Key Takeaways:
- Marijuana can cause psychological dependence, where users feel the need to keep using despite negative effects, even if it’s not as physically addictive as substances like alcohol or opioids.
- THC, the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, activates brain receptors tied to reward, memory, and motivation, which can reinforce habitual use over time.
- Can marijuana cause withdrawal? Yes — stopping after regular or long-term use can lead to symptoms like insomnia, irritability, anxiety, and decreased appetite.
- Modern strains contain much higher levels of THC (up to 28%), increasing the risk of dependency and stronger withdrawal effects compared to past decades.
- Adolescents and frequent users are more vulnerable to developing cannabis use disorder and mental health issues due to the impact on brain development.
People tend to think of marijuana as a benign drug: it’s not addictive, it doesn’t give you hangovers, it doesn’t tend to make you violent, it’s legal in some states, no one has ever died from it, and people use it medicinally. How could it possibly be dangerous?
Marijuana is actually the most commonly used illicit drug both worldwide and in the United States. That accounts for almost 4% of the global population in ages 15-64 years old.
Cannabis refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the marijuana plant. There are many different chemical compounds in the plant, but the one that gets you “high” is tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC.
Effects of Marijuana
All substances affect people differently, but the most common effects of marijuana include:
- A feeling of relaxation
- An increase in appetite
- Irritability and Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Distrust
- Panic
- Hallucinations
The intensity and type of effects can depend on the strain, the amount used, your tolerance, and especially how the marijuana is consumed.
How Marijuana is Typically Consumed
There are several ways of ingesting marijuana, including:
- Inhaling it as a joint, or out of a bong, a vaping device, or dabbing–which is inhaling a highly concentrated oil or extract.
- Edibles–mixing it in with foods.
- Tinctures–cannabis infused tinctures or oils.
- Can be applied to the skin as a balm or lotion.
No matter how it’s used, marijuana can still have short-term and long-term effects on both the body and mind—especially with frequent or high-dose use. Understanding how it works and how it affects you is important. Whether you’re using it recreationally, medicinally, or thinking about stopping altogether.
If marijuana use is starting to interfere with your daily life, relationships, or mental health, it might be time to take a closer look and consider reaching out for support.
Is Marijuana Actually Addictive?
THC works by interacting with special proteins in the brain called cannabinoid receptors. These receptors play a key role in things like learning, memory, and how we process rewards. THC also affects dopamine—the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and motivation. Dopamine is involved with most addictive substances, and it’s part of what makes people want to keep using, even when the effects start to become harmful.
There’s still ongoing debate and research around whether marijuana is physically addictive, but most evidence currently leans toward no. That said, people who stop using marijuana—especially after regular or long-term use—can still experience withdrawal symptoms that are both physical and psychological. These may include:
- Insomnia or vivid dreams/nightmares
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Restlessness
- Decreased appetite or weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
While marijuana withdrawal may not be life-threatening, it can still be uncomfortable enough to make quitting difficult without support.
Today’s Marijuana May Be More Addictive
Researchers have found that in the past few decades marijuana has become more addictive, mainly because the THC content has risen so much. It used to be about 2%–now there are strains with up to 28% THC, making it much more potent–which leads to stronger effects and more hits of dopamine.
Adolescents and Marijuana
The legalization of marijuana, along with its growing social and medical acceptance, has led to increased use among adolescents. While it may seem harmless, regular use during adolescence can affect brain development and increase the risk of mental health issues and cannabis use disorder.
When Marijuana Becomes a Problem
Because marijuana is often seen as less harmful than other substances—and has fewer immediate physical effects than alcohol—many people turn to it as a safer way to relax at the end of the day. With increased accessibility, affordability, and social acceptance, casual use can seem harmless. For many, it’s simply become an alternative to alcohol for winding down in the evening.
The problem is, like with most substances, the more you use it, the more your body builds tolerance—meaning you need more to feel the same effects. What starts as a way to unwind at night can slowly creep into your daytime routine. Those relaxing effects become harder to resist, and before you realize it, use turns into reliance. That’s the nature of addiction.
Symptoms Of Marijuana Use Disorder:
- Using more cannabis than intended.
- Promising yourself you won’t use it today, but you always do.
- Missing out on engagements or activities in order to use cannabis.
- Thinking about it all the time–figuring out when you can use it.
- Continuing to use it despite problems at work, school, or home.
- Using it irresponsibly, such as while driving, or at work.
- Needing more cannabis to achieve the same high.
If you or someone you love is struggling with a dependency on marijuana and finding it hard to quit on your own, there’s no shame in asking for help. More and more medical professionals and addiction specialists are recognizing this growing issue, and support is available. You are not alone.
Recovery Begins With Reaching Out
New Leaf Detox and Treatment Center is a place where you can get real support from people who actually get what you’re going through. If marijuana, or any other substance has started to feel like something you can’t control, or you just need help getting back to yourself, we’re here to help you take that first step—without judgment, pressure, or shame.
New Leaf offers a variety of treatment options and is located in beautiful Orange County. Whether you need medically assisted detox, residential treatment, or sober living support, we’re ready for you any time. Don’t hesitate to reach out—someone’s always here to help.
