Cannabis Use Disorder

The cannabis plant produces a range of weed products, including concentrates and methods like dabbing and vaping concentrates, which can heighten the risk of weed dependence. Use in adolescence increases the likelihood of developing cannabis problems, often linked to attention problems, difficulty sleeping, and mental health disorders.

These negative consequences make treatment options essential for those struggling with vaping cannabis addiction or other forms of long-term drug use.

What is marijuana?

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a psychoactive substance derived from the cannabis plant that contains compounds such as THC and CBD, which influence brain function and mood. People may use weed in different forms, including dried flower, its concentrates, and products such as edibles or oils.

The effects of cannabis are linked to its interaction with the body’s endocannabinoid system, producing sensations that can range from relaxation to altered perception of time and space. While some begin using weed experimentally, ongoing use can lead to cannabis dependence and other negative consequences for mental and physical health.

The effects of marijuana abuse

Marijuana abuse can lead to significant disruptions in brain function, including attention problems, difficulty sleeping, impaired memory, and reduced motivation, which are linked to the psychoactive properties of THC found in the weed plant. [1] Cannabis (Marijuana). (2024, September 24). National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cannabis-marijuana Prolonged use of cannabis products, such as concentrates, or through methods like dabbing and vaping concentrates, is associated with heightened risks of weed dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and mental health disorders, according to the APA.

Is marijuana addictive?

Marijuana can be addictive because repeated use of cannabis may lead to dependence, where the brain adapts to regular exposure to THC, and withdrawal symptoms appear when someone tries to stop using weed. This condition, recognized as cannabis use disorder, involves compulsive patterns of use despite negative consequences on health, relationships, or daily responsibilities.

What is cannabis use disorder (CUD)?

CUD is a mental health condition where patterns of cannabis use lead to dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and negative consequences that interfere with daily functioning, relationships, or well-being. It develops when repeated drug use alters brain chemistry, creating difficulty in stopping weed products despite harmful effects.

What’s the difference between marijuana use disorder and marijuana addiction?

Marijuana use disorder is a pattern of marijuana addiction. It occurs after the addict has begun to use marijuana in such a manner that they are dependent, withdrawal occurs, and they can no longer function in daily living. Marijuana addiction is the highest severity of this disorder. It includes loss of control, compulsive use of marijuana, and inability to stop, even with extreme harm.

How common is cannabis use disorder?

CUD affects roughly 3 in 10 people who use cannabis, with even higher rates among those who use it daily or begin during adolescence. Young adults aged 18 to 25 experience this disorder at notably elevated levels, around 14% and over 16 million Americans overall meet the criteria for it. [2] 2023 News – UM School of Medicine Review highlights rise in psychiatric disorders linked to increased cannabis use | University of Maryland School of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.medschool.umaryland.edu/news/2023/um-school-of-medicine-review-highlights-rise-in-psychiatric-disorders-linked-to-increased-cannabis-use.html

Marijuana addiction symptoms

Marijuana addiction symptoms may include the following signs:

• Distorted perceptions
• Impaired coordination
• Difficulty in thinking and problem solving
• Ongoing problems with learning and memory
• Red, blurry, bloodshot eye
• Constant, mucus-filled cough
• Rapid heartbeat
• Hunger
• Dry mouth
• Anxiety, paranoia, or fear
• Poor memory
• Poor coordination
• Slow reaction time
• Loss of control

What causes cannabis use disorder?

Marijuana dependence develops gradually through a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental influences:

• Experimental use
• Occasional use
• Heavy use
• Substance use disorder
• THC’s effect on your brain chemistry
• Genetics
• Mental health conditions
• Access and exposure to cannabis

What are the risk factors for cannabis use disorder?

Several factors can raise the likelihood of developing CUD, and they often interact over time:

• Age
• The potency of marijuana
• Frequency of use
• Depression
• Other substance use

Impact on daily life

Marijuana dependence can gradually interfere with daily functioning, shaping both mental performance and life outcomes in different ways:

• Cognitive effects (attention, motivation, memory)
• Social, academic, and occupational consequences
• Long-term brain changes and dependence

What are the complications of cannabis use disorder?

CUD can lead to complications that affect health, thinking, and daily functioning.

