Many people think marijuana use is harmless, especially because it’s a natural product. While many people are able to use it without becoming addicted or abusing it, it’s not a benign substance. Even though you may not be able to prevent marijuana abuse and addiction, there https://ecosoberhouse.com/ are things you can do to reduce the risk. It can be hard when you’re living with marijuana abuse or watching someone you care about deal with it. They can help identify treatment options that are appropriate for your situation and provide resources for family and friends.

Mental health conditions, which have both genetic and environmental causes play a large one in a person’s chance of developing an addiction. They add that people who use marijuana before age 18 are 4 to 7 times more likely to develop this use disorder than adults. “It’s certainly not as bad as tobacco smoke, which kills 480,000 people a year,” said Grinspoon.

Signs of Addiction

Marijuana Anonymous is one such support group based on the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous. MET is based on motivational interviewing and helps to increase changes in behavior marijuana addiction by giving nonjudgmental feedback and helping people set goals. If you smoke pot regularly, it can lead to coughing, wheezing, phlegm, and a higher risk of respiratory infections.

• Signs of addiction include using more than intended, neglecting responsibilities in favor of marijuana use, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.
• Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who is a Republican presidential candidate, has opposed marijuana legalization, but some analysts say the measure still has a good chance of passing the 60 percent threshold to become law, even in a conservative-leaning state.

The conversation around marijuana use has become more nuanced since the World War II era film “Reefer Madness” portrayed the drug as destructive and dangerous. On the other hand, there are studies that have issued warnings on marijuana and heart health as well as using marijuana for morning sickness. A 2017 study reported that adult cancer patients are using marijuana to ease nausea and other symptoms. In recent years, there have been a number of studies that have highlighted the use marijuana in treating certain medical conditions. Currently, 31 states and the District of Columbia have laws legalizing marijuana in some form. In fact, 10 states and the District of Columbia allow marijuana for recreational use.

Marijuana Withdrawal

People who have marijuana use disorder may also be at a higher risk of other negative consequences, such as problems with attention, memory, and learning. David Greenfield, a psychologist and founder of the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction in West Hartford, Conn., said the devices lure users with some powerful tactics. One is “intermittent reinforcement,” which creates the idea that a user could get a reward at any time. As with a slot machine, users are beckoned with lights and sounds but, even more powerful, information and reward tailored to a user’s interests and tastes.

For many, it’s difficult to imagine a life in which using drugs is more important than spending time with friends or doing favorite hobbies. It’s certainly difficult to imagine using drugs despite major consequences, such as a suspended driver’s license or prison time. A 2014 study examined people who use drugs and who came to the emergency room with drug-related problems, which is a strong indicator that something is not manageable. They’re not driving under the influence of the drug or using the drug at work. They don’t get caught with marijuana and never enter the legal system.

Increasing THC Content In Marijuana

It also explored connections with other traits using Mendelian Randomization (MR). A noteworthy finding was the association between CUD and lung cancer risk, raising concerns about health effects, mainly through smoking cannabis. Though the most well-known active ingredient—and the cause of most concern—is THC, Marijuana also contains the compound cannabidiol or CBD. Unlike THC which binds to receptors in the brain that control and regulate mood, appetite, and pain, CBD is linked with other elements in the body more in line with overall wellness. More research is needed to determine the relationship between CBD and decreased anxiety, insomnia, or chronic pain, but the FDA has approved the use of CBD for epilepsy.

• Seniors are one of the fastest-growing populations of cannabis users in the United States.
• “The most common genetic legacy relating to addiction is inherited boredom,” explained Stalcup.
• Dr. Peter Grinspoon, one of the leading cannabis researchers in the U.S., said that while it’s important to note the two studies do not directly prove marijuana causes heart problems, it’s an issue that needs to be urgently looked at.