Marijuana and Addiction
Long-term marijuana use can lead to addiction; that is, people use the drug compulsively even though it interferes with family, school, work, and recreational activities.
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2008 of the estimated 7 million Americans classified with dependence on or abuse of illicit drugs, 4 million were dependent on or abused marijuana. In 2007…
15.8% of people entering drug abuse treatment programs reported marijuana as their primary drug of abuse (61% of those under 15), representing nearly 288,000 treatment admissions.
Along with craving, withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, sleeping problems, and anxiety can make it difficult for long-term marijuana smokers to quit. Past research has shown that approximately 9% of people who used marijuana may become dependent.
But what about Marijuana as medicine?
Marijuana is not an FDA approved medicine, although 13 states have currently legalized its medical use.
There are data supporting marijuana’s potential therapeutic value for symptoms including pain relief, control of nausea, and appetite stimulation (IOM, 1999). However, there are several reasons why marijuana is an unlikely medication candidate:
(1) it is an unpurified plant containing numerous chemicals with unknown health effects,
(2) it is typically consumed by smoking further contributing to potential adverse effects, and its non-patentable status makes it an unattractive investment for pharmaceutical companies.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Everything in this article is true, I believe, except for the part where only 9% of the people who try it become dependent. That seems a bit low. Putting all other factors aside, I think the number one reason it will take off state by state is taxes, its another way for the state to bring in more money, and we all know how hard this has become recently. Altria’s bottom line is proof that not too many people are worried about the effects of smoking like the way they should anyway.
I just received your newsletter containing an article on how to meet new friends. I am concerned that one of the suggestions on where to meet new people was at a pub or bar. That seems to me to be a very inappropriate suggestion for those who might be in recovery, or even those who aren’t especially coming from an addiction website. Thank you. Lauri Sanderson, CDP
The use of marijuana is very rampant now in our place. Though the government is really trying its best to decrease the incidence of this cannabis sativa addiction. People should be aware of its bad effects to the body.
Thanks. Lauri
That one slipped by me, I agree with you. Going to a bar is one trigger to be avoided.
Bill
“a unrefined plant”… that is the worst excuse ive ever heard. you all take asprin so leave our “medication” alone,” its non-patentable status makes it an unattractive investment for pharmaceutical companies.” that just goes to show its all about the green monster and peoples well being coming last. people whos lives have been made better by the unrefined plant found little help from those pharmaceutical companies. cancer paitents shouldent have take a pill for their lack of hunger that has a nausea side effects.
my friends live in sumatra, indonesia. he told me some cities in sumatra use marijuana seeds and leaves in they foods . it makes foods much tasty. no side effect like dizzy or headec.
about marijuana in medical purpose. i agree with it, as long for medical purpose. not for drunk
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I find it astonishing that so many people “enjoy” marijuna. It is a proven testosterone decreaser for starters and likely has estrogenic effects as well. I agree – this is an addiction worth breaking!