• Cannabis-induced psychosis: hallucinations or delusions from heavy use.
• Cannabis-induced anxiety disorder: persistent fear or anxiety secondary to weed.
• Cannabis-induced sleep disorder: disrupted sleep or poor-quality sleep.
• Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome: nausea and vomiting with chronic weed use
• Chronic bronchitis, if you are a smoker or marijuana user: persistent cough and mucus production.
• Fertility issues: hormonal changes that reduce reproductive health.
• Severe CUD (marijuana addiction): strong cravings and loss of control over use.
• Altered brain development: changes when cannabis use begins in adolescence.
• Cognitive impairment: memory loss, attention problems, and slower thinking.
• Poor educational outcomes: lower grades and difficulty completing studies.
• Increased likelihood of dropping out of school: disrupted motivation and focus.
• Lower IQ: lasting decline in cognitive performance.

How is cannabis use disorder diagnosed?

Marijuana use disorder is assessed by the number of signs a person shows, which reflects how strongly cannabis use affects daily life.

• Mild CUD: 2 to 3 signs — early control issues and mild cannabis withdrawal.
• Moderate CUD: 4 or 5 signs — stronger weed dependence with clear negative consequences.
• Severe CUD: 6 or more signs — persistent loss of control and compulsive use of cannabis products.

How is cannabis use disorder treated?

Treatment of CUD typically consists of detoxification and therapy as well. Detoxification reduces the effect of THC in the system and is supported by dependence treatment, withdrawal treatment, and psychiatric disorder treatment.

Effective treatments are cognitive behavior therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, contingency management, assertive community treatment, and therapeutic community treatment. Treatments help the patient to abstain from cannabis, suppress the craving, and reduce the unwanted impacts.

Detoxification

Detox for marijuana use disorder aims to remove THC from the body. It also manages withdrawal symptoms like irritability, trouble sleeping, and strong cravings. This stage prepares individuals for further treatment by stabilizing their physical state and easing discomfort.

Cognitive and behavioral therapies

Cognitive and behavioral therapies help reshape thought patterns and behaviors linked to cannabis use disorder.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) 
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Assertive community treatment (ACT) 
• Therapeutic communities (TCs)
• Contingency management (CM) 

How can i prevent cannabis use disorder?

Cognitive and behavioral therapies help reshape thought patterns and habits connected to CUD. CBT develops coping strategies for cravings, DBT improves emotional regulation, ACT offers team-based recovery support, TCs provide structured residential care, and CM applies rewards to encourage steady progress.

What can I expect if I have cannabis use disorder?

Cannabis use disorder affects people in different ways, shaped by several factors:

• The type and severity of the condition.
• The level of cannabis dependence and withdrawal.
• Commitment to abstinence during recovery.
• The length of treatment needed.
• Genetic vulnerability.
• Coping skills during stressful situations.

Conclusion

CUD is the result of biological, psychological, and social factors, in unison. It chiefly results in dependence and withdrawal and disturbs daily life. Cannabis therapy can make recovery possible. One can recover to regain their health, focus, and stability.

FAQ 

What is Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD)?

Marijuana use disorder is a condition where a person develops problematic patterns related to the use of cannabis, leading to distress or life disruptions. It can range from mild to severe depending on the number of symptoms present.

Can marijuana really be addictive?

Yes. While not everyone who uses cannabis develops dependence, regular and heavy use can lead to withdrawal symptoms and difficulty stopping.

What are the signs of Cannabis Use Disorder?

Signs may include craving weed, unsuccessful attempts to cut back, neglecting responsibilities, and continuing use despite negative consequences.

Is CUD more common now that marijuana is legal in many places?

Research suggests increased availability may contribute to more cases, particularly among young adults and those who begin using cannabis in adolescence.

What are the withdrawal symptoms of cannabis?

Weed withdrawal may involve irritability, sleep problems, reduced appetite, restlessness, or mood changes after stopping use.

How is Cannabis Use Disorder treated?

Treatment often includes behavioral therapies, support programs, and in some cases, medications to manage withdrawal and support recovery.

Can you recover from CUD without professional help?

Some people reduce or stop using cannabis on their own, but structured treatment can increase the likelihood of long-term success.

How can Calmerry help?

Calmerry provides online therapy sessions with licensed professionals who can guide you through coping strategies and effective treatments for cannabis use disorder.