Can You Get Addicted to Weed? 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 some types of cannabis may have benefits, it can also be misused and even lead to addiction — known as cannabis use disorder. In fact, about 3 out of every 10 people who use cannabis have a cannabis use disorder. 

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) is addicted to weed. 

Note: 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. 

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 an euphoric “high” feeling. 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. 

Can you get addicted to weed?

Yes. Just like with alcohol, tobacco, and other substances, it’s possible to get addicted to weed. 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 (more on these below). 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 cannabis 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. THC in cannabis also stimulates the body’s “reward system,” which might contribute to its addictive potential.

How addictive is cannabis?

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. 

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11 signs you might have cannabis use disorder

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’s 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. 

How is cannabis use disorder diagnosed?

If you’re concerned about cannabis use disorder, talk with a healthcare professional. They can help diagnose you with cannabis addiction, or determine whether your symptoms could be caused by another mental or physical health problem. 

Risk factors for cannabis use disorder

There are many factors that affect your risk of developing a substance use disorder. For cannabis, 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

Cannabis addiction treatment

Therapy and support groups can be used to treat cannabis use disorder. Examples include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

• Motivational enhancement therapy (MET)

• Contingency management (CM)

Currently, there are no medications approved by the FDA for cannabis use disorder. But medications and supplements are sometimes used for cannabis withdrawal symptoms. These include: 

• Zolpidem (Ambien)

• Buspirone (Buspar)

• Gabapentin (Neurontin)

• N-acetylcysteine 

Where can I go to get help with a cannabis problem?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a confidential, free, 24/7 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 care providers and facilities that treat cannabis use disorder.

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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. A pulmonologist and hospitalist, she practiced and taught clinical medicine at hospitals in London for a decade before entering a career in health education and 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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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.