With so many places around the world legalizing cannabis for adult recreational use, “can you get addicted to cannabis” has become a prevalent question for those in areas affected by this recent shift in legislation. Throughout history, cannabis has been used for medicinal, religious, and recreational purposes across countless cultures and on every continent, save for Antarctica. The effects are both therapeutic and psychoactive, and are the primary result of two compounds interacting in the system, tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, and cannabidiol, CBD.
Understanding Cannabis: Usage and Effects
THC is mostly known for its psychoactive properties, which are what typically create the sensation of being “high” that is often associated with cannabis use. Its primary mechanism of action is to mimic natural neurotransmitters in the brain, which results in altered mood, perception, and cognitive functions. CBD on the other hand, is usually regarded as non-psychoactive and is often praised for the non-intoxicating therapeutic options it represents, from pain management to anxiety reduction.
The short-term effects of cannabis are known to vary wildly from one individual to another. While one type of cannabis can create a sensation of relaxation or euphoria in one person, it may be a source of anxiety or paranoia for another. The physical effects will generally include altered senses, small changes in body temperature, variations in heart rate, and of course changes in appetite.
Having a clear understanding of the balance and blending between the two compounds, along with being familiar with individual responses to cannabis is critical, and it’s likewise important to approach cannabis use with an awareness of both its positive and negative effects. Moderation and responsible use are two big factors in lowering the risks otherwise associated with cannabis consumption.
The Science Behind Cannabis Addiction
When addressing the question, “Can you become addicted to cannabis?” it’s important to have a strong understanding of the science behind addiction since addiction can be so complex. Addiction is a chronic condition that involves both physical dependence as well as psychological elements. In the cannabis space, this means a focus on how chronic use impacts the body and the mind over short and long periods.
Traditionally, substance addiction requires a physical dependence, which is characterized by the development of tolerance or a need to use more of the substance to feel the same recreational or medicinal effect, as well as by withdrawal symptoms that surface when the substance is no longer consumed. With cannabis, however, the discussion tends to revolve more around the psychological addiction, which is the compulsive urge to use the drug despite negative consequences in one’s life.
While some would undoubtedly argue otherwise, current research indicates that cannabis does have some degree of a physically addictive potential, the catch is that the potential is far lower than things like tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. This addictive potential is typically thought to leverage the action that THC, the primary psychoactive compound, has on the brain’s native reward system. This reward system is designed to reward behaviours that are essential for survival, like eating, but when THC interacts with this system it can create a sense of pleasure or reward, which can have the potential to lead to ongoing, repetitive use.
That said, it’s important to remember that not everyone who uses cannabis will develop an addiction, and countless other factors, like genetics, age of first use, frequency of use, and individual physiology and psychology, all play significant roles in determining the overall risk for an individual. However, recognizing that cannabis does have some addictive potential for some individuals is a cornerstone step in fostering a responsible approach to use.
Recognizing Signs of Problematic Cannabis Use
With how prevalent cannabis use has become in recent years it may be difficult to get a firm grasp on what exactly “problematic” cannabis use might look like, but knowing that is a foundational element of understanding addiction as a whole. Cannabis use disorder, or CUD, is officially recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), which lays out the criteria for recognizing cannabis addiction.
The signs of problematic cannabis use will typically fall into one of several categories. The signs will either be physical, behavioural, or psychological. Below we’ll take a look at each category, and go through many of the signs to keep an eye out for that could indicate cannabis addiction.
Behavioural Signs
- Persistent cravings: A strong desire or urge to use cannabis, often occupying a large portion of the individual’s thoughts.
- Neglecting responsibilities: Another strong sign is when someone starts failing to fulfil their obligations at home, school, or work due to ongoing cannabis use.
- Social withdrawal: Sometimes there is a marked withdrawal from family activities, friendships, or other social activities that used to be enjoyed.
