Contrary to what people may believe, regularly using cannabis can lead to cannabis use disorder (CUD), dependence, and addiction. The risk of developing CUD increases if someone starts using cannabis when they are a tween or teenager. By learning more about CUD, what it is, common symptoms, and treatment options, it can help people determine when they should seek professional help.
What Is Cannabis Use Disorder?
Cannabis use disorder is a type of substance use disorder where individuals have problems managing and controlling their cannabis use. Cannabis includes marijuana, as well as other parts of the Cannabis sativa plant. Moreover, CUD generally includes those parts of the plant that contain TCH, the chemical substance in the plant that causes people to feel “high.”
CUD can range from mild to moderate to severe depending on:
- How often someone uses cannabis substances
- The amount they use
- How they use it, such as smoking or eating it
- How long they have been using cannabis substances
Usually, the longer a person has been using cannabis substances, the more severe their dependence on it can be.
How Common Is Cannabis Use Disorder?
Cannabis and marijuana are the most commonly used federally illegal substances in the country. In 2021, 52.5 million people aged 12 and older reported using cannabis substances at least once. According to the CDC, 3 in 10 people who use cannabis will develop CUD. There is a 30% probability that those who use cannabis will develop an addiction to it.
What Are the Symptoms of Cannabis Use Disorder?
Some of the common signs and symptoms of cannabis use disorder include:
- Developing tolerance to cannabis substances and having to increase usage levels
- Looking forward to using cannabis substances
- Craving marijuana and cannabis substances
- Spending more time using cannabis
- Giving up activities, hobbies, and withdrawing from friends and family
- Continuing to use cannabis despite any adverse effects it is having on relationships, work, or school
- Engaging in risk-taking and drug-seeking behaviors
- Attempts to cut back use or stop entirely fail and result in relapse to previous usage levels
- Experiencing unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when it wears off
- Weight gain
- Excessive eating while under the drug’s effects
- Red, bloodshot eye
- Possessing cannabis drug paraphernalia
- Spending more time with others who use marijuana and cannabis substances
- Experimenting with different types of cannabis substances
What Causes Cannabis Use Disorder?
There is not any one particular cause why someone develops cannabis use disorder. However, there are several underlying factors that contribute to its development. Initially, people experiment with marijuana and cannabis substances. They may use them occasionally and enjoy the effects.
Moreover, these pleasurable effects are the result of THC altering the brain’s chemistry. THC forces the brain to release dopamine, a chemical neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. As a result, the brain associates this surge in dopamine as a positive response, which is what eventually causes cravings for cannabis.
In addition, the longer cannabis is used, the more it alters brain chemistry. Tolerance also builds, requiring people to use larger amounts to achieve the desired effects. Eventually, people get to the point where they cannot function without using cannabis because their brain can no longer release dopamine without using marijuana.
In addition to altering the brain’s chemistry, other factors that can lead to CUD include:
- Genetics: People with a family history of substance use disorders or mental health disorders have a higher vulnerability to developing CUD.
- Mental health disorders: People with existing mental health disorders often turn to substances to attempt to self-medicate and manage their conditions rather than seeking professional help.
Diagnosis of Cannabis Use Disorder
In order to be diagnosed with CUD, one must exhibit at least two of the 11 signs listed in the DSM-5 for at least one year. These include:
- Tolerance
- Cravings
- Increasing amount used
- Increased frequency of use
- Unsuccessful attempts at cutting back or quitting
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms
What Are the Risk Factors for Cannabis Use Disorder?
- Age: When someone starts using cannabis when they are a tween or teen, they are more likely to develop CUD as an adult.
- Frequency of use: People who use marijuana and cannabis a few times weekly to daily have a higher risk of developing dependence to it and eventual CUD.
- Gender: Males are more likely to develop CUD than females.
- Gateway substance use: People who smoke cigarettes, vape, and drink alcohol have a higher risk of also using cannabis, increasing the risk of developing CUD.
- Access: Those with access to marijuana and cannabis are more likely to experiment with it, which could lead to CUD.
- Unresolved trauma: Individuals with unresolved trauma may turn to cannabis for relief, increasing the risk of developing CUD.
Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder
The treatment of CUD is similar to treating other substance use disorders using evidence-based and holistic therapeutic modalities. Moreover, treatment programs need to be comprehensive and personalized to fit the individual’s specific needs. In addition, it is essential to use the appropriate level of care, including:
Contact Renewal Health Group to Treat Cannabis Use Disorder
Has your cannabis use taken over your life with several unsuccessful attempts to quit on your own? Get personalized and comprehensive care in Southern California to regain control over your life with help from the caring and supportive team at Renewal Health Group. Furthermore, our dedicated professionals provide compassionate guidance and evidence-based treatment to support your recovery journey. Contact us today to take the first steps to a cannabis-free future.
Published: 3/27/2025
