Introduction to Cannabis Use Disorder
The notion that you can’t get hooked on pot is a common myth, and it’s becoming more widespread as a growing number of states legalize marijuana. Around half of the states now allow recreational use for adults, and 40 states allow medical use. However, Dr. Smita Das, an addiction psychiatrist at Stanford University, emphasizes that "cannabis is definitely something that someone can develop an addiction to." This condition is known as cannabis use disorder, and it’s on the rise, affecting about 3 in 10 people who use pot, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Understanding Cannabis Use Disorder
Cannabis use disorder is diagnosed by looking at whether someone meets certain criteria laid out in the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the main guide for mental health providers. These criteria include needing more of the drug to get the same effect, having withdrawal symptoms, and spending a lot of time trying to get or use it. Dr. Das explains that when these criteria are broken down, it becomes more relatable, and people can better understand the impacts of their use.
Identifying Signs of Cannabis Use Disorder
If pot interferes with your daily life, health, or relationships, those are red flags. The more someone uses and the higher potency they use, the higher the risk of developing cannabis use disorder. It’s become more common as cannabis has gotten stronger in recent years. In the 1960s, most pot that people smoked contained less than 5% THC, the ingredient that gets you high. Today, the THC potency in cannabis flower and concentrates in dispensaries can reach 40% or more, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Different Levels of Addiction
If you’ve met just two of the criteria for cannabis use disorder in the last year, doctors say you have a mild form of the condition. If you meet six or more, you have a more severe form. According to the latest version of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 7% of all people 12 or older had cannabis use disorder in 2024, and most had a mild form. About 1 in 5 had a severe form. People can be dependent on and addicted to substances, and marijuana doesn’t affect everyone the same way.
Getting Help for Cannabis Use Disorder
Many marijuana users first come to Dr. Das for help coping with something else, like alcohol use disorder. Later, they’ll often come back and mention a struggle with cannabis. She assures them that there are effective treatments for the disorder. One is called motivational interviewing, a goal-oriented counseling style that helps people find internal motivation to change their behavior. Another is cognitive behavioral therapy or CBT, a form of talk therapy that helps people to challenge negative thought patterns and reduce unhelpful behaviors. Twelve-step programs like Marijuana Anonymous can also be helpful, Dr. Das said.
But whether someone chooses to join a group or not, even being able to lean on a community of people who aren’t using pot is an important part for recovery. Dave Bushnell, a retired digital executive creative director, started a Reddit group 14 years ago for people who, like him, had developed an addiction or dependency to cannabis and wanted help recovering. Its discussion forum has 350,000 members and continues to grow. Bushnell, 60, said peer support is essential to recovery, and some people feel more comfortable chatting online than in person.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cannabis use disorder is a real condition that affects many people who use marijuana. It’s essential to understand the signs and symptoms of this disorder and to seek help if needed. With the right treatment and support, people can recover from cannabis use disorder and live healthier, more fulfilling lives. As Dr. Das said, "just because something’s legal doesn’t mean that it’s safe."
FAQs
Q: Can you get addicted to pot?
A: Yes, it is possible to get addicted to pot, and this condition is known as cannabis use disorder.
Q: What are the signs of cannabis use disorder?
A: Signs of cannabis use disorder include needing more of the drug to get the same effect, having withdrawal symptoms, and spending a lot of time trying to get or use it.
Q: How is cannabis use disorder diagnosed?
A: Cannabis use disorder is diagnosed by looking at whether someone meets certain criteria laid out in the latest version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Q: What are the different levels of addiction?
A: If you’ve met just two of the criteria for cannabis use disorder in the last year, doctors say you have a mild form of the condition. If you meet six or more, you have a more severe form.
Q: Where can people get help for cannabis use disorder?
A: People can get help for cannabis use disorder through motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, twelve-step programs like Marijuana Anonymous, and peer support groups.
