Marijuana Addiction Signs, Symptoms, Causes, & Statistics

Marijuana, also known by the scientific name cannabis, is a mix of dried, shredded leaves and flowers from the hemp plant. People sometimes refer to it as weed, pot, grass, or Mary Jane (MJ). The plant contains chemical compounds known as cannabinoids. These compounds interact with the human body’s natural endocannabinoid system. THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana, is responsible for the altered state of consciousness, or “high,” people often experience when they consume weed. People can smoke, vaporize, or ingest weed orally. THC levels are very high in recreational weed, and its use can lead to various adverse health effects. 

Synthetic versions of cannabis have a range of medical purposes. A medical professional can prescribe synthetic cannabis to treat nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. When administered under the guidance of a doctor, the drug can help stimulate the appetites of people who have certain behavioral health conditions, like anorexia nervosa. People who regularly consume recreational cannabis often report using the drug to help cope with insomnia, pain, or mental health concerns like anxiety. 

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, cannabis use can affect short-term memory, feelings of pleasure, attention, motor coordination, thought processes, and the ability to perceive time accurately. People who excessively consume recreational weed are at an elevated risk for developing substance use disorders or co-occurring mental health disorders, according to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).  

Weed is the most widely used federally illegal drug in the U.S. Weed addiction statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reveal the following: 

• In 2019, 48.2 million people, or around 18% of people in the U.S., reported consuming weed at least once in the past year. 
• Three in 10 people who consume weed meet the qualifications for marijuana use disorder. 
• Long-term or frequent marijuana use has been linked to an increased risk for developing schizophrenia, psychosis, and certain conduct disorders. 
• There are 50.68% more people who smoke weed than people who smoke cigarettes. 
• Marijuana is the most common illicit drug found in drivers who die in vehicle accidents. 
• Daily marijuana use in young women under the age of 21 is associated with a significant increase in depression and anxiety symptoms. 
• People who use marijuana before the age of 12 are twice as likely to develop a mental health disorder compared with those who first use marijuana at an older age. 

At The Refuge, we understand how challenging it can be to reach out for help for a weed addiction. We are available to help you begin your recovery journey so that you can live a healthier and more fulfilling life. 

There is no single cause of the development of a weed addiction. A combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental aspects may contribute to some people developing marijuana use disorder. These causes and risk factors may include: 

• Genetic factors: Some people are more susceptible to developing substance use disorders like weed addiction. According to the DSM–5, hereditary factors account for 30%-80% of the overall risk for developing an addiction to weed. 
• Brain chemistry: THC, the chemical compound responsible for the feelings of euphoria that are often associated with consuming marijuana, attaches to specific sites throughout the body called cannabinoid receptors. Weed can affect the brain’s reward system by causing it to release dopamine, which contributes to these feelings of pleasure. Some people develop a mental addiction to this feeling. 
• Psychological factors: Underlying mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and certain personality disorders can increase the risk for developing marijuana use disorder. Some people may consume marijuana to self-medicate feelings of emotional distress, especially if they lack the coping skills necessary to manage stress in a healthy way. 
• Environmental factors: The environment in which someone lives can significantly impact their likelihood of developing a substance use disorder like weed addiction. Factors such as peer pressure, availability of weed, and exposure to stressful or traumatic events, especially during childhood, can contribute to the development of marijuana use disorder. 
• Early exposure: If someone’s first exposure to weed is during adolescence, they are at increased risk for developing marijuana use disorder. The developing brain is more susceptible to the effects of substances like weed. This can lead some people to develop other addictions and mental health disorders like schizophrenia later in life. 
• Misinformation: Some people believe that marijuana is harmless or less dangerous than other substances, like opioids and alcohol. This belief can cause people to underestimate the risks associated with weed and can lead to excessive or compulsive use. 

Not everyone who consumes marijuana will develop an addiction. A combination of risk factors can lead to a weed addiction. However, some people may have problematic weed use patterns that negatively impact their daily lives. These individuals may benefit from the clinical services offered at The Refuge. 

The growing acceptance and legalization of weed in the U.S. have contributed to its rising use, especially among young people. While many people consume weed recreationally without developing an addiction, cannabis use can still lead to a range of psychological, cognitive, and physical symptoms of weed addiction and dependence. These symptoms of weed addiction can significantly impact a person’s well-being and daily functioning. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of marijuana use disorder can help people determine if they need professional intervention.  

If someone is showing signs of a weed addiction, they may suffer from the following symptoms: 

• Extreme mood swings 
• Sudden depressed mood 
• Impaired judgment and difficulty making decisions 
• Distorted sensory perception 
• Short-term memory loss 
• Personality changes 
• Paranoia 
• Anxiety 
• Suicidal ideation 
• Elevated heart rate 
• High blood pressure 
• Rapid breathing 
• Dry mouth 
• Increased appetite 
• Excessive sleepiness and fatigue 
• Problems with motor coordination and depth perception 

If someone you love is struggling with marijuana use disorder, they might display the following signs of weed addiction: 

• Red eyes 
• Having a cannabis odor on clothing 
• Yellowing of the fingertips 
• Chronic cough 
• Frequently burning candles or incense 
• Having extreme cravings for specific foods, sometimes at unusual times of the day 

There is hope for someone who is displaying signs and symptoms of a weed addiction. With the proper support and resources, people who have marijuana use disorder can achieve recovery and regain control of their lives. 

There are short-term and long-term effects of weed addiction. Chronic, daily weed use can lead to challenges with school, work, and relationships with loved ones. If someone is under the influence of cannabis while driving or playing sports, they could potentially harm themselves or others due to slower reaction times or having distorted vision.  

The effects of a weed addiction may include: 

• Decreased life satisfaction 
• Impaired physical and mental health 
• Job loss 
• Financial problems 
• Legal difficulties 
• Altered heart rhythms 
• Increased risk for heart attack 
• Long-term respiratory infections and diseases 
• Lost workdays due to respiratory illness 

According to the DSM–5, chronic cannabis use can cause some people to develop a condition called amotivational syndrome. People who have this syndrome suffer from a continually depressed mood, decreased life satisfaction, and a reduction in goal-setting behaviors. This is usually due to people regularly being under the influence of weed or recovering from being high.  

According to the DSM–5, abrupt cessation of daily weed use can lead to cannabis withdrawal syndrome. Weed withdrawal symptoms can be very uncomfortable and make quitting use difficult, and some people may turn to other substances to numb these symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms typically occur within 24 hours of stopping weed consumption and can persist for up to two weeks. Sleep difficulties can continue for up to one month.  

Symptoms of weed withdrawal may include:  

• Irritability 
• Anger or aggression 
• Nervousness and anxiety 
• Depressed mood 
• Restlessness 
• Insomnia and disturbing dreams 
• Decreased appetite 

Weed withdrawal is less severe than alcohol and opioid withdrawal but can still be highly uncomfortable. These withdrawal symptoms can lead people to experience physical and emotional distress, making it difficult to achieve and maintain recovery. 

There are a number of disorders that occur simultaneously with marijuana abuse and addiction. These co-occurring disorders include:

• Alcoholism
• Bipolar disorder
• Alcohol abuse
• Substance abuse
• Major depressive disorder
• Dysthymia
• Panic disorder
• Agoraphobia
• Social anxiety/social phobia
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Eating disorders
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Conduct disorder
• Intermittent explosive disorder
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
• Paranoid personality disorder
• Psychotic disorders
• Dissociative disorders