Is Cannabis Addictive?

Cannabis use can be harmful.  Some individuals who use cannabis heavily and daily can’t stop even when it interferes with their quality of life. According to the DSM-5, this pattern of abuse and dependence is known as cannabis use disorder.  Recent data suggest that 30 percent of marijuana users may have some degree of marijuana use disorder.  People who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are 4 to 7 times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder than adults.

Marijuana use disorder becomes an addiction when the person cannot stop using the drug even though it interferes with many aspects of his or her life.

In 2014, 4.176 million people in the U.S. abused or were dependent on marijuana; 138,000 voluntarily sought treatment for their marijuana use.

Symptoms of Cannabis Use Disorder
Experiencing two or more of the following symptoms within 12 months may suggest cannabis use disorder:

• You use larger amounts over a longer period.
• You want to cut back but you just can’t stop using.
• You spend too much time trying to get marijuana.
• You have strong cravings and desire to use.
• You can no longer meet obligations at work, school or home.
• Using affects your relationships.
• You continue to use even in hazardous situations.
• You continue using even when it presents physical or psychological problems.
• You develop a tolerance. (a) You need more to achieve the same high and (b) you experience a diminished effect when using the same amount.

For heavy users, stopping may cause withdrawal symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, irritability, anxiety and depression and a decrease in appetite.

Compared to all of these drugs, marijuana has the lowest addiction rate — only 9.1 percent of all users become addicted.