Cannabis addiction symptoms
Outlining the signs and symptoms of cannabis addiction, as well as the long and short-term effects.
Find out more about addiction treatment at Priory.
Cannabis is the most used drug in England and Wales. Recent statistics from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) suggest that it’s used by 7.6% or 2.5 million people in the UK, with the numbers skewing towards younger users. Around 1 million of these are aged 16 to 24 years (equating to 15.4% of this age group).
Despite its widespread use and a common belief that it’s not addictive, research suggests around 9% of people who use cannabis do go on to develop an addiction. Cannabis addiction can negatively affect all aspects of a person’s life, including health, relationships and daily responsibilities such as work or school.
Here, we explore the signs of cannabis addiction, the effects of long-term use and what to do next.
Signs of cannabis addiction
As with all forms of substance addiction, cannabis misuse causes a range of signs and symptoms. These can vary in appearance and severity from person-to-person. Weed can stay in your system for quite a long time too, so these symptoms of addiction can present themselves at different times.
The following are the most common signs of cannabis misuse.
- Bloodshot eyes
- Persistent dry mouth
- Increased appetite and potential weight fluctuations
- Impaired balance and co-ordination
- Excessive sleepiness or irregular sleep patterns
- Mood swings, irritability and agitation
- Difficulty focusing or making decisions
- Poor judgement and engaging in risky behaviour
- Impaired ability to track the passage of time
- Heightened paranoia
- Frequent, unexplained absences from work or school
- Declining performance at work or school
- Losing interest in activities or events that were previously significant
- Lying, secrecy or other forms of deception involving your whereabouts and/or activities
- Withdrawing from family and friends
Age-related differences
Signs of cannabis addiction may differ according to age group. While the symptoms above are more general, there are specific symptoms that occur more frequently in teenagers and others in adults.
The following symptoms are listed according to life stages and can be helpful if you suspect a teenager or an adult is addicted to cannabis.
Cannabis addiction and neurodiversity
Neurodivergent people, such as those with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or people on the autism spectrum, can also be at heightened risk of cannabis addiction. They may use cannabis as a means of comfort, using it to self-medicate, cope with feelings of anxiety or as a result of a heightened tendency towards impulsivity.
Cannabis dependence vs. addiction
Understanding the difference between cannabis dependence and addiction can help you reflect more clearly on your relationship with the drug.
Dependence usually means your body and mind have become used to having cannabis. You might use it regularly to help you relax, sleep or manage stress, and feel uncomfortable or experience withdrawal symptoms – such as irritability or difficulty sleeping – if you stop. At this stage, you may not yet experience major negative consequences in your life, but your body has developed a reliance on the drug.
Addiction, on the other hand, is when your cannabis use becomes compulsive. You continue using it even when it’s clearly causing problems – for example, in your relationships, at work, or with your physical or mental health.
Regular use can lead to tolerance, meaning you need more cannabis to feel the same effects. This can deepen dependence and increase the risk of progressing to addiction.
Effects of long-term cannabis use
Long-term cannabis use can impact both physical and mental health:
Physical health risks
- Increased risk of lung infections and respiratory issues
- Elevated heart rate, which may increase the risk of cardiovascular problems
- Impaired co-ordination and reaction times
Mental health risks
- Higher likelihood of anxiety, paranoia and depression
- Increased risk of developing cannabis-induced psychosis, especially in people with a genetic predisposition to mental illness
- Difficulty with concentration, memory and cognitive function over time
Signs you might need support for cannabis addiction
If you or someone you know has made several unsuccessful attempts to cut down or quit, it might be time to seek help.
Other signs include continuing to use cannabis despite negative impacts on work, relationships or finances. Some users may notice that they need to consume more cannabis to feel the same effects, which is known as increased tolerance. Withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, sleep disturbances and cravings may be present or you may notice a loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed.
What to do next
If you’re concerned about your own use or someone else’s, it’s important to reach out for support. Begin by talking to someone you trust, such as a friend or family member. For professional advice, make an appointment with your GP who can discuss treatment options with you.
Priory offers private treatment for cannabis addiction at a network of hospital sites across the UK, as well as a free addiction assessment to help you understand your options.
Get in touch to find out more about how we can help.