Is Marijuana Addictive? 11 Signs You Might Have Cannabis Use Disorder

Even though it’s still technically illegal nationwide, cannabis is one of the most commonly used drugs in the U.S. Though cannabis can be helpful for certain health conditions, it can also be misused and even lead to addiction, known as cannabis use disorder. In fact, the CDC estimates that about 3 out of every 10 people who use cannabis have a cannabis use disorder. This means they can’t stop using cannabis, even when it’s causing major problems in their life. 

So, how do you know if your personal or medicinal cannabis use has gotten out of hand? Let’s take a closer look at what you might notice if you (or a friend or family member) has a marijuana or cannabis use disorder. 

What is marijuana and how does it work in the body?

Though people use the words “marijuana” and “cannabis” interchangeably, they don’t mean the same thing. The word “cannabis” refers to the cannabis plant, which contains more than 80 active chemicals called cannabinoids. The word “marijuana” refers to cannabis plants that contain a lot of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and create the feeling of a high.

Two of the main substances found in cannabis are THC and cannabidiol (CBD). These are known as cannabinoids. There are more than 100 other cannabinoids, but CBD and THC are the ones we know the most about:

• THC is well-known for its ability to cause a euphoric “high” feeling, along with a loss of concentration, slowed speech, and an altered sense of time. It’s also used medically in some people for pain relief, improved appetite, and reduced nausea and vomiting. 

• CBD won’t make you high, but it may make some people feel relaxed, sleepy, and less anxious and stressed. Except for seizures, we don’t know much about its potential medical uses. CBD is being researched for many different conditions, including anxiety and depression, chronic pain, and substance use disorders. 

We’ll use the word cannabis throughout this article, because it’s the scientific term for the plant. It’s also known as “weed,” “pot,” and many other slang terms. 

Can you get addicted to marijuana?

Yes. Just like alcohol, tobacco, and other substances, it’s possible to get addicted to cannabis. Cannabis or marijuana addiction is also called “marijuana use disorder” or “cannabis use disorder.” 

Developing cannabis use disorder is especially likely with long-term and frequent use. People with cannabis use disorder can have many different symptoms that cause problems at work, school, and home. It’s also possible to become physically dependent on cannabis, which means that you have withdrawal symptoms when you’re not using it. 

How does using marijuana lead to dependence and addiction?

It’s not totally clear. But we do know that using cannabis often and for a long period of time can sometimes cause physical dependence. This may happen because your brain slows production of its own endocannabinoids when it gets used to having cannabis in your system. Endocannabinoids are special molecules that your body needs to function properly. 

Additionally, THC in cannabis stimulates the body’s “reward system” — a process that produces pleasure in response to certain behaviors. This process releases a chemical called dopamine at levels higher than what is considered natural. This large amount of dopamine encourages the brain to continue this rewarding behavior of using cannabis, which might contribute to its addictive potential.

How addictive is marijuana?

It’s hard to say. There’s some evidence that about 1 in 10 people who use cannabis will develop dependence sometime during their lifetime, which is lower than other substances like alcohol, cocaine, and heroin. Cannabis use disorder is also more likely in some groups, like people who start using cannabis at a young age or who use it on a regular basis. 

It’s also possible that rates of cannabis use disorder might change in the U.S., for two main reasons. First, cannabis use in the U.S. seems to be going up. And second, the cannabis that’s now available is more potent than it used to be. Could these two changes lead to higher rates of cannabis use disorder? We just don’t know yet for sure (more on these topics below). 

11 signs of marijuana use disorder: How to know if you’re addicted

Cannabis use disorder has many different symptoms. If you have two or more of the following, it’s possible that you could have cannabis use disorder — especially if your cannabis use is causing problems at home, work, or school:

1. You use a larger amount of cannabis than you meant to, or you use it for a longer period of time than you intended. 

2. It’s hard to cut back or control your cannabis use, even if you want to. 

3. You spend a lot of time trying to get cannabis, use it, or recover from its effects. 

4. You have a strong desire or “craving” to use cannabis. 

5. You don’t fulfill all your daily obligations because you’re using cannabis so often.

6. You keep using cannabis, even though it is causing you problems in your social life or with people close to you. 

7. You skip important activities with friends or family, or for your job, because you’re using cannabis.

8. You keep using cannabis even if it puts you in physical danger. 

9. You keep using cannabis even though you suspect it’s causing physical or mental health problems, or making them worse. 

