You’ve probably heard a lot of different things about marijuana, often called weed, pot, Mary Jane and other slang names. For some, it’s a way to relax, a social activity, or a tool to manage certain health conditions. For others, it can deeply affect their health. 

The main active ingredient in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol, THC, which is what gives you the feeling of being high. Today’s marijuana is much stronger than it used to be, and that’s an important fact to understand, too. When you use it, THC affects a part of your brain that controls things like memory, pleasure and how you experience time. There’s also cannabidiol, CBD, which doesn’t get you high and has been studied for its potential health benefits. 

While marijuana is legal for medical or recreational use in some states, it’s still illegal at the federal level. No matter where you stand on its use, it’s worth taking a moment to check in with yourself and your mental health. There is no shame in being honest with yourself and evaluating if your relationship with marijuana is working for or against you.

Cannabis use disorder vs. cannabis addiction

About one in 10 people who use marijuana will develop an addiction. For people who start using before the age of 18, the risk increases to about one in 6. And overall, an estimated 5.8% of Americans 12 years and older who use cannabis meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder (CUD).

• Cannabis use disorder (CUD)

CUD is when someone struggles to stop using cannabis even though it’s causing problems in their life. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Think of it like being stuck in a loop; you know it’s not working for you, but quitting feels out of reach. 

• Cannabis addiction

Cannabis addiction is where physical and psychological dependence make it very difficult to stop. When someone with a cannabis addiction tries to quit, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as:

• Irritability
• Sleep issues
• Cravings
• Mood swings

It’s worth noting that marijuana affects everyone differently. For some, occasional use may never turn into an issue. For others, the way their brain and body respond makes them more vulnerable to developing CUD or addiction. Genetics, environment and mental health history can all play a role in how marijuana affects each person.

Is it a problem? Understanding the signs

Here are some specific signs that your marijuana use may be moving from a choice to a challenge:

• You’re using it more than you planned.

Maybe you intended to use it only on weekends, but now you find yourself using it every day. Or you’re using more of it to get the same feeling you used to get from a small amount. This can be a sneaky shift, but it’s a strong sign that your tolerance is building up and your use is no longer a simple, conscious choice. 

• It’s getting in the way of your responsibilities.

Are you skipping out on work, school or family events because of your use? When a substance starts taking priority over important parts of your life, that’s something to note. 

• You have a hard time cutting back.

You’ve tried to cut down or stop, but you haven’t been able to. This can be frustrating and make you feel stuck. It’s a common experience for many who develop a dependency, and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It simply means you need a different kind of support to make a change. 

• You get irritable or anxious when you stop.

These agitated feelings are a couple of common withdrawal symptoms, along with trouble sleeping or a restless feeling. Withdrawal symptoms can be a major barrier to quitting, and they’re a clear sign that your body and mind have become dependent on the substance. Acknowledging these symptoms is the first step toward managing them with professional help. 

• You’ve stopped doing things you enjoy.

If hobbies or activities you used to love have been replaced by using marijuana, it may be a sign that your life is being negatively impacted due to your use. This can lead to a feeling of emptiness or a lack of purpose, as the things that once brought you joy fade into the background. 

• You spend a lot of time on it. 

Whether it’s thinking about it, getting it, using it or recovering from its effects, your day may revolve around it more than you’d like. This constant cycle can be exhausting and can prevent you from focusing on other goals and relationships. 

• You continue to use it despite knowing it’s causing problems.

This is a big sign. If you know that your use is hurting your relationships, your health or your finances, but you still can’t stop, that’s a clear signal that something more than a simple choice is at play. 

• You use it to escape or feel normal. 

Many people start using marijuana to cope with stress and anxiety, or simply to feel “normal.” While it may offer temporary relief, using it as a coping mechanism can prevent you from developing healthier ways to deal with your feelings. Over time, it can make the underlying issues worse, creating a cycle of dependency. 

If any of this sounds familiar, please know that it’s OK to feel this way, and you’re not alone. The goal isn’t to take away something that gives you comfort, but to help you find balance and get back in control of your life. 

Why these signs matter

It can be easy to brush these things off as not a big deal. However, when you start seeing a pattern, it’s worth paying attention. Cannabis use that consistently interferes with your life isn’t just a phase. It’s a sign that support may be necessary. 

While marijuana withdrawal isn’t typically dangerous, it can feel overwhelming enough to keep someone stuck in the cycle. 

Recognizing the signs isn’t about labeling yourself or feeling ashamed. It’s about giving yourself the chance to make changes before things become harder to manage. 

Taking a step forward: what type of treatment is available

Deciding to seek help is a powerful and brave step. It’s about empowering yourself to live the life you want. Treatment for problematic marijuana use is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It can be a combination of support and medical care tailored to your specific situation and may include:

• Medication management

While there currently aren’t any FDA-approved medications specifically for quitting marijuana, health care providers can prescribe medications to help with tough withdrawal symptoms and co-occurring conditions like anxiety or sleep disorders. 

For example, some people are given Trazodone for sleep problems, Buspar for anxiety or Neurontin for restlessness. These medications are sometimes prescribed off-label for cannabis withdrawal symptoms. A psychiatric nurse practitioner will work with you to find what’s right for your specific needs, making the process of quitting much more manageable. 

• Therapy and counseling

Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you understand why you use marijuana and teach you new, healthy ways to deal with stress, triggers and difficult emotions. This helps you build a solid set of skills to cope with life’s challenges without needing to turn to a substance. 

A therapist or counselor can also help you explore any underlying issues, like past trauma or mental health conditions, that may be contributing to your use. 

• Integrated care

This is a modern approach where all of your health care providers, from your therapists to your primary care provider, work together. This ensures that every part of your well-being, both mental and physical, is being looked after. This coordinated effort helps to provide a comprehensive and effective treatment plan, preventing things from falling through the cracks. It’s about treating the whole person, not just a single problem.

• Support and community

Finding a support system, whether through a structured group or with trusted family and friends, can make a huge difference. Sharing your experiences with others who understand can be incredibly healing and empowering. It reminds you that recovery is possible and that there is hope for a better future. 

ReKlame Health can help you take back control with marijuana treatment 

We understand how difficult it can be to find balance and feel like you’re in charge of your life. We’re a team of modern, diverse and compassionate providers who are dedicated to helping members take back control from cannabis addiction. 

Our care is tailored to your needs and built on proven, evidence-based approaches. We believe that seeking help should be as easy as possible. That’s why we make it a priority to get you in for an initial consultation within 48 hours of your first call or referral. If you’re considering making a change in your relationship with marijuana, we’re here to guide and support you every step of the way. 

Appointments are available within 48 hours. You’ve got this. Start by booking your first session today.