What is Marijuana?

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, weed, grass, and pot, is a recreational and medicinal drug derived from the Cannabis plant. The two main ingredients in Marijuana that are responsible for its desired effects are tetra-hydra-cannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

CBD is the part of the cannabis plant that is extracted for medical use due its ability to relieve pain and reduce the symptoms of anxiety.

THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. Users consume recreationally to achieve the pleasurable effects of THC, which include a sense of mild euphoria, relaxation, and sensory amplification.

How do People use Marijuana?

Marijuana can be consumed by smoking, vaporizing, or through edibles.

Marijuana is usually smoked, either in hand-rolled cigarette form known as joints or in pipes or bongs. A blunt is an emptied cigar wrap filled partly or completely with marijuana.

It can also be vaporized to avoid smoke inhalation. Vaporizing is the heating of marijuana in an electrical device, through which the main psychoactive ingredient, THC, is extracted and inhaled in vapor form.

Marijuana can also be consumed in food, known as edibles. These could be brownies, cookies, cakes, and candy.

Another popular form of consuming marijuana is “dabbing,” where users inhale the byproduct of burned THC-rich resin.

Statistics on Marijuana Use in the U.S.

Marijuana is one of the most commonly used illicit drugs worldwide.

According to SAMHSA’s Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health1:

• The percentage of past year marijuana users aged 12 and over rose from 11% (25.8 million people) in 2002 to 17.5% (48.2 million people) in 20192

• The same survey reported that in 2019 there were approximately 3.3 million marijuana users aged 12-17

• In adults aged 18-25, there were approximately 12 million marijuana users

• In adults aged 26 and over, the approximate number of marijuana users in 2019 reached 33 million

Marijuana use does not always lead to marijuana abuse and addiction (known as Marijuana Use Disorder). However, Marijuana Use Disorder is still a growing problem.3

Marijuana and the Brain

We have naturally occurring cannabinoid receptors in the brain that exist in a communication system known as the Endocannabinoid System. When we consume marijuana, the THC attaches to these cannabinoid receptors and influences our brain activity.4

These cannabinoid receptors are distributed throughout the entire brain. When THC binds to these receptors, users are subject to a wide range of effects, including5:

• Paranoia

• Slowed reactions and responses

• Impaired focus and concentration

• Impaired coordination

• Increased appetite

• Euphoria

• Altered cognition

• Reduced sensitivity to pain

Marijuana is believed by many Americans to be risk-free, but this is not true. Marijuana can negatively impact brain development, especially in adolescents.6

Furthermore, research has found that marijuana use during the adolescent increases the likelihood of Marijuana Use Disorder later in life and negatively impacts cognition and academic performance.7

Marijuana Addiction

Marijuana Addiction, or Marijuana Use Disorder, is characterized by dependence on marijuana, an inability to stop using, and the onset of withdrawal symptoms when use is stopped.

In recent times, marijuana has been legalized for medicinal use in a number of states and for both medicinal and recreational use in a number of others. However, medical marijuana’s main ingredient is CBD, which is far less damaging to the brain than marijuana’s psychoactive ingredient THC.

Many believe that marijuana is not addictive, in part due to its legalization and decriminalization across the country. However, marijuana consumption can be addictive. Addiction is not always based on the substance itself; it can occur due to the results one gets from consumption. Some people are more prone to addiction than others and can get caught up in addiction to other “non-addictive” substances and processes, as is seen in those addicted to gambling, shopping, sex, and food.

Causes of Marijuana Addiction

The causes and risk factors for the development of Marijuana Use Disorder can be speculated but generally fall under the following categories:

Genetic Factors

Those with a history of substance abuse or addiction in the family are more likely to develop an addiction to marijuana than those without.

Physical Dependence

Consuming marijuana for a prolonged period of time increases the likelihood that a person will develop an addiction. As the brain and body become accustomed to the presence of marijuana, tolerance builds and more is needed to get the same effects. This results in a physical dependence to marijuana, from which an addiction is likely to occur.

Environmental Factors

Environmental factors also contribute to the risk of marijuana addiction. If a child or adolescent is exposed to marijuana use in the home, it becomes normalized. This means that a person may not see any issue with consuming marijuana, which increases the likelihood that they will use and develop a dependence and eventually an addiction. Adolescents in particular are subject to peer pressure, so if their friends or classmates are smoking, they will be more likely to follow.

Signs of Marijuana Addiction

As mentioned earlier, marijuana use does not always equate to addiction. However, if you suspect that your loved one is using marijuana and may be addicted, watch out for the following signs8:

• Absence and/or neglect related to school or work

• Dishonesty and secrecy about behavior

• Continued use despite health consequences

• Use of marijuana where it is prohibited

• Possession of marijuana paraphernalia (grinders, papers, bongs, etc.)

• Anxious tendencies and increased irritability when use is stopped

• Frequently talking about marijuana

• Financial and legal issues related to marijuana use

Marijuana Withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms as a result of marijuana dependence and abuse are believed by some to be non-existent, but just like any substance abuse, there are side effects. Those who consume marijuana on a regular basis are likely to experience the following withdrawal symptoms following cessation of use, according to Harvard Health9:

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Insomnia

• Restlessness

• Headaches

• Abdominal pain

• Aggression

While marijuana itself does not pose the same health risks as other substances of abuse such as alcohol, cocaine, and heroin, it is still a psychoactive substance and can exacerbate underlying psychological health conditions, including schizophrenia, anxiety, and psychosis.

Recovery from Marijuana Addiction at Heather R. Hayes & Associates

At Heather R. Hayes & Associates, we specialize in guiding our clients safely along the recovery journey through intervention, case management, exploration of treatment options, and recovery coaching and companionship. We also offer Respectful Therapeutic Transport Protocol™ services to facilitate a smooth transition from home to an appropriate rehabilitation facility if needed.

Our primary focus is to help our clients and their families understand the need for intervention and professional help so that everyone is on the same page and shares the same goal – recovery from addiction and whole family healing.