whether there are specific medications that can help with
cannabis use disorder. Some antidepressants have been shown to help with withdrawal
symptoms.8 You can consult with your health care professional to see if this is a viable treatment
option for you.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for
information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.

How Effective Is Drug Treatment?

21 Sources
By Buddy T
Buddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee
with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Because he is a member of
a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not
use his photograph or his real name on this website.
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