Marijuana Use Disorder Grows In The US

Marijuana is largely viewed as a harmless drug that only the federal government opposes for medicinal or recreational use. Although virtually no one dies from using marijuana and various cannabis products, the drug causes potential harm. Many people are diagnosed with marijuana use disorder, which can lead to marijuana addiction, but many are unfamiliar with the disorder.

Marijuana Use Disorder Explained

Nearly half of all states have laws allowing the sale, possession, and use of recreational marijuana. More are likely to join the ranks soon as the tax revenues prove lucrative and people have more access to cannabis in nearby states if they reside in one that does not allow recreational marijuana. Greater access to high-quality marijuana that is increasingly more potent is driving a spike in dependency.

Dependency on marijuana is a simple definition of marijuana use disorder, which officials for the National Institutes of Health say affects about 30 percent of all marijuana users. Marijuana’s active ingredient is THC, which is its most abundant compound and causes intoxication. It’s illegal to drive while under the influence of THC, and many job providers fire workers or refuse to hire others who test positive for the substance.

More Potent Strains & Products Increase Dependency

About 20 years ago, the average potency of marijuana seized by law enforcement was about 4 percent THC, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). By 2012, the average potency increased to 12 percent as growers and growing operations improved their products. With recreational marijuana legal in nearly half of all states, producers are creating even more potent strains that might reach 30 percent THC content or more.

Dependency on marijuana is the chief characteristic of marijuana use disorder. Virtually anyone who uses marijuana on a daily or nearly daily basis becomes dependent upon it after a few weeks or months of continual use. Common signs of marijuana use disorder include skipping social events, continuing use despite knowing it causes problems at work and home, and repeatedly trying to quit but resuming use, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Marijuana Use Disorder Could Become An Addiction

Marijuana use disorder can become an addiction for about 10 percent of users, the CDC says. The brain naturally produces endocannabinoids, which help regulate sleep, appetite, and memory. Naturally produced endocannabinoids also help fight pain while enhancing immunity and the ability to learn. Marijuana floods the brain with endocannabinoids along with other cannabinoids, which can lead to the loss of natural endocannabinoid production. When that happens, an interruption in marijuana use might trigger headaches, insomnia, and

Those who develop a marijuana use disorder or addiction can obtain help when searching for drug rehab near me. A combination of group and individual therapy and adjustments to daily activities can help people overcome marijuana use disorder or addiction and resume their lives. Fortunately, neither the disorder nor the addiction is fatal, but many suffer from other disorders or addictions that require recovery treatment.