Cannabis is the most commonly used drug among adults aged 16 to 59 years and 16 to 24 years, 7.8% and 18.7%, respectively, in the last two years.[1] The biggest risk factor of consuming cannabis is little known about its long-term effects, especially as it can affect individuals differently.
Due to its accessibility, it is important to be aware of the realism of cannabis as a drug and its effects and grave impact on mental health, along with many other potential side effects.
Cannabis consumption will impact every person differently, depending on the regularity and the degree of enabled exposure. For some, it will be a social consumption that can be controlled. Yet, for others, it will show as an addictive drug, causing significant issues for users.
Here are some cannabis (marijuana) facts and statistics to consider, displaying the reality behind cannabis abuse. If you’re one of many struggling with marijuana addiction, we at Addiction Advocates are here to offer greater awareness and guidance through drug rehab.
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What is Cannabis?
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is an illegal Class B plant-based psychoactive drug highly adopted for recreational consumption.
Although it is used and backed across some platforms for holistic healing and treatment, its organic form, including the THC percentage, means it is addictive and dangerous when heavily consumed.
Acting as a rapid drug, the effects of cannabis (marijuana) can be instantly felt, lasting over a 1-hour period, offering relaxing, chilled out and suppressing effects.
Although there are positive reinforcers to the drug, cannabis is hazardous to the mind, known to increase mental health symptoms, risks of hallucinations, and diagnoses of schizophrenia. It also impacts physical wellbeing, linked to lung cancer and further respiratory problems.
Commonly mixed with further chemicals, marijuana, on the surface, is viewed as harmless, yet is a toxic, unpredictable, and addictive substance when normalised and abused consistently.
Can You Get Addicted to Cannabis?
Cannabis addictions are more common than imaginable. One study estimated that approximately 3 in 10 people who use marijuana have marijuana use disorder.[2]
The drug will not impact every user similarly; negative consequences, such as problems with attention, memory, and learning, are most commonly seen among those with a Cannabis addiction.[2] The result of drug abuse will usually be linked to the quantity and consistency of cannabis consumption, along with further vulnerabilities, such as genetics.
However, an addiction can materialise once cannabis interferes with brain structure and taps into the reward system. Its presence will impact decisions, attention, and emotional responses found to drive the addiction cycle.
If you stop consuming cannabis and withdrawal symptoms start to arise this is proof of addiction. These symptoms will motivate ongoing cannabis (marijuana) exposure and lead to cannabis addiction.
Signs of Cannabis Addiction
The signs of cannabis addiction are identified due to the drug’s effects on users. Common signs surround behavioural changes linked to drug addiction, such as prioritising consumption and withdrawing from everyday life. Other signs of addiction are as follows:
- Hallucinations
- A lack of motivation
- Extreme relaxation
- Feeling drowsy and confused
- Memory problems
- Poor performance across everyday responsibilities
- Excessive eating habits
- Risks of mental health symptoms
- Cardiovascular and respiratory problems, such as asthma
- Consistent cravings for cannabis
- Withdrawal symptoms in between consumption
Addiction is commonly diagnosed when the above is paired with the inability to stop, chase, and view cannabis as a positive reinforcer.
Cannabis (marijuana) facts and statistics
On average, up to 17% of those who start using cannabis in their teens may become dependent.[3] It’s, in fact, the most adopted illegal drug, normalised across generations and demographics.
Recent research suggests that smoking high-potency marijuana daily could increase the chances of developing psychosis by nearly five times compared to people who have never used marijuana.[4]
Although its image comes across as harmless due to its social links, its potency has increased recently, causing worries, especially among the police. Most recently, there has been a demand for the drug to be reclassified from B to A, meaning it would be in the same category as Heroin. [5]
Cannabis (marijuana) is one of the most damaging drugs for its link to mental health vulnerabilities, especially psychosis and schizophrenia. This, alongside the consequences of addiction and low treatment acceptance rates, is worrying as mental health crises continue to rise.
Facts and statistics around cannabis (marijuana) consumption and abuse clearly show the widespread problems linked to its circulation, increasing the below risks.
Risks of Cannabis Abuse
Cannabis abuse, where long-term and consistent exposure is experienced, can result in many risks. The biggest concern lies in the mental health damages it can cause due to adjusting the internal reward system and production of chemicals. It also slows down activity, resulting in impairment, including memory problems and instability.
Physical health risks are also prevalent to excessive cannabis exposure, especially linked to lung functionality and organ health. Very similar to tobacco, cannabis is found to increase the risks of cancer and further life-limiting conditions.
Cannabis exposure is hazardous for those with pre-existing mental health issues who are pregnant and experiencing ill-health due to the toxicity of its makeup. Risks of psychosis, infertility and reduced quality of life are found for those with cannabis addictions.
Withdrawing from Cannabis
Due to its addictive nature, withdrawing from cannabis can be tough. A wide range of withdrawal symptoms is expected through getting clean. However, treating cannabis addiction is possible through a wealth of addiction treatment services.
Physical withdrawal can be achieved through detoxification, psychological recovery will require many therapy efforts, dual diagnosis treatment will be required for those displaying mental health symptoms, and management and prevention steps will be necessary.
For more information on cannabis (marijuana) facts and statistics, available treatment programmes and services, and how we can help, contact our team at Addiction Advocates. Alternatively, Marijuana Anonymous UK is a helpful resource to understand and work through cannabis addiction recovery.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
Mental health vulnerabilities are highly linked with cannabis abuse due to how it impacts brain functionality and health.
References
- [1] psychosis and schizophrenia - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425748/
- [2] Marijuana Anonymous UK - http://www.marijuana-anonymous.org.uk/
- [3] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/drugmisuseinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2020 - https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/drugmisuseinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2020
- [4] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/246392#addiction - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/246392#addiction
- [5] https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/cannabis-class-drug-category-cocaine-25170725 - https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/uk-news/cannabis-class-drug-category-cocaine-25170725
Seth is an author, addiction recovery expert and fully accredited member of the national counselling society. He has experience working with a wide range of addictions and mental illnesses using a number of evidence-based therapies and programmes such as the SMART models of addiction recovery.
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