With the growing number of countries and states legalizing medical cannabis, there is a rising concern about the possible addictive traits of marijuana. Of course, these concerns are legitimate, although the answer to this question is not particularly straightforward.
Medically, the term "marijuana addiction" is very rarely used, with "cannabis dependence" and "cannabis use disorder" being more prevalent.
So is marijuana addictive or not?
It is important to point out that marijuana is not physically addictive like cocaine, heroin, or tobacco. Interestingly, some experts even say that coffee and its caffeine content are more addictive than marijuana.
The essential factor in developing a cannabis addiction is a person's biochemistry, as about one in ten people are prone to being psychologically addicted to cannabis' active ingredients.
Dependence vs. Addiction
Addiction is composed of physical and psychological compulsive need to use or do something without considering the possible detrimental consequences.
The difference between addiction and dependence is that the former eventually leads to behavioral patterns that become harder to resist over time with accompanying biochemical brain changes caused by the abuse of a certain substance.
Another thing to consider is the difference between psychological and physical addiction. Substances like cocaine, alcohol, and heroin can cause severe physical addiction. An addicted person physically needs these substances to function normally. Failing to take the substance leads to a painful withdrawal phase.
Unlike physical addictions, psychological addictions do not go through the withdrawal process when they stop using the substance. Instead, it's a mental reliance on the relief, experience, or result of the substance. Maybe not physical withdrawal, but a difficult emotional roller-coaster.
Dependence is usually a part of addiction, but they are not the same. Dependence does not interfere with behavioral patterns. Dependency is usually associated with prescription medication like antidepressants, ADD drugs, painkillers, and other similar narcotics.
Tolerance is much different than addiction and dependence. Tolerance comes following the continued use of certain substances. After some time, the body becomes resistant, which lessens its effects, requiring larger quantities to get the same effect.
Chronic marijuana use quickly builds a tolerance to THC. Fortunately, it only takes a few days of abstinence to get things back to normal.
Take a Break from Marijuana
Do you feel that marijuana has started to lower your quality of life? Or that it has begun to worsen your relationships with the people around you? Or maybe, that it negatively affects your productivity? Perhaps it might be time to take a break from using your medical cannabis.
In just a few days, you should be back to your normal dose of usage, enjoying the same results that you have previously enjoyed.
