What is Marijuana?

Cannabis (also known as weed, pot, reefer, bud, herb, and mary jane, among other terms) refers to the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the plant Cannabis Sativa. Marijuana refers specifically to the buds of the plant, which are most often smoked, vaped, or otherwise consumed for the “high.”

Products made with cannabis materials can take many forms. Cannabis-infused butter can be used to create baked goods and sweets, “pot brownies” being the most famous. Cannabis plant material can also be concentrated in a black liquid called hash oil or a sticky resin called hashish. “Resin” or “shatter” is highly concentrated cannabis, sometimes containing 100% THC. All cannabis products contains the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in various amounts. Marijuana is typically ingested by being smoked as a hand-rolled cigarette known as a joint (or a blunt, if it also contains tobacco). They can also be vaporized in a heat-based vaporizer or through a pipe or water pipe (bong). Marijuana smoke has a powerful and distinct “skunky” odor, and the smoke can sometimes produce “contact high” effects in people who inhale it.

While marijuana has been legalized in many states, including Arizona and, it remains the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States. Marijuana does, however, have some medicinal purposes if used correctly, and medical marijuana has been legalized in over 20 states. Tetra-cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD, is a compound fround in marijuana that produces absolutely no psychoactive effects. It’s commonly used in treatment for inflammation and pain.

The History of Marijuana Use

Most varieties of marijuana plants are commonly known as hemp. The name is commonly used today to refer to the fiber derived from the cannabis plant, as well as cannabis plants that contain less than a certain percentage of THC. Historically, hemp fiber has been very useful and can be found in rope, paper, canvas, and some fabrics. Today, hemp fiber can also be used to create bioplastics, jewelry, and even biofuel.

Hemp was so useful historically that the English crown even mandated its production in the American colonies and George Washington grew it on his farm at Mount Vernon. Modern cannabis plants have a higher level of THC than these historical plants, as they are more commonly bred specifically to produce buds that are later harvested.

The use of medical cannabis began in America in the 1850s when products with marijuana extracts were produced and sold to treat issues such as chronic pain, glaucoma, and muscle spasm.  Today, marijuana is classified as a “Schedule 1 substance” by the FDA. This means the drug is deemed to present a high risk for addiction while presenting little to no medicinal benefit. However, several states have legalized marijuana for recreational use, and 23 states have legalized marijuana for medicinal use.

The medicinal value of marijuana continues to be difficult to evaluate, however, because it contains so many different chemical compounds and various strains of the plant exist. However, many THC-based drugs have been approved by the FDA to treat maladies such as nausea and pain related to chemotherapy. Historically, marijuana-based treatments (including the famous Rick Simpson Oil, or RSO) were employed to give comfort to and enhance the appetite of cancer patients. The 1990s AIDS epidemic saw a rise in popularity for cannabis-infused sweets, as patients were able to more easily ingest them when they were weak from treatment.

It is important to understand that the potency of marijuana has increased significantly over the years. The average potency of marijuana confiscated by law enforcement in the 2010s is around 15%, compared to the 1980s when it averaged at 4%. The pot today is not the gentle “grass” of the 1970s, which was more likely to be grown outdoors and not in special breding facilities. Higher-potency forms of cannabis can expose new users to incredibly high levels of THC, sometimes to an overwhelming degree.

Marijuana Addiction

Despite common perception, marijuana can be an addictive substance. Research suggests between 9% and 15% of users develop some level of addiction. The younger someone is when they begin using, the more chance there is for an addiction to form.  There is also a relationship between frequency of use and development of addiction, with those who use daily experiencing a 50% higher chance of habit formation.

Someone experiencing cannabis addiction may experience some traditional withdrawal symptoms if trying to quit. Long-term marijuana users report symptoms such as irritability, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, anxiety, and drug craving- all traditional withdrawal symptoms that make it difficult to quit.

Traditional therapeutic methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), have proven effective at treating marijuana addiction.  Recent discoveries about the human body’s natural endocannabinoid system suggest that certain components of cannabis work naturally with the body to naturally address inflammation. This is encouraging for the future of developing medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, block the drug’s intoxicating effects, and prevent relapse.

The Effects of Marijuana Abuse

When ingested, the THC in marijuana passes rapidly from the lungs into the bloodstream, which then carries the substance to the brain and other organs throughout the body. THC is absorbed significantly slower if ingested in food or drink form.

