In the ever-changing cannabis industry, it seems that every day there’s a new study or new claim about what weed is and what it is not. If you ask marijuana users whether they are addicted to weed, most of them will say no. However, cannabis addiction is a real thing, and it’s important for frequent users who are concerned about their marijuana habit to understand what it is and how it can affect them.
In this article, we’ll answer the questions, “is marijuana addictive?” and “can you get addicted to weed?”. We’ll also suggest what to do if you think you may be addicted to marijuana.
What is Weed?
Weed, also known as marijuana, is a psychoactive drug that is derived from the cannabis plant. It is often used for recreational and medicinal purposes, and it is known for its ability to produce a feeling of relaxation and euphoria. When smoked or vaporized, weed can produce a range of effects on the body and mind, including altered perceptions, increased appetite, and changes in mood and behaviour.
Medical cannabis is used to treat a variety of medical conditions. It has been shown to help with symptoms such as chronic pain, nausea and vomiting, muscle spasms, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
The use of legalized marijuana has grown considerably in recent years. The number of people who use marijuana has increased, as well as the percentage of people who use it regularly.
How Does Cannabis Work?
Cannabis works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is a network of receptors and neurotransmitters that play a role in various functions such as mood, memory, and pain perception. The main active ingredient in cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of the cannabis Sativa plant. When THC enters the body, it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain and activates them, causing a range of effects on the body and mind.
Cannabis also contains other active ingredients, including cannabidiol (CBD), which is believed to have medicinal properties and is often used to treat a variety of mental health conditions. CBD does not have psychoactive effects like THC, and it is thought to counteract some of the negative effects of THC.
The effects of cannabis can vary widely depending on the cannabis strain, the method of use, and the individual user. Some people may experience feelings of relaxation and increased appetite, while others may feel anxious or paranoid. The effects of cannabis can also be influenced by factors such as the person’s age, gender, weight, and overall health.
What is Marijuana Addiction Like?
Marijuana addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder, is a condition in which a person becomes dependent on marijuana and experiences negative consequences as a result of their use. It is important to note that not all marijuana users will develop addictive disorders, and the risk of developing marijuana addiction varies from person to person.
Some signs that a person may be struggling with marijuana addiction include the following:
- Smoking marijuana more often or in larger amounts than intended
- Being unable to cut down or stop using marijuana despite wanting to
- Spending a lot of time using marijuana or recovering from its effects
- Experiencing cravings or urges to use marijuana
- Continuing to use marijuana despite it causing problems in one’s life, such as relationships, work, or school
- Experiencing cannabis withdrawal symptoms when stopping or reducing marijuana use, such as irritability, insomnia, and decreased appetite
If you experience the withdrawal symptoms mentioned above, it may be helpful to seek professional help to address your use. A healthcare provider or a substance use disorder professional can provide you with resources and support to help you manage your use and address any negative consequences that may result from your usage.
Marijuana Use Disorder and Withdrawal Symptoms
Marijuana use disorder is a condition in which a person becomes dependent on marijuana and experiences negative consequences as a result of their use. If a person with marijuana use disorder stops smoking marijuana or significantly reduces their use, they may experience a range of withdrawal symptoms.
These symptoms can include:
- Irritability: People may feel more irritable or short-tempered than usual when they stop using marijuana.
- Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping or insomnia is a common cannabis withdrawal symptom
- Decreased appetite: People may experience a decrease in appetite or weight loss during marijuana withdrawal.
- Physical discomfort: Some people may experience physical discomfort during marijuana withdrawal, such as headaches, stomach pain, or tremors.
- Mood changes: Mood changes, such as feeling anxious or depressed, are common during cannabis withdrawal.
These symptoms are usually not severe and usually go away within a week or two. If you are experiencing marijuana withdrawal symptoms and are struggling to manage them, it may be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider or a substance abuse treatment professional for support and guidance. They can provide you with resources and support to help you manage your symptoms and address any negative consequences that may result from your marijuana use.
Can You Get Addicted to Weed?
Is weed addictive? While cannabis is generally considered to be less addictive than other drugs, it is possible for some people to develop a cannabis dependence.
Marijuana dependence can occur when a person builds up a tolerance to the drug and needs to use it more and more to get the same effects. Dependence can also involve withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using marijuana, such as irritability, insomnia, and decreased appetite. These symptoms are usually not severe and usually go away within a week or two.
Ways to Control Your Marijuana Usage
If you are using marijuana and are concerned about possible marijuana abuse and health risks, here are a few strategies that may help you control your cannabis use:
- Set limits: Decide in advance how much and how often you will use marijuana, and try to stick to those limits.
- Keep track of your use: Use a journal or app to track your cannabis use and any feelings or experiences associated with it. This can help you understand your patterns of use and identify any triggers that may lead to excessive use.
- Avoid smoking: If you are concerned about the negative health effects of smoking, consider using a vaporizer or marijuana concentrates instead. These methods may be less harmful to your lungs and may also provide a more controlled and longer-lasting high.
- Seek support: If you feel like you need help to control your marijuana usage, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider, a substance abuse treatment professional, or a support group. They can provide you with resources and support to help you manage your use.
- Take breaks: It can be helpful to take breaks from marijuana use to give your body and mind a chance to reset. Consider taking a week or two off every now and then to see if it makes a difference in your usage patterns.
Remember, if you are using marijuana and it is causing problems in your life, such as difficulty with work or school, relationship issues, or legal problems, it may be helpful to seek professional help to address these issues.
Where to Buy Weed Online in Canada?
Buy weed online at WeedSmart. Weed Smart is a leading dispensary and cannabis delivery service in Canada. We offer a wide range of products at competitive prices, including lab-tested cannabis flowers, concentrates, edibles and accessories. We also provide excellent customer service, fast delivery and the best prices.
References
Statistics Canada. (21 February 2020). What has changed since cannabis was legalized?
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-003-x/2020002/article/00002-eng.htm
Weed Delivery Vancouver. (2023, April 1). Same-Day Weed Delivery in Vancouver. Available at: https://weeddeliveryvancouver.io/
Government of Canada. (18 January 2022). Addiction to cannabis.
Daily Marijuana. (2023, April 1). Buy Weed Online in Canada. Available at: https://dailymarijuana.io/shop/weed-online/
Government of Canada. (17 October 2018). Is cannabis addictive?
