Cannabis (Marijuana) Use Disorder
Understanding Cannabis Addiction
Cannabis use disorder has become a growing concern as marijuana legalization expands across the United States. Although many people view cannabis as harmless, regular high-potency THC exposure increases the risk of dependence, impaired brain function, and worsening mental health.
As use rises nationwide, cannabis use disorder in Florida and cannabis addiction in Sarasota are becoming more visible among adolescents, college students, professionals, and older adults.
Solstice Health & Wellness sees the local impact of cannabis addiction firsthand. Our integrated outpatient practice provides addiction treatment that addresses physical health, mental health, and behavioral change together.
If cannabis use disorder has affected your life or someone you care about, help is available. Call or connect with us today.
What Is Cannabis (Marijuana)?
Cannabis, also called marijuana, weed, pot, or THC, bud, ganja, comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. It contains psychoactive compounds called cannabinoids, primarily delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC causes intoxication and euphoria, while CBD has different neurologic effects and does not typically cause a high. Cannabis products include marijuana flower, concentrates, oils, waxes, vape cartridges, tinctures, beverages, and edible products.
Cannabis is usually smoked, vaporized, inhaled through concentrates, or consumed orally through edibles. People often start using cannabis for relaxation, stress reduction, sleep, pain relief, or social reasons.
Although dispensaries market cannabis as medical or recreational, THC potency has increased significantly over the last decade. Consequently, today’s products often contain far higher THC levels than in prior generations.
Risk Factors for Cannabis Use Disorder
Several factors raise the risk of developing cannabis use disorder. For example, a family history of addiction increases vulnerability. Childhood trauma and first use before age 18 also raise the likelihood of dependence significantly.
Additionally, individuals with anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, or bipolar disorder may use cannabis to self-medicate emotional distress.
Why Is Cannabis Addictive?
Understanding cannabis neurobiology helps explain how cannabis addiction develops. When a person uses cannabis, the primary psychoactive compound Δ9‑THC activates CB1 receptors in the brain and alters dopamine, glutamate, and GABA signaling. As a result, these changes produce the rewarding and pleasurable effects associated with cannabis use.
Although THC does not produce the same withdrawal severity seen with alcohol or opioids, repeated exposure reinforces compulsive use over time. Many people continue using cannabis for its relaxing, stress-reducing, and sleep-inducing effects. Meanwhile, tolerance develops gradually, leading them to use larger amounts or stronger products.
Cannabis is the most commonly used federally illegal substance in the United States, and daily or near-daily use among adults is increasing. Higher-potency products carry greater risks, including psychosis, impaired driving, and the development of cannabis use disorder.
Millions of Americans meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder each year. In fact, approximately 9% of people who use cannabis will develop a use disorder, and among those who use it daily, that number rises to roughly 1 in 6.