Is marijuana addictive?

Although marijuana is one of the most widely used drugs in the world, many people wonder if the cannabis it comes from is addictive. The answer, however, is not as unambiguous as we might assume, because not everyone who uses marijuana for recreational purposes becomes addicted. We invite you to the article in which we will tell you more about it!

Most people who use marijuana for recreational purposes do not become addicted to it. They do not lose control over their lives (as in the case of addiction to hard drugs); they usually use the amount they want to use and control when and how they want to use it. When they use marijuana, they get exactly the results they expect and intend to get.

However, some marijuana users develop symptoms of actual addiction after long-term use of this unusual plant.

Can marijuana be addictive?

Although most people who use marijuana don't develop addiction, that doesn't mean it never happens. Some who use marijuana exhibit many behaviors that are commonly associated with addiction.

Cannabis use disorder or marijuana use disorder is a condition resulting 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 addiction or abuse of marijuana.

What does the research say about this?

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that about 30% of people who use marijuana will have problems with its abuse.

Signs of marijuana addiction

Someone who becomes addicted or is addicted to marijuana is likely to show some of the classic behavioral signs of addiction, which include m.in.:

             ⦁ Significant need to increase the amount of marijuana used

             ⦁ Substance use begins to play a key role in their lives

             ⦁ Spending more and more money on marijuana

             ⦁ Irritability and nervousness caused by lack of marijuana

             ⦁ Taking the substance regardless of well-being

             ⦁ Problems with decision making

             ⦁ Memory and concentration problems

             ⦁ Lack of motivation/ Apathy

Marijuana Addiction

A group of experts agree that substance dependence is accompanied by an increased level of tolerance to THC, which requires the use of increasing amounts to achieve the same effects, which in turn leads to withdrawal symptoms.

Most people who use marijuana do not experience increased tolerance. Quite a few early studies on marijuana addiction showed that marijuana use rarely causes tolerance and withdrawal, although marijuana, which is now available for purchase, is definitely stronger than marijuana from the '60s, containing higher levels of the active ingredient delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.

In addition, it has been found that marijuana addiction can affect the ability to respond to the neurotransmitter dopamine, which allows us to feel pleasure. In one study, people addicted to marijuana had fewer positive emotions, higher levels of stress, and increased irritability from people who didn't use cannabis.

Withdrawal effects

Recent studies show that tolerance to THC increases and that some people have typical withdrawal symptoms. Studies of people who chronically use and then quit marijuana show that they experience the following withdrawal symptoms:

Anxiety and insomnia

Loss of appetite

Excessive salivation

Decreased pulse

Irritability

Increased mood swings

Increase in aggressive behavior

Some researchers believe that because marijuana is much stronger these days, it increases the likelihood of developing physiological dependence in some people. Even if they are not physically or chemically addicted to marijuana, some people will develop a psychological dependence on the drug. This often persists even though the person knows they are addicted or want to quit smoking.

Is THC addictive? THC can be addictive Research suggests that THC is a substance that creates the possibility of addiction to marijuana due to its psychoactive properties.

Marijuana is made up of many ingredients called cannabinoids. Two of these ingredients, delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD phytocannabinoid that has no psychoactive effect), have effects commonly known to marijuana users.

Nowadays, "marijuana" usually contains more THC than in the past. For example, marijuana currently confiscated by law enforcement today contains an average of 15% THC compared to less than 4% of marijuana seized in the '90s.

Marijuana consumed in products made from marijuana extract, such as solvent-based oil, contains between 54% and 69% THC – in some cases it exceeds as much as 80%. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that the higher potency of marijuana currently available — especially with respect to THC levels — may be a factor in the increase in the number of people who develop cannabis abuse problems.

Mental health

Some studies have shown that people often use cannabis to reduce feelings of anxiety or depression, and self-medication in this way can often lead to drug addiction. Other mental health issues have also been reported in cannabis addicts.

This includes people struggling with panic disorder, ADHD symptoms, social phobia, and low self-esteem. People struggling with poor sleep quality may also use cannabis to relieve these symptoms (although thc has been found to reduce sleep quality in the long run).

Summary

Although most people who use marijuana occasionally do not develop their addiction. However, you should be aware that  marijuana addiction is possible. If you think you or a loved one is addicted to marijuana, talking to your doctor about your concerns is a great first step to getting help. There are many treatment options for addiction, and your doctor can work with you to find the best way to manage your addiction.