10. You need to use more cannabis in order to get the right high, because you’ve become tolerant to it.

11. You have withdrawal symptoms if you’re not using cannabis, like mood changes, sleep problems, headaches, sweating, or an upset stomach. 

Risk factors for marijuana use disorder

There are many factors that may predict how likely you are to develop substance use disorders for particular drugs. For cannabis, there are a few things that may put you at greater risk for cannabis use disorder. These include: 

• Frequent cannabis use

• Having parents who use cannabis

• Having family members with cannabis use disorder

• Being male

• Starting to use cannabis between ages 18 and 24

• Using alcohol, tobacco, or other substances 

• Having other social problems or health problems

• Having depression or anxiety as a child or teenager

• Experiencing traumatic events as a child or teenager

Does the legalization of marijuana lead to increased use and addiction?

To date, medical cannabis programs have been approved in:

• 38 states

• District of Columbia

• Guam

• Puerto Rico

• U.S. Virgin Islands 

Meanwhile, cannabis is legal for personal use at the state level in: 

• 23 states

• District of Columbia

• Guam

• Northern Mariana Islands

It is not clear yet if there’s been a significant amount of increased use and cannabis use disorder in the states where cannabis is now legal. We need more research — and time — to know for sure. 

A 2023 review of 61 different studies on this topic had mixed findings. There was some evidence that legalization did have negative consequences, like more young adult use and more visits to a healthcare provider’s office. But there was also evidence on the other side: that legalization didn’t really change how much people used cannabis. It also wasn’t clear how long-term these consequences were. 

Is the rising potency of marijuana contributing to overuse or addiction?

Since the 1970s, the strength of THC in cannabis has increased — and might even still be increasing. This may be due to the fact that more countries and states have legalized medical or personal cannabis. But unfortunately, at this point we just don’t have a lot of research on whether these rising THC levels are linked to cannabis use disorder. 

One study performed in the U.K. looked at about 1,000 people who were 24 years old to see if cannabis with a lot of THC — also called “high-potency” cannabis — had any effect on how frequently they used cannabis or on their mental health. The study showed that people who used high-potency THC products did have increased cannabis use, problems related to cannabis use, and increased likelihood of anxiety disorder. However, these results are from one study only. 

More studies are needed to determine whether the higher strength of THC in cannabis contributes to overuse or cannabis use disorder. In the meantime, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) cautions that “more THC is likely to lead to higher rates” of cannabis dependence and cannabis use disorder. 

Marijuana addiction treatment

Currently, there are no medications approved by the FDA to treat cannabis use disorder. Some medications have been studied to help with treating withdrawal symptoms that may come with stopping cannabis: 

• Zolpidem (Ambien)

• Buspirone (Buspar)

• Gabapentin (Neurontin)

These may help improve symptoms like inability to sleep, irritability, and anxiousness. However, none of these have been studied extensively enough or have good enough evidence to be approved by the FDA at this point. Additionally, an over-the-counter (OTC) supplement, N-acetylcysteine, has been studied for its potential to lessen withdrawal symptoms by stopping the breakdown of the body’s own endocannabinoids. 

Some behavioral treatments can be effective in treating cannabis use disorder. These include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)

• Contingency management (CM)

Talk with your healthcare provider if you would like to learn more about your options for treatment.

Where can I go to get help with a marijuana addiction problem?

SAMHSA has a confidential, free, 24/7, 365-day-a-year information service that anyone can call at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This is a good place to find options for local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations, whether or not you have insurance. Some people may need treatment at an inpatient facility. Meanwhile, others may be able to work with a healthcare professional in an outpatient setting to quit cannabis. 

If you have health insurance, you can start by contacting your insurer for a list of covered providers and facilities that treat cannabis use disorder.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Amy B. Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS

Amy Gragnolati, PharmD, BCPS, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. Amy currently holds her pharmacist license in Georgia and California.

Edited by:

Sophie Vergnaud, MD

Sophie Vergnaud, MD, is the Senior Medical Director for GoodRx Health. An experienced and dedicated pulmonologist and hospitalist, she spent a decade practicing and teaching clinical medicine at academic hospitals throughout London before transitioning to a career in health education and health technology.

Reviewed by:

Sarah Gupta, MD

Sarah Gupta, MD, is a licensed physician with a special interest in mental health, sex and gender, eating disorders, and the human microbiome. She is currently board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

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If you or someone you know struggles with substance use, help is available. Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to learn about resources in your area.

Keep in mind that cannabis is legal in some states for personal and/or medicinal use, but not in others. Cannabis is still illegal under federal law. Before you use cannabis products, find out the laws in your state.