Cannabis addiction
- Cannabis addiction is a long-term topic surrounded by many misunderstandings and mystifications. So where is the truth?
Many future patients or recreational medical cannabis users are concerned about developing an addiction to this plant. The majority argument is that cannabis does not cause addiction. So what is the argument for "cannabis use disorder"?
Addiction X Mental Disorder?
When discussing medical cannabis addiction, we generally have two basic camps.
One claims that no physical addiction develops on this plant. This mainly means that after discontinuation, users do not expect symptoms like vomiting, nausea, tremors, and other extreme addiction symptoms that occur after discontinuing substances like heroin.
The second perspective is based especially on the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5)". DSM is the main guide and tool for psychiatrists in the USA, which they use to determine and define mental, psychiatric disorders.
To be diagnosed with "cannabis use disorder", at least two points from the following list must be met in the last year:
- The user consumes increasingly larger doses of cannabis for longer than originally intended
- Has a constant desire to reduce cannabis consumption but fails to do so
- Most time is spent trying to obtain cannabis, use it, or recover from its effects
- Strong impulse or desire to use cannabis
- Cannabis use leads to repeated failure in fulfilling duties, performance at work, school, or home
- Continuous cannabis use even when excessive consumption causes social problems or disrupts interpersonal relationships
- The user gives up certain important social, work, or recreational activities because of cannabis
- Repeated cannabis use in situations where it is physically dangerous
- Continuous use of cannabis despite knowing that excessive consumption leads to certain psychological or physical difficulties
- High tolerance leading to a drastic increase in doses to achieve the same effect
- Cannabis is used to eliminate withdrawal symptoms
This definition of "cannabis use disorder" was newly added to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-5). In previous editions, direct cannabis addiction or cannabis drug addiction was mentioned.
Conflict of Interest
Before you start counting how many points from the list above apply to you and fear addiction, keep reading.
DSM has been the central diagnostic manual for psychiatrists in the USA since 1950. The release of each edition of this manual is overseen by a certain number of key members, and surprisingly, not a few of them are paid by large pharmaceutical companies.
For example, in 2006, one study showed that out of 170 central members overseeing the fourth edition, 56% had financial ties with pharmaceutical manufacturers. Moreover, members overseeing "Mood Disorders" and "Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders" categories are financially entangled with pharmaceutical corporations, 100% of members.
A follow-up study in 2012 examining the current fifth edition found that 69% of the supervising members have financial ties with pharmaceutical companies.
Cannabis Withdrawal
Another study shows that about 9 to 10% of cannabis consumers can become addicted to the plant. We can compare this number to tobacco consumers, of whom 20-30% become addicted, or cocaine consumers, where addiction occurs in about 15-20%.
Similar to caffeine withdrawal, long-term cannabis consumers may experience certain withdrawal symptoms when discontinuing, but many feel nothing.
Withdrawal symptoms are related to our endocannabinoid system. If a person consumes cannabis frequently and long-term, the body gets used to a regular supply of cannabinoids that it would otherwise have to produce itself. When suddenly discontinued, the body must adapt, causing changes in the internal environment. During this change, short-term insomnia, mood deterioration, irritability, anxiety, and appetite changes may occur.
The same happens in the body when suddenly discontinuing caffeine or changing diet. For example, if you consume many carbohydrates and suddenly switch to a low-carbohydrate diet, flu-like symptoms may appear and last up to two weeks.
As mentioned, cannabis withdrawal never brings severe, physical withdrawal symptoms like heroin or other opiates. What you can expect is a transition period for the body to switch from external cannabinoids back to internal ones. What symptoms occur, if any, depends on the individual.
Or Too Much of Anything is Harmful
There's no doubt that some medical cannabis users may start experiencing a certain level of addiction. If consumption reaches a point where it disrupts the individual's ability to lead a satisfying, productive life or when consumption negatively affects their close ones, it's time to reflect and change something.
Overall, the addiction topic is very complex. Ultimately, it always depends on the interplay of an individual's psyche, personality, and social factors. A strict definition of cannabis addiction probably doesn't exist and always depends on who is defining it.
And you, our readers? What is your opinion on addiction in relation to medical cannabis? Share your views and experiences in the comments section!