Cannabis Use Disorder on the Rise: Understanding Addiction and Finding Help
Despite widespread misconceptions, cannabis is not a harmless substance, and a growing number of people are developing cannabis use disorder. As more states legalize marijuana for recreational and medical use, understanding the risks and recognizing the signs of addiction is crucial.
Around half of U.S. states now permit recreational marijuana use for adults, with 40 states allowing medical use. However, this increased accessibility has coincided with a rise in cannabis use disorder, affecting approximately 3 in 10 people who use pot, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention.
“Cannabis is definitely something that someone can develop an addiction to,” explains Dr. Smita Das, an addiction psychiatrist at Stanford University.The disorder manifests when pot interferes with daily life, health, or relationships. “The more that somebody uses and the higher potency that somebody uses, the higher the risk of that,” Das added.
The Increasing Potency of Cannabis
the strengthening of cannabis over recent decades is a important factor in the rising rates of addiction. In the 1960s, moast marijuana contained less than 5% THC, the psychoactive ingredient responsible for the “high.” Today, cannabis flower and concentrates available in dispensaries can reach THC potencies of 40% or more, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. This increased potency elevates the risk of developing cannabis use disorder.
Diagnosing Cannabis Use Disorder
Cannabis use disorder is diagnosed using the same criteria as other substance use disorders,as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. These criteria include needing increasing amounts of the drug to achieve the same effect, experiencing withdrawal symptoms, and dedicating significant time to obtaining and using cannabis. “When we break it down into these criteria that have to do with the impacts of their use, it’s a lot more relatable,” Das noted.
Levels of Severity
The severity of cannabis use disorder is categorized based on the number of criteria met. Meeting two criteria indicates a mild form of the condition, while meeting six or more suggests a more severe form.Recent data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health indicates that 7% of individuals aged 12 and older experienced cannabis use disorder in 2024, with the majority having a mild form. Approximately 1 in 5 had a severe form.
It’s significant to understand the distinction between dependence and addiction. Dependence refers to physical changes in the body, while addiction involves behavioral changes. Furthermore, the impact of cannabis varies significantly from person to person. “The same amount can have ‘major impacts’ on one person’s daily life but have no impact on another person’s,” das explained. “It realy comes down to: How much is that substance impacting someone’s functioning and life day-to-day?”
Available Treatment Options
Effective treatments for cannabis use disorder are available. Motivational interviewing, a counseling style focused on building internal motivation for change, is one approach. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a form of talk therapy, helps individuals challenge negative thought patterns and reduce unhelpful behaviors.
Twelve-step programs like Marijuana Anonymous can also provide support.Beyond formal programs, Das emphasizes the importance of community. “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, founded a Reddit group 14 years ago for individuals seeking support in overcoming cannabis addiction. The forum now boasts 350,000 members and continues to grow, demonstrating the power of peer support. “This is potheads taking care of potheads,” Bushnell said, highlighting the comfort many find in connecting with others who share similar experiences.
Medical professionals urge anyone struggling with cannabis use disorder to seek help, whether through professional treatment or peer support groups. as Das cautions, “just because something’s legal doesn’t mean that it’s safe.”
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