Marijuana specifically refers to cannabis strains high in THC, the compound responsible for psychoactive effects. In contrast, hemp is a type of cannabis with low THC and is primarily used for industrial products like textiles and CBD oil. Frequent high-dose use redounds to cannabis addiction, effectuating dependence, and withdrawal symptoms. When cannabis is used therapeutically, it would not be uncommon to change dosages, especially during the initial treatment period. And if the treatment is effective, it would be anticipated that cessation of the drug would result in withdrawal symptoms. But the mere presence of these symptoms, irrespective of the reason, is sufficient to diagnose cannabis use disorder, at least as the DSM criteria are now written.
Physical Signs of Marijuana Addiction
The researchers concluded that CUDIT-R was a poor measure of possible cannabis use disorder among patients using marijuana for medical purposes. Support and treatment are available if someone develops cannabis use disorder or wants to stop using cannabis. Someone with CUD may experience cravings and an increased tolerance for cannabis. They may also neglect social or work obligations to use the substance.
- THC, which stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the part of the cannabis plant that causes the mental effect.
- One of the most noticeable impacts of marijuana addiction is a decline in productivity and motivation, often referred to as amotivation syndrome.
- Do you keep using it even though bad things happen, like problems at work, school, or with friends and family?
- This condition can be diagnosed by a healthcare professional such as a medical doctor or psychologist.
These symptoms vary in severity depending on factors like the individual’s level of use, duration of cannabis use, and biological factors. Although not typically life-threatening, marijuana withdrawal can be challenging and may require support to manage effectively. In many parts of the United States, marijuana is legal for both recreational and medical use.
- If you vape or smoke weed, THC could get into your bloodstream quickly enough for you to get your high in seconds or minutes.
- Of the 12 studies, 10 were conducted in the United States, one in Canada and one in India.
- According to Norberg MM et al.’s 2013 study titled “Primary Prevention of Cannabis Use,” published in the Plos One Journal, community-based prevention programs decrease marijuana use rates by up to 25% among adolescents when implemented effectively.
Chronic consumption also contributes to lung damage and cardiovascular severities. 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.
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Over time, use may undermine dopamine production, causing someone to use more of the drug or to use it more often to attain the same feelings of pleasure, which can lead to dependence and addiction. They reported potential health benefits and expressed a desire for scientific research to investigate these potential benefits. Cannabis is one of the most popular recreational drugs in the United States.
What are the Causes of Marijuana Addiction?
“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. According to a research by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the average THC content in confiscated marijuana samples in 1990 was just under 4 percent. But family ties is marijuana addictive may also help some people avoid progressing to a state of addiction.
- In a nutshell, the chemicals—endocannabinoids—that trigger these receptors act as a sort of exclamation point on neural communication, indicating that whatever the message just transmitted across the synapse, it was important.
- Yes, marijuana and cannabis refer to the same plant, Cannabis sativa, but the terms are used differently.
- For those with PTSD who experience nightmares, it shuts down the process by which dreams form in the brain.
- Moreover, in cannabis abusers, but not in controls, acute THC intoxication elicited activation of brain reward regions as assessed by increases in brain glucose metabolism in striatum and orbitofrontal cortex (Volkow et al. 1996a).
- THC, marijuana’s main psychoactive compound, stimulates dopamine release, creating pleasurable effects.
As well as the frequency of cannabis use, factors that may affect someone’s risk of CUD include a family history of substance use and how long someone has been a cannabis user. A 2016 study suggests that non-inhaled delivery methods, such as an oral mouth spray, may not affect levels of misuse, dependence, or diversion, which is the illegal distribution or misuse of prescription drugs. Some estimates suggest that around 9% of cannabis users have an addiction.
- Globally, cannabis laws differ widely, with some countries imposing strict prohibitions while others have legalized its use.
- According to the Center For Disease Controls 2024 post on “Cannabis Facts and Stats”, approximately 52.5 million Americans, or about 19% of the population, reported using marijuana at least once in 2021.
- Chronic marijuana use causes physiological changes in the brain that may contribute to misuse and dependence.
- You could also try to set limits such as only using marijuana on certain days of the week, like the weekends.
- In 2018, it was more than 15%.8 Marijuana concentrates also have a much higher level of THC.
Your health insurance company will only pay for services that it determines to be “reasonable and necessary.” The treatment center will make every effort to have all services preauthorized by your health insurance company. If your health insurance company determines that a particular service is not reasonable and necessary, or that a particular service is not covered under your plan, your insurer will deny payment for that service and it will become your responsibility. Finding the right help through therapy, peer support, or family guidance is essential to lasting recovery. Contact an addiction specialist or a local rehab center for personalized rehab information. Treatment for marijuana addiction often varies based on individual needs, and a personalized approach that combines several therapies is typically the most effective. Programs like Marijuana Anonymous (MA) and other peer support groups provide a community of individuals who share similar experiences.
These effects shoot from an excessive level of THC in the bloodstream, instigating overstimulation of the brain and nervous system. In severe cases, individuals experience hyperactivity, pathological behavioral changes, sudden elevated blood pressure, chest pain, heart rhythm disturbances, heart attack, stroke, or seizures. It’s important to note that while fatal overdoses are extremely rare, the adverse effects are enormous and require medical attention. Marijuana is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under U.S. federal law, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, though some states have legalized it for medicinal and recreational use.
Effects on Relationships, Work, and Social Life #
These cognitive effects are detrimental to an individual’s personal and professional life and have long-term consequences on their overall well-being. Seeking help for marijuana addiction is necessary to address these impairments and improve cognitive function. Regular marijuana use for many years can put you at risk for this condition. One theory is that cannabis use could overactivate the cannabinoid receptors in your brain. Many people find that hot showers and baths can help them control symptoms.