Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a psychoactive plant that has been used for centuries. The two main species of the cannabis plant are Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. The plant contains more than 100 chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, with delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) being the most well-known.
Marijuana can be smoked, vaporized, fused into an edible, drank as tea, and dabbed (concentrates such as waxes are vaporized and inhaled). Marijuana may also be referred to as weed, pot, grass, ganja, and Mary Jane.
Marijuana is both medically and recreationally legal in some countries and states in the U.S., while some states only allow medical use. In some places, marijuana is still illegal. Always be aware of and comply with local laws and regulations regarding marijuana use.
Effects of Marijuana
Short term, marijuana induces relaxation, euphoria, altered time perception, and heightened mood; however, it can also cause dry mouth, increased heart rate, paranoia, and impaired memory.
Prolonged marijuana use can cause attention and memory deficits, respiratory issues, and reduced ambition. It could also increase the risk of onset of depression, anxiety, and psychosis.
Risks of Marijuana
While marijuana is generally considered a low-risk substance, it’s possible to develop an addiction to it. Chronic marijuana use can lead to changes in the brain's reward system and neuroplasticity, influencing the development of addiction.
Rehab for Marijuana
Marijuana addiction is very treatable. After detoxing (if necessary), you’ll begin therapy to get to the root of your addiction while learning coping skills to manage cravings. Some people with marijuana addiction may need a more intensive level of care to help monitor and manage their symptoms. When talking to your doctor, consider discussing which level of care best fits your needs:
- Outpatient (OP): You’ll meet 1-2x per week with your provider and others in treatment.
- Intensive outpatient (IOP): You’ll meet 3-5x per week for several hours at a time for more intensive care.
- Partial hospitalization (PHP): You’ll meet 5-7 times a week for a full day.
- Residential: You’ll live in a rehab for 28+ days and engage in treatment with a comprehensive staff and a community of peers.
- Inpatient: You’ll live in a treatment center or hospital-like setting and have 24/7 monitoring.
Depending on the program you choose, the price can range from a few hundred dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per month.
Managing marijuana addiction can be a complex and individualized process. Working with a licensed professional who’s experienced in marijuana addiction can help guide you through the healing process. They will provide you with appropriate tools, techniques, and support tailored to your specific needs. You may engage in talk therapies such as
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to learn how to replace unhealthy thought patterns with more affirming ones.
- Contingency management (CM) provides positive reinforcement, such as rewards or incentives, for maintaining abstinence from marijuana.
- Relapse prevention counseling to learn techniques to manage addiction cravings and other symptoms.
- Motivational interviewing to explore the reasons why you want to recover and use that purpose to motivate change.
Can You Relapse on Marijuana?
Yes, it is possible to relapse on marijuana. If this happens, talk to your doctor and seek professional treatment. You may choose to participate in programs that focus on relapse prevention planning along with skills-building and evidence-based therapies.
Relapse isn’t a failure, but rather an opportunity to find treatment that will better fit your needs and keep you on the path to sobriety.
Questions to Ask Your Provider
If you’re looking for marijuana treatment, talk to your primary care doctor. They can refer you to a substance use rehab to start your recovery. When having this discussion with your provider, consider asking these questions:
- What are the benefits of the different types of treatment available? What are the risks?
- Are there any specific medical or psychiatric assessments I should do before starting treatment?
- What does relapse prevention planning look like?
- Can treatment address any co-occurring disorders that I have?
- Does insurance cover treatment?
How Can I Find Support?
- Rehabs for Marijuana
- Telehealth Provider
- Talk to a supportive friend or family member
- Talk to your primary care physician