
Even though Marijuana is legal in many states, it is the most abused drug outside of Alcohol.
In its natural form it is a dry, shredded green and brown mix of flowers, stems, seeds and leaves derived from the hemp plant Cannabis Sativa.
Understanding Marijuana Addiction
Marijuana is usually smoked as a cigarette (joint) or in a pipe. It is also smoked in blunts. Which are cigars that have been emptied of tobacco and refilled with a mixed of marijuana and tobacco. This mode of delivery combines marijuana’s active ingredients with nicotine and other harmful chemicals. This may include opiates such as Fentanyl, heroin, or cocaine, amphetamines, bath salts and many others. Making it especially dangerous.
As a more concentrated resinous form it is called hashish; as a sticky black liquid, hash oil. Marijuana has a pungent and distinctive, usually sweet and or sour odor.

Did you know?
Marijuana THC acts upon specific sites in the brain, kicking off a series of cellular reactions that ultimately lead to the “high.” The highest density of these receptors are found in the parts of the brains that influence:
- Pleasure
- Memory
- Thinking
- Concentrating
- Sensory time and perception
- Coordinated movements
Marijuana /THC laced foods:
THC laced candy resembles commercial candies and snacks. The candy is packaged to be attractive to children and teens. Some packages have no warning labels for the consumer of their content or provide recommendations of dosage or instructions for use. Marijuana can also be mixed in food, such as brownies or gummies or brewed into a tea.
Marijuana Intoxication can cause:
- Distorted perception
- Impaired coordination
- Difficulty with thinking and problem solving
- Problems with learning and memory
- Reduced cognitive functioning
These difficulties can last for days or weeks after the acute phase of the drug wears off.
Long term abuse can lead to:
- Addiction
- Estimated that 10% of users become addicted
- For those that start young that increases to 18%
- For daily users 25-50%
- May cause irritation to lungs, respiratory system
- May cause cancer
Marijuana and Mental Health
Several studies have shown an association between Marijuana use and increase rates and risk factors for Mental Health Issues such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Schizophrenia
- Dissociative disorders
The Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction

Signs and Symptoms of Marijuana use:
- Animated behavior
- Loud talking
- Sleepiness
- Dilated pupils
- Fragmented thoughts
- Bloodshot eyes
- Distorted perception
- Hallucinations
- Distortions in depth and time perceptions
- Loss of coordination
Possible Effects of Marijuana us
- Euphoria followed by relaxation
- Loss of appetite
- Impaired memory
- Concentration
- Knowledge retention
- Loss of coordination
- Fluctuating emotions
- Fragmentary thoughts
- Disoriented behavior
- Psychosis
- May cause cancer
Withdrawal symptoms include:
- Irritability
- Sleeplessness
- Hyperactivity
- Decreased appetite
- Anxiety
- Drug craving
Symptoms of Overdose:
- Significant fatigue
- Lack of coordination
- Paranoia
- Psychosis
What are the Risk Factors?
Because Marijuana is legal in many states, this does not mean it is an innocuous or a safe drug. The main psychoactive drug in Marijuana is THC and it is absorbed quickly into the blood and to the brain within 5 to 10 minutes. Many other illicit drugs may be added to Marijuana that can make Marijuana smoking very dangerous and at times, life threating.
In general, smokers experience euphoria, a high, mellowness, hunger and stimulation. They may also experience paranoia, anxiety, and depression. For some there is an onset of depression. It is also reported that frequent users feel a lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, or learning new things, slower cognition and difficulty performing complex tasks, along with experiencing mental health issues. This appears to be particularly true with the developing brain of young users. Their brains may become compromised with continued use.
What is the Treatment?

There are several effective treatments for marijuana misuse and dependence, often tailored to the individual’s needs. These treatments can be used individually or in combination, depending on the person’s needs.
Here are some common types of treatment:
Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): You have an automatic thought. That thought produces an emotion. As humans, our emotions can affect how we act. Once you recognize the thought and emotion associated with that thought, you usually have several choices to make, which can lead to consequences of your behavior. CBT aims to change the thought(s) to more productive and more helpful consequences.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Combines CBT with mindfulness techniques and emotional regulation, often used for borderline personality disorder.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores unconscious thoughts and emotions to understand and resolve psychological conflicts. This is a long-term therapy, typically working with the same psychodynamically trained therapist for several years or longer.
- Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on improving interpersonal relationships and social functioning.
Medication Management
Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for treating cannabis dependence (Cannabis Use Disorder, or CUD). However, some off-label medications have shown promise in managing withdrawal symptoms and supporting abstinence. These include:
- Bupropion: An antidepressant that may help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Naltrexone: Typically used to treat opioid and alcohol dependence, it has shown some potential in reducing cannabis use.
- Gabapentin: An anticonvulsant that may help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
- Topiramate: Another anticonvulsant that has shown promise in reducing cannabis use.
Lifestyle and Self-Care
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Healthy Diet: Proper nutrition can positively impact mental health.
- Sleep Hygiene: Good sleep practices can help improve overall mental well-being.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques to help reduce stress and promote mental clarity.
Support Groups
- Peer Support: Groups of individuals with similar experiences can provide mutual support and understanding. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (www.nami.org) is one of the leading organizations in the country that offers free peer support groups.
- 12-Step Programs: Structured support groups for addiction recovery, such as Marijuana Anonymous (MA).
Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- Psychodrama: an experiential group therapy that has people re-enact real-life situations through role-playing, storytelling, and dramatic self-presentation.
- Art and Music Therapy: Creative therapies to help express emotions and reduce stress.
- Equine Assisted Therapy: A process that uses horses to help people meet their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health goals. Teaches emotion regulation, self-confidence, and responsibility, while helping reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, or trauma.
- Yoga and Tai Chi: Mind-body practices that promote relaxation and stress reduction.
Hospitalization and Intensive Treatment
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP):
An intensive outpatient program that provides structured treatment for up to six hours during the day up to five days per week.
Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP):
An intensive outpatient program that provides structured treatment for up to three hours during the day up to four days per week.
If you or a loved one is struggling with chronic Marijuana use it’s important to reach out for help. At Desert Star Addiction Recovery Center, we’re here to support you. We offer personalized care to help you live a life in recovery. Our personalized treatment includes supportive and structured group therapy three to four times a week, individual therapy sessions, access to medication management and case management. No matter what you are feeling right now there is hope! With treatment you can learn the tools need to navigate your life in Long Term Recovery.
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Get the help you need without putting your outside commitments on hold! We individualize treatment for every client and can combine groups from different programs to suit your unique needs. We offer varying levels of structure and support, from partial hospitalization to intensive outpatient to once-weekly outpatient groups.