Signs of Marijuana Addiction

Also known as weed and Mary Jane, marijuana (or, more specifically, the psychoactive chemical in it called THC) is a somewhat controversial substance.  In medicine, it is prescribed to treat nausea from chemotherapy and certain other conditions.  After efforts to legalize marijuana failed in California, the state reduced charges for possession of under an ounce to an infraction.  On the other side of the debate are a number of medical professionals and legislators who see marijuana use as a serious public health issue; extended marijuana use has been linked to various short- and long-term physical and mental health complications including schizophrenia and testicular cancer.  A list of some of the signs of marijuana addiction has been provided below to enable you to determine whether someone in your life may be in need of treatment.

• Increased Appetite – Called “the munchies” by many users, the increase in appetite (and corresponding consumption of high-calorie foods) can also lead to weight gain over the long term.
• Laughter – Marijuana use can lead to changes in behavior; individuals who have smoked marijuana recently may have bouts of giggle or otherwise silly behavior.
• Heightened Senses – Use of this drug often makes people perceive colors, smells, tastes and other sensory experience as more intense than they would be in everyday life.
• Odor – Marijuana has a distinct odor associated with it that is comparable to burnt basil.
• Time Distortion – After using, an addict may observe that “Time seems to have slowed down.”
• Sleepiness – Cannabis use can make a person feel drowsy or otherwise lethargic.
• Impaired Coordination – Use can make it more difficult to perform tasks that require fine motor skills.
• Difficulty Remembering – Addicts may have problems recalling details from events in the recent past.
• Poor Concentration – Those who have been using may not be able to focus on a conversation or a task for an extended period. They may not have the ability to express their thoughts or feelings in a coherent manner; they may need to have a concept explained to them multiple times in order to understand.
• Dry Mouth – Addicts may complain of dryness in their mouths.
• Red Eyes – Bloodshot eyes are common after cannabis consumption; people who are addicted to marijuana may frequently use eye drops to reduce this problem.
• Elevated Mood – THC can cause users to become happy and/or positive.
• Slowed Reaction Time – In speech and behavior, a marijuana user or addict may be delayed.
• Use Despite Problems – As with many other addictions, marijuana addiction is characterized by continued use on the part of the addict even if their life has been adversely affected.  For example, a marijuana addict may feel too relaxed to worry about time and may frequently be late to work, which may result in being fired.
• Use as a Coping Mechanism – If the person turns to marijuana to deal with any type of stressor in his or her life, this could signal an addiction.
• Social Changes – Spending more time with fellow users and less time with friends who do not use marijuana to get high could indicate a problem.