Dr. Smita Das often encounters a common misconception: that marijuana is not addictive. This belief is growing as more states legalize cannabis, with around half allowing recreational use and 40 states permitting medical use. However, Dr. Das, an addiction psychiatrist at Stanford University, warns that cannabis can lead to addiction, known as cannabis use disorder.
Currently, around 30% of cannabis users may develop this disorder, according to the CDC. Recognizing if you or someone you know has a problem with marijuana is important, especially since the strength of cannabis has significantly increased over the years. In the 1960s, marijuana contained less than 5% THC, the active compound, while today, some products have THC levels reaching 40% or more, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Identifying Cannabis Use Disorder
Signs of cannabis use disorder can include difficulties in daily life, health issues, or strained relationships. If someone needs to consume more marijuana to achieve the same effects, experiences withdrawal symptoms, or spends considerable time obtaining or using cannabis, these are warning signs. “It’s about how much the substance impacts daily functioning,” Dr. Das explains.
Degrees of Addiction
Cannabis use disorder is categorized based on different criteria. If someone meets just two criteria, they may have a mild form of the disorder; if they meet six or more, it’s classified as severe. A survey from 2024 indicated that 7% of Americans aged 12 and older experienced cannabis use disorder, with most having a mild form.
What’s fascinating is that cannabis affects individuals differently. While one person may find it disrupts their life, another may not experience significant issues.
Finding Help
Many people seek help for cannabis use after dealing with other addictions, like alcohol. Dr. Das highlights that there are effective treatments available. Motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are two approaches that help individuals change their behavior and thought patterns.
Support networks play a key role in recovery. Programs like Marijuana Anonymous provide community support, which can be vital for those looking to quit. A notable example is Dave Bushnell, who started a Reddit group for individuals struggling with cannabis addiction. With 350,000 members, it emphasizes peer support, showing how online communities can be advantageous for recovery.
Experts agree that seeking help for cannabis use is crucial, as legality does not equate to safety. “Just because something’s legal doesn’t mean it’s without risk,” Dr. Das cautions.
For further reading, you can check resources from the CDC or the National Institute on Drug Abuse for more detailed information about cannabis use and its effects.
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