Tag: cannabis

Cannabis can be physically and psychologically addictive. If don’t like how much you’re smoking, or resent the feeling of “needing” to smoke, there are some steps you can take.

Seeking Treatment for Cannabis Addiction

Adults are less likely to seek treatment for cannabis abuse when compared to other drugs. Possibly because cannabis users believe their products are less dangerous, and/or less habit forming than “harder” drugs. According to recent studies, an adult seeking treatment is usually someone who on average, has used cannabis on a regular basis for more than 10 years, and has seriously attempted to quit more than 6 times.

Each year in the U.S., over 300,000 people enter treatment for cannabis use disorders.

The type of treatment may depend on whether or not the person has any comorbidities, such as psychiatric problems or addiction to other substances.

Treatments for Cannabis Addiction

1. Rehabilitation or detoxification centers: Not very common, but they can be helpful for people who have poor social functioning or comorbid psychiatric disorders, such as other addiction(s).

2. Outpatient therapy: These programs involve working with a psychotherapist or other mental health provider and attending sessions consistently.

3. Support groups: In-person or online support groups can help individuals connect with others going through the same and, thus, help each other.

Tips For Quitting

Withdrawal symptoms will differ depending on usage. Meaning for how long has the person used and how frequent. For someone who uses daily, slowly reducing might be easier than abruptly stopping. However, for someone who uses occasionally, completely stoping might not be so difficult.

Tips:

• Try eating healthy food, like fruits and vegetables. Sugar and junk food can make you feel worse.
• Don’t forget to drink water and try avoiding caffeinated beverages.
• Sleep and rest are very important. If sleeping well has become difficult, exercising daily will definitely help.
• Surround yourself with supportive friends and family, you don’t have to go through this alone. Supportive groups are also an option, don’t isolate yourself.

Short answer, yes. Cannabis can be addictive, physically and psychologically. Recent studies suggest that about 9% of cannabis smokers will become dependent. The addiction rate would likely increase to 17%, if the consumer started in their teens.

Unlike other substances, cannabis is not a highly addictive drug. It requires heavy and frequent use to create dependence. Lopez-Quintero et al. found that the cumulative probability estimate of transition to dependence was 67.5% for nicotine users, 22.7% for alcohol users, 20.9% for cocaine users, and 8.9% for cannabis users.

Signs of Cannabis Addiction:

1. Wanting and trying to quit/reduce consumption but failing
2. Using more cannabis than intended
3. Craving cannabis
4. Spending a lot of time trying to get weed/going out of your way to getting weed
5. Continuing use, even if consumption is affecting social relationships, work and/or essential activities
6. Needing higher concentrations/consuming more to obtain the same high
7. There is research, however, still inconclusive, suggesting problems with memory, attention and learning in the longterm
8. Experiencing withdrawal symptoms

Why do we experience cannabis withdrawal symptoms?

After frequent use, your body has to adjust to not having that regular supply of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive in cannabis. The more you smoke, the more your brain will be accustomed to this steady supply. Once the supply stops, withdrawal symptoms may appear, which is basically your brain asking for more THC.

Withdrawal symptoms usually peak within the first week after quitting and last up to 2 weeks.

Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms Include:

• Diminished appetite
• Mood changes
• Irritability
• Sleep difficulties, including insomnia
• Headaches
• Loss of focus
• Cravings
• Sweating, including cold sweats
• Chills
• Increased feelings of depression
• Stomach problems

Compared to other drugs (Like heroin or alcohol), cannabis withdrawal symptoms are not as severe, as they are not physically life-threatening.

THC Levels on the Rise

In the 1990s, the average THC content in confiscated cannabis samples was less than 4%. In 2018, it was more than 15%. The increasing potency of weed, combined with the use of high-THC concentrates, raises concerns that the consequences of cannabis use today could be more detrimental than in the past, particularly among those who are new to cannabis use and in young people, whose brains are still developing.

Testing THC and CBD Levels in Cannabis

It’s possible to test THC and CBD levels in cannabis products such as buds and infusions. You can test your own products with one of our cannabis test kits.