- Legal issues: Frequently there will be legal issues that pop up as a result of cannabis use, such as arrests for possession or DUI.
- Financial problems: Many individuals are unable to control how much money they spend on cannabis, which leads to debt or other financial stress.
- Secretive behaviour: A major indicator of cannabis use that’s become problematic is the individual being dishonest or secretive about the extent of their use.
- Changes in social circle: This is a sign seen in almost every type of addiction, as once an individual is addicted, they will inevitably surround themselves with other addicts or those in the lifestyle, and distance themselves from other friends or non-users.
- Ignoring negative consequences: Continuing to use cannabis even in the face of obvious, negative consequences in other areas of their life will typically indicate someone has a problem with cannabis use.
- Altered priorities: Another big indication that cannabis has become more important in someone’s life, is when they begin to prioritize use over things they once enjoyed like hobbies, sports, or other interests,
- Denial of addiction: When the possibility of their cannabis use is problematic, someone with an addiction will often become defensive or react negatively to being confronted about their use.
Physical Signs
- Respiratory issues: Individuals who consume cannabis regularly may experience chronic bronchitis, along with coughing and excess phlegm production. This is usually due to the irritation that happens during smoking or vaping.
- Altered motor co-ordination: While not indicative of addiction on its own, the impairment of motor skills, coordination, and reaction times can be a sign of addiction if witnessed repeatedly or during inappropriate times.
- Red eyes: Cannabis use relaxes the blood vessels, allowing increased blood flow, which accounts for the stereotypical red eyes of those under the influence. Again, while not an indication of addiction by itself, taken in the context of other signs, it may have more or less significance to your specific situation.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth or cottonmouth as it’s sometimes known, is a sign that someone is actively under the influence of THC, and may be an indication of addiction, depending on the circumstances.
- Changes in heart rate: In some individuals, cannabis use will cause an increased heart rate, usually due to lower blood pressure, which can be a sign of addiction as well as a medical danger for some.
- Weight gain: One of the long-term signs of cannabis addiction is gaining weight due to the enhanced appetite created by cannabis use.
- Decreased sperm count and fertility issues: Many men who use cannabis regularly and for prolonged periods will see a decrease in sperm count, which can potentially impact pregnancy and fertility in general.
- Menstrual cycle changes: Similar to the effects on male reproductive systems, heavy use in females can lead to irregularities in menstruation.
Psychological Signs
- Dependence on cannabis for relaxation or sleep: After prolonged use, many people addicted to cannabis will need to rely on cannabis to relax or even to fall asleep, which can indicate psychological dependence if experienced consistently.
- Mood instability: Another psychological sign of cannabis addiction is mood instability, or having more frequent or more severe mood changes than is typical for an individual.
- Memory impairment: Many long-term cannabis users will experience short-term memory issues and can experience difficulty recalling past events or specific conversations.
- Difficulty concentrating: One of the common indications of addiction is a lack of concentration or focus, either at work, school, or home.
- Feelings of lethargy or apathy: Having a chronic sense of tiredness, lack of energy, or general lack of interest in life activities is a strong indicator of cannabis addiction.
- Heightened sensitivity to stress: This is a powerful indication of potential cannabis addiction, and if someone you know is unable to deal with stress or cope with the stress of daily life without cannabis use, there is a high potential for addiction.
Approaches to Treatment and Recovery
Addressing cannabis addiction will typically involve a range of treatment plan specifics and recovery options, as every individual’s journey to recovery is unique. Common methods will include leveraging behavioural therapies like cognitive-behavioural therapy or motivational therapy. There’s also going to be an element of psychological support, both in the form of individual counselling and therapy, as well as through a medication component in many cases. Individual and group therapy will help build effective coping strategies and relapse prevention techniques.
Finally, working with support groups can offer recovering individuals a thriving local community of peers in recovery to lean on and learn from. A successful approach to recovery will take a holistic approach and will be there through every step of the journey with the recovering individual.
