The health impact of marijuana use has been the subject of debate for decades. Some advocates believe that cannabis is a harmless, non-addictive substance. But both the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition (DSM-5) identify it as a potentially problematic substance with a distinct set of addiction and withdrawal symptoms. Cannabis use disorder and cannabis withdrawal syndrome are very real physiological conditions associated with frequent cannabis use.
What is cannabis use disorder?
Cannabis use disorder (cannabis addiction) refers to an inability to stop using cannabis despite negative consequences to health, career, or personal relationships. The criteria for a diagnosis of cannabis use disorder includes distress and impaired functioning associated with the use of cannabis for a one year period as well as at least two of the following symptoms:
- Using more cannabis than intended
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop cannabis use
- Disproportionate amount of time spent acquiring, using, or recovering from the effects of cannabis
- Preoccupation with cannabis use, including cravings, thoughts, and planning
- Continued cannabis use despite associated negative consequences (including DWI, family conflict, or poor productivity)
- Continued cannabis use despite awareness of related health or psychological problems, such as chronic cough or marijuana amotivational syndrome
- Prioritizing cannabis use over other important activities, relationships, and responsibilities
- Using cannabis in a potentially dangerous context, such as while driving
- Increased cannabis tolerance
- Presence of withdrawal symptoms with stopping
Heavy cannabis users and those who start consuming cannabis in adolescence are at the greatest risk for developing cannabis addiction.
Cannabis withdrawal syndrome
THC is one of the natural psychoactive compounds in marijuana (meaning, it affects the mind, altering the mood, perception, awareness, thinking, and behavior). In the 1960s, marijuana had an average of 3% to 4% THC. Today, the average is 17%, and some edibles have as much as 80% to 90% THC. In addition to the natural cannabinoids, some synthetic cannabinoids are added to the cannabis products offered in dispensaries and on the streets today. These can increase the psychoactive effects, making them even stronger.
Cannabis dependency begins when the brain adapts to heavy cannabis use by reducing the production of certain neurotransmitters, relying instead on the drug to function normally. When the individual stops using cannabis, it takes time for the body systems to go back to their baseline levels. In the meantime, they’re hungry for the chemicals in the drug, and this results in symptoms of cannabis withdrawal syndrome.
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms begin within the first 7 days of stopping heavy and prolonged cannabis use and can make it difficult to function well at work or school, in daily activities or in personal relationships. If the individual experiences 3 or more of the following signs and symptoms after stopping cannabis use, it may be a sign of cannabis withdrawal syndrome.
- Irritability, anger, aggression
- Anxiety, nervousness
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia or disturbing dreams)
- Decreased appetite or weight loss
- Restlessness
- Depressed mood
- At least one physical symptom causing significant discomfort
- Abdominal pain
- Shakiness / Tremors
- Sweating
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
These signs and symptoms would qualify as cannabis withdrawal syndrome if they’re not attributable to another medical condition, mental disorder, or drug withdrawal.
Cannabis withdrawal syndrome treatment
Currently, there is no specific cannabis withdrawal syndrome treatment available. There are only medications and treatments that can address some of the individual related symptoms such as anxiety or insomnia. But researchers continue to study cannabis withdrawal syndrome in order to help them get closer to the development of effective treatments for those who need it. Researchers are always looking for participants to join their studies and contribute to the advancement of science. Contact us today if you are interested.