From the Guidelines
Yes, cannabis can be addictive, with approximately 9% of users developing cannabis use disorder, and the risk increasing to about 17% for those who start using in adolescence. Cannabis addiction, clinically known as cannabis use disorder, is characterized by continued use despite negative consequences, development of tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms when stopping use, including irritability, insomnia, and headaches 1. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, includes cannabis use disorder as a condition, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration notes that THC has a “high potential for misuse” due to its psychoactive effects 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The addictive potential of cannabis is linked to its effects on the brain's reward system, particularly through THC, which stimulates dopamine release.
- People who initiate cannabis use at a young age may have an elevated risk for developing use disorder 1.
- Cannabis may impair one’s ability to drive because it affects reaction time and coordination 1.
- Regular users should be aware of their consumption patterns and seek help if they find it difficult to control or stop their use.
Therapeutic Use and Regulation
While cannabis has been approved for therapeutic use in certain conditions, such as Lennox–Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome, its use is heavily regulated due to its potential for misuse and addiction 1. The FDA has approved medications containing CBD and synthetic THC for specific medical conditions, and these are listed in Schedule V of the Controlled Substances Act or have been descheduled 1.
Conclusion is not needed, and the answer is based on the provided evidence
The evidence suggests that cannabis use disorder is a significant concern, and users should be aware of the risks and potential negative consequences of cannabis use, particularly when it comes to addiction and impaired driving abilities 1.
From the Research
Definition of Cannabis Addiction
- Cannabis dependence (addiction) is defined by three critical elements: preoccupation with acquiring marijuana, compulsive use of marijuana, and relapse to or recurrent use of marijuana 2.
- The manifestations of abnormal marijuana use may assume many forms, including medical, psychiatric, neurological, traumatic, and sociological sequelae 2.
Prevalence and Risk Factors
- Cannabis use disorder (CUD) affects approximately 10% of the 193 million cannabis users worldwide 3.
- Men are more likely than women to report both early initiation and frequent use of cannabis 4.
- Frequent and prolonged use of cannabis can be detrimental to both mental and physical health, with chronic effects including mood disorders, exacerbation of psychotic disorders, and neurocognitive impairments 4, 5.
Symptoms and Treatment
- Individuals suffering from cannabis use disorder exhibit many of the hallmarks of classical addictions, including cravings, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms 6.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management can substantially reduce cannabis use and cannabis-related problems, but enduring abstinence is not a common outcome 5, 3.
- No pharmacotherapies have been approved for cannabis use or CUD, although a number of drug classes have shown promise and require more rigorous evaluation 3.
Complications and Barriers to Treatment
- Treatment of cannabis use and CUD is often complicated by comorbid mental health and other substance use disorders 3.
- The legalization of non-medical cannabis use in some high-income countries may increase the prevalence of CUD by making more potent cannabis products more readily available at a lower price 3.