Marijuana (Cannabis) Use Disorder: Effects & Treatment
What Is Marijuana (Cannabis)?
Marijuana is the dried stems, leaves, seeds, and flowers of Cannabis plants. Marijuana contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which produces intoxicating mind-altering effects (i.e., a “high).
Marijuana has many street names, including:
- Ganja.
- Weed,.
- Bud.
- Pot
- Herb.
- Mary Jane.
- Grass.
In 1970, marijuana was listed as a Schedule I substance under the Controlled Substances Act. This meant it was considered to have a high abuse potential and no medical applications. In view of public support of the legalization of marijuana, many states enacted new laws to recognize specific medical uses or decriminalize the recreational use of marijuana.2
The current legal status of marijuana in the United States varies by state. States may have policies for medical vs. recreational use, cultivation restrictions, how it can be sold, and who can use it legally, if at all.
Different Forms of Marijuana (Weed)
There are several different forms of marijuana. The plant’s flowers, seeds, and leaves can be crushed up and smoked in a hand-rolled form known as joints using cigarette papers or as blunts using cigar papers. It is smoked through water pipes known as bongs, used to brew tea, consumed through foods called edibles, and inhaled through vaporizers.
In some instances, the resin is extracted and turned into a number of products, including:
- Budder – a solvent-made cannabis extract that has the consistency of butter. A small amount (a “dab”) is heated and the vapors are inhaled.
- Wax – a solvent-made cannabis extract that is harder than budder and resembles candle wax.
- Shatter – a solvent-made cannabis extract (usually made with butane or other solvent) that appears glass-like and shatters when broken apart.
Natural Plant-Derived Cannabinoids
Naturally derived cannabinoids are compounds that come from the Cannabis plant. There are over 500 chemicals in the cannabis plant, and over 100 are chemically related to THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the primary intoxicating compound in cannabis.
There are different forms of marijuana that are plant-derived and contain THC. These include:
- Marijuana flowers.
- Marijuana extracts or concentrates.
Marijuana Flower
Cannabis flowers do not look like traditional flowers. They are cone-shaped, stringy, almost hairy-looking structures that can appear greyish green in color. Cannabis flower is the source of many non-synthetic cannabis derivatives and contains the highest concentration of THC in the plant.1 Marijuana flowers are cultivated from the female plant, which has higher levels of THC.
Common street names for the cannabis flower include:
- Pot.
- Weed.
- Herb.
- Bud.
- Grass.
- Ganja.
When people use this form of marijuana, the flowers may be:
- Smoked in the form of hand-rolled cigarettes or cigars (called joints and blunts respectively).
- Smoked through water pipes (bongs), pipes, or vaporizers.
Cannabis Extracts (Concentrates)
Another form of marijuana is cannabis extracts or concentrates. There are several ways people extract concentrated THC from cannabis flowers, leaves, and stems. Products of extraction methods can result in concentrates that appear as:
- A hard, dark brown or amber-colored solid.
- A honey-like, liquid wax.
- A soft, balm-like solid.
Common street names for plant-based extracts include:
- Wax.
- Honey oil.
- Hash oil.
- Budder.
- Shatter.
- Dabs.
Cannabis extracts contain extremely high levels of THC, which is inhaled at one time. This results in the quick delivery of a large amount of THC to the body.
Although additional research is necessary, physical dependence and addiction risks increase with exposure to highly concentrated THC. There is also an increased likelihood of adverse effects such as:
- Paranoia.
- Anxiety.
- Agitation.
- Psychosis.
Depending on the nature of the substance, cannabis extracts may be consumed by:
- Smoking (a practice called dabbing).
- Vaping.
- Eating.
Butane Hash Oil (BHO)
Butane hash oil (BHO) is a form of marijuana made by extracting highly potent concentrates from cannabis using flammable chemicals (e.g., lighter fluid) to strip the trichomes from the plant. This creates substances that can be a honey-colored oil, a dried waxy balm, or a hard, amber-colored resin.
BHO may be consumed using a vape pen or in the case of a solid concentrate, it may be vaporized with what is known as a dabbing tool.3
Cannabis Tinctures
A tincture is another form of marijuana that is a concentrated extract. Tinctures involve cannabis infused alcohol or oil, sometimes with water.
