I never expected to get addicted to weed, but I was mistaken and not alone
Many people, including Amy, an 18-year-old cannabis user, never expected to develop an addiction to weed. Amy found herself repeatedly retrieving a discarded THC vape cartridge from a dumpster, despite knowing it was harmful. Her struggle highlights a common misconception about cannabis: that it is not addictive. However, many users are facing dependency issues.
Understanding Cannabis Use Disorder
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It is characterized by continued cannabis use over 12 months despite negative effects on physical, social, or psychological health, spending significant time using or thinking about cannabis, and unsuccessful attempts to quit.
THC, the main psychoactive component of cannabis, stimulates dopamine release in the brain, producing a high. Withdrawal from heavy use causes a sharp drop in dopamine, which may drive continued use. Research shows that starting cannabis use before age 25, heavy use, mental health issues, or genetic predispositions increase the risk of developing CUD.
Changing Perceptions and Increased Potency
For many, including the author and others in support communities like the r/leaves subreddit, cannabis use began as recreational or social but evolved into dependency. The legalization of recreational cannabis in many US states and the availability of high-THC products have contributed to increased daily use. A 2024 study found that more Americans now consume cannabis daily than alcohol.
Experts note that cannabis today is much stronger than in the past. THC levels in street cannabis have risen from about 4% fifty years ago to around 20%, with some concentrates reaching 95% THC. This increase in potency is linked to a higher rate of cannabis use disorder, now estimated to affect about one in three users, compared to one in ten in earlier decades.
Impact on Users and Society
Frequent cannabis use can interfere with memory, executive function, and mental health. There are growing concerns about associations between high-THC use and psychosis, especially in younger users. Some users experience cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), a rare condition causing severe vomiting and abdominal pain.
Despite these risks, many people remain in denial about cannabis addiction, partly due to the drug’s natural image and historical anti-cannabis propaganda that has fostered distrust of official warnings. Medical research has found no evidence supporting cannabis as an effective treatment for anxiety, depression, or PTSD, conditions for which it is often prescribed.
Users like Amy and Liam, a 33-year-old father, describe how cannabis initially seemed helpful but eventually became a controlling force in their lives. Attempts to quit have often been unsuccessful, with cannabis use interfering with relationships, responsibilities, and personal goals.
Experts emphasize the importance of recognizing cannabis use disorder as a health issue rather than a criminal one. Increased awareness and understanding of the risks associated with modern cannabis products are essential for those struggling with dependency and for public health efforts.