Marijuana (THC) Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Rehab Options for Weed

Marijuana is a drug that alters the mind. The key ingredient in marijuana is THC, and this can be found in a variety of products. Marijuana is often smoked in a cigarette called a joint, although it is now also available to vape. Edible marijuana products are also popular, as are oils and lotions with THC.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), when one ingests marijuana, the drug enters the bloodstream and connects to cannabinoid receptors in the brain.[1] These receptors are found in parts of the brain that affect pleasure, mood, memories, concentration, sensory and time perception, and coordinated movement.

Marijuana slows people’s reaction time and makes it difficult for them to make decisions or focus on complex tasks. However, many people use it for the relaxed or happy feeling it brings them.

Addiction to marijuana occurs when a person becomes dependent on marijuana, using it daily or almost every day in heavy doses.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Studies have estimated that 22% to 30% of people who use cannabis have [cannabis use disorder]” or marijuana addiction.[2]

61.9 million people in the U.S. use cannabis products, which means that nearly 19 million people in the U.S. are dealing with addiction to THC.[3] Taking large doses of marijuana can be dangerous. Unintended effects of marijuana may include hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia.

It is more common now for people to take large doses of THC, even when they don’t realize it. The NIDA states that “Between 1995 and 2022, the delta-9 THC potency (strength) in illegal cannabis products seized by law enforcement quadrupled from 3.96% to 16.14%.”[4]

If you’re worried that you or a loved one might be abusing marijuana, look for signs and symptoms of marijuana abuse. Some symptoms you might notice are:

• Using marijuana in larger amounts, more often, or for a longer period than you first intended.
• Having a high tolerance for weed.
• Using marijuana in unsafe situations.
• Giving up other activities to smoke weed.
• Failing to meet previous obligations (work, school, family) because of marijuana.
• Spending an inordinate amount of time or money obtaining marijuana or recovering from its effects.
• Continuing to use marijuana even when it’s clear that it is negatively impacting other areas of your life (work, school, social life, family).
• Continuing to use marijuana even when you know the negative psychological and physical effects it can have.

Adolescents who abuse marijuana are more likely to have altered brain development and cognitive impairment, as well as poor educational outcomes.

How do you know if you are addicted to marijuana?

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) lists 11 symptoms that a person with weed addiction might display. To qualify as having an addiction, a person needs to display at least two of the 11 symptoms during the same 12-month period.

Addiction to THC, or Cannabis Use Disorder, is considered mild if two or three symptoms are present, moderate if four or five symptoms are present, and severe if six or more symptoms are present.

There is treatment available for marijuana addiction, which will be tailored to the individual, depending on the severity of their addiction. Ongoing support is especially important, as relapse is common. Often, a person who is addicted to THC needs to detox before they can begin recovery, which can happen in both inpatient and outpatient settings.

Once they have gone through detox, the individual will likely start therapy. The most common form of therapy used for treating THC addiction is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, but other models like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy or Contingency Management might be used.