These products are ingested by mouth and are typically used on their own. However, they may also be added to food or beverages and consumed as edibles.
Marijuana (Weed) Edibles
Marijuana edibles involve mixing cannabis into food or drinks. Edibles are often made by adding marijuana extracts or concentrates to baked goods like brownies or cookies.
Marijuana edibles may also come in the form of hard candies or gummies that contain cannabis extracts. Brewing cannabis into beverages such as tea is another example of weed edibles.
Synthetic Cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids are man-made chemicals that mimic the effects of cannabis. They are part of a group of substances called new psychoactive substances (NPS).
This synthetic form of marijuana usually comes in colorful foil packages of plant matter sprayed with these chemicals, or plastic bottles of liquid to be used with a vaporizer. Typically, these substances are labeled “not for human consumption” to deter liability and suspicion.
It is important to point out that the clinical effects of synthetics (such as K2 or spice) can be much more severe than low levels of ThC.
Synthetic cannabinoids are illegal in many municipalities, and yet some remain available. Synthetic forms of weed are found to be associated with more negative effects such as:
- Irritability.
- Agitation.
- Hallucinations.
- Confusion.
- Delusions.
- Death.
Spice or K2
Some of the most popular and well-known synthetic cannabinoids are called Spice and K2. They were once legally available in shops, gas stations, and over the internet.
These substances are now illegal because they have a high potential for misuse and do not possess any medical value. However, manufacturers continue to make new iterations of these substances with different formulas to work around regulations.
Signs of Cannabis Misuse and Addiction
Cannabis use disorder may be present to some degree in 30% of people who use any form of marijuana. Problem cannabis use is classified as addiction when a person continues to compulsively use cannabis even though there are negative consequences associated with its use.
There have been recent studies linking the effects of marijuana to psychosis and mental illness, especially when used by people under age 18. There have also been findings that there is a potential loss of IQ points associated with long-term, heavy cannabis use that began during adolescence.
According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – 5th Edition (DSM-5), some of the common signs of cannabis use disorder are:
- Cannabis is taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
- A great deal of time is spent in activities needed to obtain cannabis, use cannabis, or recover from its effects.
- Recurrent cannabis use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
- Continued cannabis use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems being caused or exacerbated by the effects of cannabis.
Treatment for Cannabis Addiction
There is hope for those suffering from a cannabis use disorder. Treatment can help a person with a substance use disorder learn how to cope with the cravings and triggers that can lead to use.
Desert Hope provides both outpatient addiction treatment and inpatient rehab in Las Vegas. Compassionate admissions navigators are standing by to answer any questions you may have about the problematic cannabis use of yourself or your loved ones. Call 702-747-8264 to speak with one now.
There are several options available when paying for addiction treatment, including insurance plans that cover treatment. To check your benefits, verify your insurance coverage online now.
Desert Hope provides rehab services in a comfortable and friendly environment and offers multiple levels of addiction treatment depending on your needs. Start the admissions process today.
What Is the Difference Between CBD vs. THC?
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that is not impairing, meaning that it does not cause a “high.” CBD is derived from hemp, which is the part of the cannabis plant that contains less than 0.3% of THC. Despite Congress passing a law that removed hemp from the federal Controlled Substances Act in 2018, the legality of CBD still differs across states. In states where CBD is legalized, it is marketed in foods, lotions, oils, cosmetics, and capsules.
Not all marketed uses of CBD are FDA-approved as scientists are still researching its effects on the body and using CBD may not be risk-free. Some potential side effects may include:
- Irritability.
- Sleepiness.
- Changes in appetite.
- Diarrhea.
- Liver damage.
- Interference with other drugs.
What Are the Effects of Marijuana Use?
Marijuana affects people differently and not everyone will experience the euphoric high typically associated with marijuana. Generally, short-term effects of marijuana use include:
- Changes in mood and sense of time.
- Paranoia.
- Increased appetite (e.g., munchies).
- Impaired physical movement.
- Sensitivity to light, color, and sound.
- Dry mouth.
- Tachycardia.
Long-term effects of marijuana use include:
- Impaired thinking.
- Impaired memory.
- Decreased learning function.
- Declined general knowledge and verbal ability.
