Marijuana Addiction: Signs, Effects & Rehab Treatment Near You

These children were found to have decreased verbal reasoning skills and more hyperactivity, impulsivity, and decreased attention. When someone you love is abusing marijuana or addicted to it, there are often signs and symptoms to look for. Knowing what these are can help you approach your loved one in a caring way.

California Assembly passes bill allowing Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes

It is not yet known whether marijuana smoking contributes to the risk for lung cancer. Use of medicinal cannabis began in America in the 1850s, when products with cannabis extracts were produced and sold to treat maladies such as pain and muscle spasm. Soon after, pharmaceutical regulations were introduced in some states.

Cannabis use disorder

Also, alcohol or heroin typically ranked first or in immediately subsequent positions among the comparators in terms of incidence of adverse outcomes, with marijuana in a lower place in that ranking. This pattern also was observed for serious medical outcomes, including death, observed in Poison Center data, where marijuana was in the lowest ranking group. This suggests consistency across databases, across drugs, and over time. HHS thus concluded that although abuse of marijuana produces clear evidence of harmful consequences, these appear to be relatively less common and less severe than the consequences of some other comparator substances. Individuals who are addicted to cannabis may experience symptoms of withdrawal when attempting to stop using the drug. Long-term users who try to quit report withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety and drug craving–all of which can make it difficult to abstain.

High risk groups

DEA likewise notes that there is considerable variability in the cannabinoid concentrations and chemical constituency among marijuana samples and that the interpretation of clinical data related to marijuana is complicated. A primary issue is the lack of consistent concentrations of Δ9-THC and other substances in marijuana, which complicates the interpretation of the effects of different marijuana constituents. Additionally, the non-cannabinoid components in marijuana may potentially modify the overall pharmacological and toxicological properties of various marijuana strains and products. DEA anticipates that additional data on other marijuana constituents, routes of administration of marijuana, and the impact on Δ9-THC potency may be appropriate for consideration.

Rehab facilities also provide a variety of educational groups that teach patients about life skills, nutrition and wellness. Patients may attend groups focused on the science of addiction, relapse prevention or other topics. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss…from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

• The seventh factor that DOJ and HHS are required to consider under 21 U.S.C. 811(c) is the psychic or physiologic dependence liability of marijuana.
• Such actions are exempt from review by the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to section 3(d)(1) of Executive Order and the principles reaffirmed in Executive Order and 14094.

Treatment options or “rehab” for marijuana addiction is similar to treatment programs and protocols for addiction to alcohol and other drugs. Evidence-based therapies such as Twelve Step facilitation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy and other scientifically valid approaches can be effective addiction treatment options, depending on the individual’s situation, other drug abuse, and treatment needs. Learn more about our treatment options.

To be considered a legitimate medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a drug must have well-defined and measurable ingredients consistent from one unit (such as a pill or injection) to the next. Since the cannabis plant contains hundreds of chemical compounds that vary from plant to plant (and those various compounds may cause different effects) and because the drug is typically ingested via smoking, its medicinal use is difficult to evaluate. Substance use disorders don’t have one specific cause that fits all people diagnosed with the condition.

Treatment for Marijuana Abuse

Accurate diagnosis of mental health disorders and appropriate treatment, including medication, may help to reduce attempts to self-medicate with marijuana. FDA also reviewed results from State reporting data from 37 States with medical marijuana programs and surveys of patients using marijuana in Maryland and Minnesota, which had data available marijuana addiction for review. Surveys of patients using marijuana in these two States found most patients did not report any side effects and those that did report side effects mostly described them as mild. Neither State’s databases included patients who chose to stop using marijuana, which FDA noted might result in an overestimation of positive experiences.