Can You Get Addicted To Marijuana?

Drugs are a controversial topic. Especially cannabis as it is often the subject of heated debates. Whether the debates are political or health-based, the drug, often referred to as marijuana, has been in the scrutinizing spotlight for decades. According to The Washington Post, around 55 million American adults are "regular users" of the drug. That's a staggering portion of the population. And whether you are a part of this group or not, it's undeniable that cannabis is likely very present in your community. 

According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, marijuana is classified as a  cannabinoid drug which primarily contains the psychoactive cannabinoid (THC), and the non-psychoactive cannabidiol (CBD). It can be smoked, vaped, or eaten. Side effects of the drug include dry mouth, slower reaction time, bloodshot eyes, and increased appetite. There are both short term and long term symptoms associated with the use of cannabis. And many of them are often funnily portrayed in the media. But is addiction one of them?

Being hooked on marijuana may lead to exhibiting signs and symptoms of an addiction, though The National Institute of Drug Abuse categorizes overuse of or dependence on the drug as its own disorder. This is called marijuana use disorder, or MUD. Symptoms of MUD include: irritability, mood and sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, cravings, restlessness, and/or various forms of  physical discomfort when one has stopped using the drug. MUD may be classified as a disorder, though it can turn into an addiction if you can't stop using cannabis even though it interferes with your daily life.

According to WebMD, it is possible to become dependent or addicted on marijuana. Though addictions to drugs such as alcohol and cocaine are more common, studies have shown that one in 10 users of cannabis can get addicted. The likelihood increases to one in six for those who started using under the age of 18.

If the past and present are signs of the future, then marijuana will continue to be a hot subject of debate. Currently, it regularly used by a large percentage of the population. If you are a part of this percentage and are concerned you have MUD or an addiction to the drug, consider talking with your doctor or a supportive loved one so you can discuss the best methods of treatment for your case.