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Addiction

In some cases, cannabis users can become addicted to cannabis. This means a person cannot control or stop cannabis use even though it interferes with daily life.  Starting cannabis use during adolescence or young adulthood is associated with future cannabis addiction when compared to those who wait until adulthood to use.

Signs of cannabis symptoms and warning signs 

It’s important to know how to recognize when cannabis symptoms and warning signs The consumer may:

  • Be high for more than one to two hours per day on a regular basis.
  • Not be able to stop using cannabis once they start.
  • Be high often enough that they fail to complete big tasks or commitments.
  • Begin to spend a great amount of time focused on buying, using or recovering from cannabis use.
  • Have problems with concentration or memory loss.
  • Begin to take more risks while high, such as driving or caring for children.
  • Begin to talk about cutting back on their cannabis use.
  • Experience symptoms of withdrawal after not using cannabis for some time.
  • One of these characteristics on its own may not indicate addiction, but the pattern of behaviors may signal a problem.

Getting help

If you observe this pattern of behavior in yourself or in someone you love, get help.

  • Learn all you can about cannabis use. Offering support and encouragement to your loved one is essential in finding the help they need.
  • Talk to a health care provider about your concerns.
  • There are treatments available for cannabis addiction that can reduce use and dependence.

The right resource at the right time can put you or your loved one on the path to recovery.

  • There’s a network of substance abuse and mental health treatment providers across the state who can support you on the road to well-being. Treatment is known to help those who are addicted.
  • Talk to your or your loved one’s health care provider.
  • Contact your insurance provider to find covered behavioral health services nearby.

Treatment resources

  • Call 1-800-CHILDREN for free to connect to statewide resources for parents with any concerns, including substance use.
  • Colorado LADDERS Treatment Provider Locator. (Colorado Behavioral Health Administration website)
  • Treatment locator. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for public and private resources)
  • Accessing Substance Use Services Through Health First Colorado, Managed Service Organizations, including Medicaid.
  • If you are pregnant or a mother with young children, you are a priority for drug and alcohol treatment. Learn more at Tough as a Mother.

All information on the health effects of cannabis is taken from the Retail Marijuana Public Health Advisory Committee’s systematic review of available, high-quality research.