- Breathing problems.
- Fatigue.
Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
Stopping after prolonged and regular use or marijuana misuse can result in withdrawal symptoms. These can include:
- Irritability, anger, or aggression.
- Nervousness or anxiety.
- Sleep difficulty (e.g., insomnia, disturbing dreams).
- Decreased appetite or weight loss.
- Restlessness.
- Depressed mood.
- Physical discomfort (e.g., abdominal pain, shakiness/tremors, sweating, fever, chills, headache).
Symptoms typically have their onset within the first 24-72 hours after cessation, peaking within the first week, and lasting approximately 1-2 weeks, while sleep difficulties can persist for 30 days or more.5 Withdrawal symptoms are more common in adults, likely due to more prolonged use, but symptoms have been documented in adolescents as well.
Is Marijuana Dangerous?
There are some dangers associated with the use of marijuana. The marijuana that can be found today is three times more concentrated with THC than cannabis from 25 years ago, which can lead to increased risks. Some of the risks are:
- Cannabis addiction.
- Chronic and acute health concerns.
- Emergency visits due to anxiety, tachycardia, and lethargy.
- Precipitated and exacerbated physical and mental health disorders.
- Motor vehicle accidents.
- Cannabis-induced psychiatric disorders.
Adverse mental health experiences like psychotic symptoms and suicidal ideation account for 25-30% of marijuana-related emergency department visits.8
When cannabis use begins at a young age, it can cause a permanent loss of IQ that cannot be recovered even once weed use has ceased.9
When used during pregnancy, cannabis use has been linked to stillbirth, poor fetal growth, premature birth, and problems with fetal brain development, all of which can impact the future development of the child.
Can You Overdose on Marijuana (Weed)?
Overdosing on marijuana is rare, but it is possible to consume too much. In the case of overconsumption of a high-potency strain, medical attention may be required. Long-term and regular use can lead some people to develop a condition called cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (CHS). CHS causes intense nausea and vomiting and can lead to dehydration, requiring hospitalization for some.
Is Marijuana (Weed) Addictive?
Yes. Marijuana can be addictive. Some people develop a dependency on marijuana and qualify for a diagnosis of cannabis use disorder, which may require marijuana rehab. This disorder is defined as “a problematic pattern of cannabis use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress” within a 12-month period.
Of people who use marijuana, approximately 1 out of 10 will become addicted, and the odds of addiction increase if marijuana use begins before the age of 18.
Signs of Cannabis Use Disorder
There are 11 criteria that healthcare professionals use when diagnosing a cannabis use disorder. Signs of marijuana addiction include:
Signs of marijuana addiction include:5
- Cannabis being used in large amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
- Having a persistent desire to cut down or control cannabis use but being unable to do so.
- Spending a great deal of time getting, using, or recovering from cannabis.
- Cravings, or a strong desire or urge to use cannabis.
- The failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home due to cannabis use.
- Continued cannabis use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by its effects.
- Giving up Important social, occupational, or recreational activities because of cannabis use.
- Recurrent cannabis use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
- Continued cannabis use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by such use.
- Tolerance, which is defined by either a need for markedly increased amounts of cannabis to achieve the desired result or a markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount.
- Withdrawal, as manifested by either the characteristic syndrome for cannabis withdrawal or by using cannabis to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Treatment for Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana misuse and weed addiction can cause distress and may require the guidance of professionals through formal treatment. People with marijuana use disorder often struggle with other mental health disorders (comorbidity) and may struggle with the use of other substances (polysubstance misuse).10 There are several effective treatments for marijuana use disorder, including:10
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), a type of therapy approach that teaches how to improve thought patterns and behaviors that result in continued use.
- Contingency management, an approach that uses rewards to motivate and sustain change.
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET), a technique that assists people with learning and leveraging their own strengths and internal motivation to seek desired change.
If you or someone you know are struggling with weed addiction and would like support, there is marijuana addiction help available. Get started on your journey toward treating marijuana addiction by checking out types of addiction treatment, including rehab for marijuana at our inpatient rehab in Las Vegas. Assistance is available to help with things like paying for rehab and using insurance to pay for rehab. Don’t wait to get weed addiction help. Start treatment today.