Key Takeaways
- Much of weed today has higher THC content, increasing your likelihood of dependence and addiction.
- Weed addiction is real and arises from your brain’s chemical dependence on the dopamine that weed generates when used habitually.
- Weed addiction symptoms include experiencing withdrawal when trying to quit, having weed cravings, developing a tolerance to weed, and neglecting responsibilities to get high.
- To achieve lasting sobriety from weed, you need to seek professional weed addiction treatment to overcome your addiction’s root causes.
Well, is weed addiction real? As weed gets more mainstream in today’s culture, it’s easy to wonder if all this addiction talk is just “fake news.” So many people are touting the benefits of cannabis for your health and well-being (or at least, it may come across that way), after all. Is it possible that weed could actually be addictive?
Perhaps you’ve been using weed for some time and feel like it’s become more than a routine activity. Maybe someone you love has recently started smoking weed or experimenting with edibles. Regardless of what brought you here, you’re wondering whether weed is just a harmless, holistic drug or something worse. Let’s find out.
The Truth About Weed’s Potency
When you picture weed, what comes to mind? You might think about alternative medicine, CBD oils, dab bars, the cannabis shop down the street, or getting high with friends in the park. You’re probably not thinking about compulsive behavior or chemical dependency (more on that later).
In truth, all kinds of people think of weed as a harmless, lightweight drug meant to help you relax or feel good. But the real truth is that modern weed today isn’t the same as the kind that has helped facilitate weed assumptions for the past few decades. High THC weed is now much more common today.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the natural chemical compound within cannabis responsible for weed’s intoxicating effects. And as weed has become legal in several US states, its THC levels have increased substantially. According to Boston University, THC levels in mainstream weed have quadrupled since the 1990s. In 2017, average THC levels in weed seized by the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) were 17% (compared to 4% in 1995), and those THC levels have only continued to rise in recent years. Other weed products, such as edibles, dabs, and oils, can have even higher THC levels (up to 90%), shares Yale University.
As you’re wondering whether weed addiction is real, it’s important to understand that this higher potency weed does more to your body and mind than just producing a bigger high. It can cause some negative long-term consequences that shouldn’t be ignored.
Is Weed Addiction Real? Yes—And Here’s Why
Is weed addiction real? The quick answer is “yes.” But more explanation is required to understand the reality of cannabis addiction.
Using weed (even high THC weed) doesn’t mean you’ll get addicted to it. But recent research has estimated that 3 in 10 people who use weed have a weed addiction, according to US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And the risk of becoming addicted to weed is even greater if you start using weed before age 18. More recent research also suggests that 1 in 3 weed users may actually have a weed addiction, shares The Guardian.
So if weed addiction is real, what’s the reason behind it? For starters, weed generates dopamine in your brain. Of course, lots of things produce dopamine, your brain’s pleasure chemical. Dopamine is necessary for our survival. But weed generates a lot of it, so you remember your experience as pleasurable and rewarding. From a thinking standpoint, it’s easy to want to do it again after you experience your first high.
But continued use of weed over time lessens the effects of dopamine on your brain. That means the high isn’t as enjoyable as it used to be. To correct this, you can end up using more weed at greater frequencies in hopes of reclaiming that potent high. Habitually using weed in this way can cause your brain and body to develop a chemical dependency on this constant inundation of dopamine. When this happens, you compulsively need weed to function, and you have an addiction.
Though weed already is an addictive drug, high potency weed only raises the stakes. According to NBC News, research has shown that high THC weed increases your risks of developing a weed addiction, with one report even indicating a sevenfold increase in risk.
Is Weed Addiction Real? Debunking the Myths
Can you become addicted to weed? Absolutely. But in the “Is Weed Addiction Real?” debate, there are common misconceptions that can get in the way of this truth. Let’s debunk a few of these myths right now, such as:
- “Edibles aren’t as bad as smoking weed”: Are edibles addictive, too? Yes, actually. Though eating THC gummies or brownies may seem more innocuous, it’s not actually the case. Consuming weed via edibles can still lead to addiction, and sometimes even more so. Edibles are usually infused with higher amounts of THC than joints and will take longer for their effects to “kick in.” This puts you at greater risk of addiction, as well as overdose.
- “There aren’t severe health risks to long-term weed use”: Aside from addiction, long-term weed usage can put you at risk of other adverse health problems, such as:
- Cognitive impairment
- Psychosis
- Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), consisting of severe digestion issues, nausea, and vomiting
- Schizophrenia
- Anxiety and depression
- Increased risk of heart attack
- “The government exaggerates the risks of weed”: According to The Guardian, this has been a persistent myth for almost 100 years, ever since propaganda films of the 1930s. However, marijuana addiction studies aren’t funded to push a false, institutional narrative. Research has proven time and again that weed addiction is real.
Am I Addicted to Weed? Marijuana Addiction Signs and Symptoms
“Am I addicted to weed?” You may be wondering this yourself if you’ve sensed that you need weed just to get through your day. But how can you know if you’re addicted to weed? There are telltale signs and symptoms of marijuana addiction to look out for, including:
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you stop or reduce your weed usage (irritability, sleep issues, decreased appetite, restlessness, etc.)
- Craving weed or feeling the strong urge to use it
- Spending a lot of your time acquiring, using, or recovering from weed
- Using weed more often and in larger amounts than planned
- The inability to quit or reduce your weed usage
- Needing more weed to get the same high
- Neglecting work, school, or personal responsibilities to use weed
- Persisting in weed usage despite its negative consequences
- Bypassing enjoyable hobbies or social activities in favor of getting high
SOURCE: Cleveland Clinic
Let’s Talk About Weed Addiction Treatment
Is weed addiction real? Hopefully this has answered your question. It’s also fair if this has raised additional questions in your mind, particularly about what to do next if you’re addicted to weed.
Suppose you have a weed addiction. If you want to quit weed and find long-term healing, you can’t on your own. Instead, you need weed addiction rehab if you truly want to get sober.
At Sana at Stowe in Stowe, Vermont, we take a comprehensive, holistic approach to weed addiction treatment. That means we address your addiction at its source, not just your symptoms. By healing your addiction’s root causes (often deeper issues like unresolved past trauma or mental health disorders), you’re more likely to sustain your recovery in mind, body and spirit.
Our treatment programs also take you on a unique journey of self-discovery. With our help, you’re empowered to reach your full potential with new patterns of behavior aligned with your personal values. In other words, you finish treatment equipped to reclaim your life and stay healthy long-term. To learn more, call our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is synthetic marijuana addictive?
Yes, synthetic cannabinoids such as K2 and Spice are also addictive like marijuana and even more dangerous. Because synthetic cannabis is illegal and clandestinely made, there’s no way to know exactly what you’re putting into your body, including its potency.
How long does weed addiction withdrawal last?
Withdrawal symptoms usually start within 48 hours after stopping weed use. These symptoms may last for a few days to a week’s time. However, it can take up to three weeks to detox from marijuana.
What weed addiction treatment services does Sana at Stowe provide?
We provide a full continuum of care in our marijuana addiction treatment program, including:
- Detox and withdrawal management
- Residential treatment
- Evidence-based treatment
- Trauma-focused care
- Wellness and holistic services
