Marijuana Addiction: Fact or Fiction?

Despite the widespread use of the term “drug addiction” in global discussions about drug policy reform, including marijuana (MJ) as classified by the UN and most countries, the term itself lacks a precise definition. Each side in the debate defines addiction differently. For most advocates of legalization or decriminalization of so-called “soft drugs” like marijuana and various psychedelic hallucinogens, the term refers to physiological dependence—meaning the body’s receptors react painfully to the sudden absence of a certain psychoactive substance. On the other hand, supporters of strict prohibition often point to the existence of “psychological dependence” on drugs, noting that many such substances have a psychological component, where some users develop an internal, mental need for the sensations or rituals associated with the substance.

While prohibitionists certainly exaggerate the scale and threat of “psychological drug dependence,” this phenomenon does exist. It is especially noticeable in cases of frequent, chronic marijuana use over long periods. Although unbiased statistics are hard to find, data from American analysts suggest that, on average, about 30% of global marijuana users eventually experience some form of psychological dependence. The risk increases with the length of use, frequency, and the THC content—the main psychoactive compound in marijuana. The risk is at least seven times higher for those who start using heavily before adulthood. Chronic daily use or consumption of high-THC strains (20% or more) increases the risk by dozens of times.

In other words, while marijuana is much less dangerous to health and life than opiates, stimulants, or even alcohol, frequent use can still have negative consequences for a user’s psychological health.

How Do Cannabinoids Interact with the Human Brain?

Before discussing psychological dependence on marijuana, it’s important to understand the biological mechanisms responsible for its psychoactive and therapeutic effects. The key is how THC, the main psychoactive molecule, interacts with receptors in the human brain. Essentially, THC “tricks” certain brain receptors by attaching to them in place of a naturally occurring endocannabinoid called anandamide. Because of their similar chemical structure, both molecules can activate these receptors and mimic each other’s properties and biological functions.

Anandamide acts as a neurotransmitter and modulator of signals between nerve cells. It is produced in response to certain stimuli, enhancing or smoothing out impulses and modulating related processes. Since endocannabinoid (CB) receptors are widespread in the body, these processes include many complex brain functions, from emotional responses to attention, thinking, and memory formation.

When THC replaces anandamide, it affects all these brain processes and related bodily reactions, but in a much more stimulating way, leading to more intense effects. For example, even small doses of THC can disrupt short-term memory formation, causing the forgetfulness often associated with recreational marijuana use.

This structural similarity and functional difference between THC and anandamide underlie marijuana’s potential to create psychological dependence on the sensations and actions associated with its use. Specifically, both anandamide and THC interact with brain regions responsible for motivation and reward. Anandamide triggers a release of dopamine—the “motivation” or “pleasure” hormone—creating feelings of calm and serenity. THC, however, greatly increases dopamine levels, producing the “high” and pleasure linked to marijuana use. The more frequently and in higher doses THC is consumed, the stronger these pleasurable sensations become, increasing the risk of psychological dependence.

Signs of Psychological Dependence on Marijuana

As mentioned earlier, psychological dependence on marijuana is a real and fairly common phenomenon. The main indicator is regular, heavy use, with the person unable to reduce their dose or take even a short break. In such cases, the pleasure from using marijuana irrationally outweighs other needs and interests, dominating the person’s thoughts when deprived of the substance. Even when experiencing psychological discomfort or irritability due to abstinence, users often deny having a problem, blaming changes in behavior on other factors.

After years of study, the American Psychological Association included “Marijuana Use Disorder” in the fifth edition of its Diagnostic Manual. The disorder is diagnosed when a person exhibits certain symptoms, mainly related to changes in perception and cognitive processes. These symptoms include:

• Frequent and regular marijuana use, sometimes at the expense of other daily activities, often in large amounts for the individual
• Unsuccessful attempts to quit, even for a few days or weeks
• Increasing time spent seeking, buying, or using marijuana
• Persistent desire or craving to use marijuana
• Neglecting personal responsibilities, comfort, hygiene, or even safety in pursuit of marijuana
• In severe cases, marijuana use strains personal relationships, with the user choosing marijuana over social obligations
• Marijuana use replaces previous hobbies and interests
• Inability to stop regular use despite needing to increase the dose to achieve the same effect due to developing tolerance
• Increased irritability, paranoia, anxiety, and aggression during periods without marijuana
• In rare cases, abstinence can lead to active aggression toward oneself or others

Unlike “hard drugs” like heroin, marijuana does not cause fatal overdose or severe physical withdrawal. However, psychological dependence can lead to prolonged and distressing periods of discomfort for the user and those around them. Unlike withdrawal from stimulants or opiates, marijuana withdrawal symptoms usually begin a few days after stopping regular use and intensify over several days, often manifesting as increased irritability, aggression, or depression, along with mild physical symptoms like sweating, loss of appetite, increased urination, and insomnia. Fortunately, even in severe cases, these effects do not pose a risk of organ dysfunction, as can happen with alcohol or stimulant withdrawal. Most people’s symptoms disappear within 2–3 weeks after quitting marijuana.

Key Facts About Psychological Dependence on Marijuana

Overall, marijuana withdrawal is not as dangerous to health as withdrawal from harder substances. Responsible use, including monitoring dosage and THC concentration, can help users avoid unwanted psychological dependence even with frequent use. Other factors also influence the development of dependence:

• Social integration (having a broad social circle) and a strong sense of self-control are major barriers to developing dependence. The more socially active and self-aware a person is, the less likely marijuana will take over their life. Those with strong social support can rely on others for help, while isolated individuals may not notice increasing use or dosage.
• Some medical experts believe that people with mental health disorders or a family history of such conditions are at higher risk for severe forms of dependence. According to U.S. health statistics, at least 50% of those with psychological dependence on marijuana are also diagnosed with other serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, PTSD, severe anxiety, or depression. However, some experts note that people with these conditions may use marijuana for self-medication, making it hard to determine the exact correlation without further research.
• Many experts believe the risk of psychological dependence has increased over the past 30 years due to higher average THC concentrations in recreational marijuana. The number of diagnosed cases may be linked to a threefold increase in THC content since the 1980s. As with mental health correlations, more long-term studies are needed to confirm this link.
• Another significant risk factor is the increased use of marijuana among young people over the past 30 years. Since the human brain continues developing until about age 25–26, some experts advise against recreational marijuana use before this age, warning of possible links to memory and learning problems later in life.
• Surveys in U.S. regions where medical marijuana is legal show that at least 60% of medical users consider it a safer alternative to opiates. Additionally, 40% say marijuana helped them quit alcohol, and 30% report using it to replace other illegal psychoactive substances.
• Even THC’s effect on the brain’s reward system has its limits. Studies and user experiences show that after a certain dosage, brain receptors stop responding to dopamine, even though THC continues to increase its release. The exact mechanism is still unknown.

While opponents of marijuana legalization often exaggerate the dangers of psychological dependence, the phenomenon is real. The associated withdrawal syndrome can cause significant discomfort and reduce social functioning for extended periods. In short, while not life-threatening, it is an unpleasant condition that can be difficult and lengthy to treat, much like other forms of addiction. To protect yourself, always use marijuana in moderation. If you stop feeling the desired “high,” it may be wiser to take a break rather than increase your dose or frequency, which can lead to this subtle but very unpleasant condition.