Strong Cravings

One of the major signs of cannabis use disorder, according to the DSM, is a strong craving to use marijuana. A person's urges might be so strong, for example, that they would sacrifice other commitments such as work or school in order to acquire and use marijuana.

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Loss of Interest in Activities

Someone who is addicted to marijuana will prioritize their drug use over other aspects of their life. They will likely cut back on activities that previously brought them joy or withdraw from them altogether.

A person with marijuana addiction may struggle to maintain healthy relationships with their friends and family if they withdraw from socializing in order to use the drug.

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In addition, marijuana dependence has been linked with a lack of motivation.3 Someone who is addicted may lack the drive to engage in activities, pursue goals, or keep up with responsibilities, including school and work.

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Withdrawal Symptoms

If someone frequently uses marijuana and experiences withdrawal symptoms upon stopping the drug, they may be considered to have marijuana dependence. Marijuana withdrawal symptoms are typically mild, peak within the first week after quitting, and may last up to two weeks.4 Symptoms include:

• Irritability

• Trouble sleeping

• Decreased appetite

• Restlessness​

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Increased Tolerance

According to  addiction specialists, tolerance to a drug happens when, over time, a person isn't able to achieve the desired effects or "high" by using the same amount of the drug. They will need a larger amount of the drug to achieve these effects.

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A sign of marijuana addiction is increased tolerance. In other words, the more someone uses weed, the more they will need to use as their body becomes desensitized to it.

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Continued Use Despite Negative Consequences

Someone with a weed addiction may realize that their drug use is affecting them physically, mentally, and emotionally. Studies have found that some of these consequences include:

• Impaired memory6

• Impaired motor skills (increased risk of injury)

• Paranoia

• Higher risk of psychosis

• Cognitive impairment (lower IQ)

• Dropping out of school

• Inability to fulfill work commitments7

• Financial instability

 

Despite the negative influence their addiction has on their life, however, someone with cannabis use disorder will continue to use marijuana.

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Marijuana Addiction Risk Factors

Risk factors that make young adults more likely to develop an addiction to marijuana include:8

• Assigned male at birth

• Using other substances like alcohol or tobacco

• Dysfunctional parent-child relationships

• Having friends who use marijuana

• Poor self-esteem

• Thrill-seeking or impulsive behavior

• Mental health issues​

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