The effect of THC on the endocannabinoid system can affect memory, mood, and energy levels. Some of the most common effects of marijuana use are as follows:

• Altered perceptions and mood
• Feelings of euphoria
• Alleviation of physical pain
• Onset of anxiety
• Increase or decrease in energy (often dependent on cannabis strain)
• Impaired coordination
• Difficulty with thinking and problem solving
• Disrupted learning and difficulty recollecting memories
• Decreased or increased appetite

While cannabis is not considered as acutely dangerous as other addictive substances, this doesn’t mean that cannabis is inherently harmless. Research shows that regular marijuana use can worsen symptoms already-occurring mental health conditions. Regular users report less physical activity, higher levels of depression, relationship problems, and decreased academic/job function. Drug use is also associated with an increase in college dropout rates, automobile accidents, and job loss.

Marijuana Addiction Symptoms

As with any drug, there are some noticeable signs that you or your loved one can look for to identify marijuana addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder.

Behavioral changes evident with marijuana addiction include:

• Preoccupation with procuring and/or using marijuana
• Difficulty in thinking and problem solving
• Decreased motivation
• Ongoing problems with learning and memory
• Social isolation
• Spending a majority of the time buying, using, and recovering from using marijuana
• Using marijuana in risky situations, such as while driving or watching children

Physical signs of marijuana abuse and addiction include:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Constant or reoccurring mucus-filled cough
• Rapid heartbeat
• Hunger or cravings
• Dry mouth
• Feelings of anxiety, paranoia, or fear
• Memory loss
• Lack of coordination
• Slowed reaction time
• Loss of impulse control
• Withdrawal symptoms when not using, including prolonged negative mood (“the miseries”)

Health Risks of Increased Marijuana Use

Marijuana use is associated with a range of health issues, particularly related to heart and lung problems as well as mental health conditions.

Like common cigarette smoke, marijuana smoke is an irritant to the lungs, and frequent smokers can experience many of the same respiratory consequences experienced by tobacco smokers, such as:

• Daily cough and phlegm production
• Frequent acute chest illness, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
• Heightened risk of lung infections and various cancers
• Damage to the immune system
• Kills brain cells and damages the central nervous system
• Fertility issues
• Increased heart issues and high blood pressure

Studies show that smoking marijuana can lead to as many health concerns as smoking traditional tobacco. Marijuana users (who do not also smoke tobacco) miss more days of work and have a higher frequency of illness than those who are not users. It is not yet known whether marijuana smoking contributes to the risk of lung cancer.

Research also shows that marijuana use can raise the heart rate of the user significantly for several hours after use. This drastically increases the risk of heart attack and long-term heart damage. The risk can be even higher for older adults or those with previous cardiac issues.

High doses of cannabis can produce a temporary psychotic reaction in some users. Abuse of marijuana may also worsen the symptoms for patients who have schizophrenia. There is also increased research linking marijuana use with depression and anxiety and higher risk for psychosis, but this may not apply to all individuals.

Marijuana as a Gateway Drug

A “gateway drug” is a drug whose usage leads to use of harder drugs in the pursuit of stronger, similar effects. But while many people may view marijuana as a gateway drug, most users do not go on using “harder” substances. Many marijuana users concurrently abuse substances like alcoholic (long considered a gateway drug).

It is important to note that other factors such as a person’s social environment, are also critical in a person’s risk for drug use. People who are more vulnerable to drug-taking are typically more likely to start with readily available substances like tobacco or alcohol, and their subsequent social interactions with others who use drugs can increase their chances of trying other drugs. There is more nuance to the issue than simply labeling cannabis a gateway drug, and using cannabis doesn’t guarantee that someone will go on to use other drugs.

Contact Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare for Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Treatment options for marijuana addiction are similar to addiction treatment protocols for other drugs. Traditional evidence-based treatments, such as twelve-step programs, support groups, individual therapy, and other science-based approaches can all be effective.

Depending on the level of addiction, the presence of physical withdrawal symptoms, and the possibility of the presence of a mental health condition (requiring dual-diagnosis treatment), marijuana addiction treatment can be relatively painless or very involved. While most individuals do not require the intensity of inpatient treatment, these conditions can necessitate a more rigorous plan. Most people can tackle the challenge of marijuana addiction using traditional outpatient strategies.

If you’re not sure where to begin with cannabis addiction treatment, we’re here to help. We known that cannabis addiction doesn’t always look like addiction to other substances, and this can make things confusing. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help with cannabis addiction.