Megan Feller, a 24-year-old, experienced a dependency on marijuana that severely affected her daily life. She smoked pot several times a day and reported being unable to eat, sleep, or function without it. At the time, Feller felt no urgency to seek help, believing that cannabis use was socially accepted and not problematic.
This mindset is increasingly common, particularly as more states in the U.S. legalize marijuana, leading to its normalization and the introduction of more potent products. The trend is concerning, as fewer individuals struggling with addiction to marijuana are seeking assistance.
According to a federally supported survey, marijuana use among young adults has reached historic highs. In 2022, nearly 18 million Americans reported consuming marijuana daily or almost daily, a stark increase from less than 1 million three decades ago. This rise in usage correlates with a significant uptick in cannabis use disorder, characterized by cravings for marijuana and a compromised ability to function in various life areas, such as home, school, work, or relationships. Researchers estimate that about 3 in 10 marijuana users experience this condition, which can vary in severity from mild to severe.
Despite the prevailing belief that marijuana cannot cause addiction, Dr. Smita Das, an addiction psychiatrist at Stanford University, emphasizes that it is indeed an addiction. The widespread acceptance of cannabis has contributed to a stigma surrounding the pursuit of treatment for those who are addicted. Dr. Jennifer Exo from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation points out that many people hold the misconception that cannabis is entirely safe and benign, which deters them from seeking help.
The potency of cannabis has increased dramatically over the years. Marijuana in the 1960s typically contained less than 5% THC, the compound responsible for its psychoactive effects. Today, however, cannabis flower and concentrate sold in dispensaries can have THC levels reaching 40% or more. The current trend sees many teenagers opting for potent vaping products instead of consuming traditional edibles or smoking methods.
As marijuana becomes more accessible—24 states permit recreational use for adults, and 40 allow medical use—research indicates a correlation between its legalization and a rise in emergency room visits due to acute cannabis intoxication. This condition may present as rapid heartbeat, dizziness, confusion, or paranoia. A study conducted in Michigan reported a spike in ER visits following legalization, particularly among middle-aged adults. Increased access to various cannabis products with higher potency also plays a role in this trend, creating situations where users misjudge the dosage of edibles, leading to cannabis toxicity.
Feller's journey with cannabis began at age 16, and her dependency grew as she transitioned to more discreet delivery methods like vape cartridges. Eventually, the need for marijuana became so critical that she experienced severe physical symptoms without it. After failing treatment at the age of 18, her situation worsened following the death of her mother. It was not until she was 22 that she sought help from Hazelden to address her alcohol dependency, though she continued to use marijuana intermittently. Eventually, she recognized her cannabis use as problematic and has now been sober from marijuana for nearly a year, describing a newfound happiness and freedom from her previous dependency.
Despite the growing recognition of cannabis use disorder, fewer individuals are seeking treatment. A study from Florida Atlantic University found that the proportion of individuals receiving treatment for cannabis use disorder dropped from 19% in 2003 to 13% in 2019. This decline can be linked to expanding legalization and more lenient societal attitudes towards marijuana. Experts stress the importance of educating people that marijuana, much like alcohol, can be misused and pose real harm. There is a pressing need to help individuals understand the risks associated with cannabis use before they start and encourage them to seek help when necessary. Many people wait until their marijuana usage impacts multiple facets of their lives before considering treatment, leaving some to suffer in silence.
