Is Marijuana Addictive?

Marijuana, usually known as weed, is a narcotic made from the leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica plants. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a substance found in plants that has mind-altering characteristics.

Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit substance in the United States, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Despite the fact that nine states, including Washington, D.C. Have legalized marijuana for recreational use and 29 states have approved medicinal marijuana, marijuana remains illegal in many more states.

People undergoing cancer treatment have been demonstrated to benefit from marijuana, specifically THC. Which has been demonstrated to lessen chemotherapy-induced vomiting and nausea. It may also aid in the relief of nerve damage pain (neuropathy) in those living with HIV or other illnesses.

Is Marijuana A Habit-forming Substance?

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 30% of marijuana users may have a marijuana use problem. It is predicted that between 10% and 30% of people who smoke marijuana will acquire dependency, with only 9% developing addiction. However, specific figures are unavailable.

When a drug is stopped or not ingested for a length of time, a substance use disorder manifests itself as dependence or withdrawal symptoms. When your brain becomes accustomed to the presence of marijuana in your system, it lowers the synthesis of endocannabinoid receptors. For several weeks after discontinuing, you may experience irritation, mood fluctuations, sleep issues, cravings, restlessness, and a lack of appetite. This is not the same as addiction.

Addiction develops when a person’s brain or behaviour are altered as a result of the drug. According to NIDA, because it is possible to be dependent without being addicted, there are no credible statistics on marijuana addiction.

Around 4 million persons matched the diagnostic criteria for a marijuana use disorder in 2015. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, roughly 15.1 million people over the age of 18 in the U.s satisfied the criterion for alcohol addiction in the same year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 37.8 million adults in the United States smoked cigarettes in 2016. 

What Are The Negative Consequences Of Using Marijuanas?

Different kinds of marijuanas can have varying amounts of THC. And there’s always the potential of other chemicals or drugs being laced in the pot, depending on who’s distributing it. Marijuanas obtained from medical marijuana dispensaries is typically regarded as safe. Although some side effects, such as those listed below, are dose dependant, they can occur at any moment.

Some Of The Negative Consequences Of Marijuanas Include:

• exhaustion
• mouth that is dry
• a migraine
• eyes that are dry
• altered state or dissociation
• a cough
• increased appetite (sometimes known as “the munchies”)
• changed perception of time
• altered state or dissociation
• blood pressure that is too high
• lightheadedness or dizziness
• memory problems

Weed can cause hallucinations, delusions, and psychosis at large dosages. However, this is an outlier and not the norm. Some specialists feel that those who experience psychosis as a result of marijuana use are already at risk of developing psychosis.

Weed may exacerbate manic episodes in some persons with bipolar disorder. Marijuana usage on a regular basis may exacerbate depressive symptoms and raise the likelihood of developing depression. If you have a mental health problem, this is something you should think about and discuss with your doctor or therapist.

It’s worth checking if you’re taking any medications, whether prescription or over-the-counter, to see if there are any possible interactions. Weed can amplify the effects of alcohol, interfere with blood clotting drugs, and raise the risk of mania in persons using SSRI antidepressants. Consult your doctor about the medications and supplements you’re taking, as well as any known side effects.

The Bottom Line

Marijuana can help a wide range of people, notably those suffering from pain, vomiting, or a significant lack of appetite. Weed, like many other drugs or supplements, has the potential to become addictive in certain people.

Addiction is complicated by a lot of circumstances, and the absence of precise statistics on marijuana makes it even more so. If you’re concerned about the possibility of addiction, discuss your concerns with your doctor.

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