Is Marijuana Addictive?

“Is Marijuana addictive?” It is a common question because most people automatically assume that it is not an addictive substance based on their knowledge of the drug and the culture that surrounds it. On the other hand, more and more people these days are seeking treatment for dependency on the drug, and some people definitely seem to show real signs of marijuana addiction. So what is the right answer? Is it addictive?

Let’s take a look and find out. Take a quick glance at the chart down below that is based on a mountain of government data. It is indicating that for all of the people who have ever tried marijuana, 4 percent of them are currently meeting criteria for dependency on the drug. You can also see the numbers for some other drugs there.

Now I know that when I was smoking weed every day and trying to justify my using, I would have seized on these numbers and said “Ha! See? Marijuana is the least addictive of these drugs!” This is a typical attempt to justify my addiction.

But you see, 4 percent is actually pretty scary. Do you have any idea how many people try using Marijuana at some point? LOTS. So it is pretty significant that 4 percent develop dependence.

Plus, what does it really matter if it is 1 percent or 90 percent? Some people do get addicted. Flat out. And that can have a huge impact on their lives.

Traditional wisdom

The traditional wisdom regarding Marijuana use is that very few people even become habitual users of the drug. Many people try it at least once but most people do not turn into what we call “pot heads.” On the other hand, the same is true of alcohol. Again, check the chart. Pretty much everyone is exposed to alcohol at some point but very few people actually become alcoholics. So a low percentage of addiction is not really noteworthy, as this is the case with other addictive drugs as well.

Now does habitual use mean that a person is addicted? Not necessarily. But in practical terms, this difference really does not matter much. If someone wants to change their life then the fine line between “bad habit” and “full blown addiction” really does not matter. Many people who become heavy users of Marijuana would like to quit for a variety of reasons, including some of the following:

1) It is illegal and therefore risky behavior.

2) Smoking it daily affects the health negatively (harsh cough, obvious damage to the lungs, etc.)

3) The drug begins to dominate your lifestyle. It influences how you spend your time, the people you hang around with, etc. It thus limits your freedom.

4) Smoking it daily stunts your personal and emotional growth. You use it to medicate your feelings instead of learning and growing through new situations.

And so on. So there are a number of reasons that people would like to stop using Marijuana in order to improve their lives. The fact that some people experience these negative consequences but continue to use Marijuana points to the idea of addiction as well.

But in addition to all this, consider the following points about Marijuana:

* There is evidence that it activates reward centers in the brain.

* Heavy users seem to develop tolerance (it takes more and more of the drug for them to reach the same level of “high”).

* Withdrawal might be really mild, but people do report cravings, and others say they feel sluggish and “down” if they go without it.

* Physical addiction in the body is beside the point, people get wrapped up in a lifestyle of smoking marijuana every day

* There is evidence that Marijuana is indeed a gateway drug, and can lead users to other substances that are also harmful to them (though in reality, Marijuana addiction is bad enough, when you consider all of the negative ways in which it can and does impact a person’s life).

All of these points seem to reinforce the idea that Marijuana is addictive, so let’s look at them in greater detail.

Marijuana seems to be addictive in a physical sense for heavy users

A certain percentage of people who smoke Marijuana end up becoming very heavy users of it. These are people who smoke a lot of Marijuana every single day. For people in this class of user, it seems that they actually do experience some signs of physical addiction.

For example, if they go through a day or two where they can not get any of the drug, they complain that they feel lethargic and depressed. These are difficult withdrawal symptoms to measure but they are definitely real symptoms nonetheless.

Marijuana is clearly addictive in terms of psychological dependence

The biggest point here is not really physical addiction regarding Marijuana, but rather the idea of psychological addiction is what is important. This is because Marijuana is very addictive to some people in a psychological sense because the person uses the drug to basically escape reality and to medicate their feelings.

For example, consider someone who has been smoking Marijuana for most of their life. They use the drug almost every day, and they justify the use of it for almost any situation. They get high to celebrate. They get high to compensate for a bad day at work. They get high when they feel sick in order to feel better. They get high when they have to deal with a bunch of drama in their life. Getting high became their default response to almost everything in their life, and so they developed this pattern of managing their entire life through getting high with Marijuana. This is addiction. They might not be physically hooked on the drug, but they rely on Marijuana as a crutch to get them through almost every event in their life. They are psychologically addicted.

It is worth noting that anyone who is psychologically addicted to Marijuana like this is also cross addicted with other drug, whether they realize it or not. In other words, people who are self medicating in this manner could very easily switch to another drug or substance and find that it works just as well for them. In other words, they are in greater danger of experiencing cross addiction. This is due to the fact that they are not really hooked on Marijuana, instead they are addicted to medicating their emotions and using a chemical to escape from reality.

Everyone who smokes Marijuana is not going to become psychologically addicted like this. But many people who smoke it every day for long periods of time are in danger of becoming psychologically addicted.

Marijuana is clearly addictive in terms of a social dependency

The other way in which Marijuana is deeply addictive is in the social sense of the drug. This is what people are referring to when they say that someone is “addicted to the lifestyle.” People who smoke Marijuana together will naturally develop some level of social bond with each other. To give up smoking Marijuana is to give up this bond. Depending on the person, and also on how old they are, this can be a really big deal.

This also points to how Marijuana use can become a self esteem issue for young people. They might try using Marijuana for the first time and realize suddenly that doing so has earned them “automatic friendship” among others who are also smoking. This is an instant ego boost for any young person who suffers from low self esteem. It is also easy to see why someone can become trapped in the cycle of addiction this way because they are not willing to walk away from their new friends.

People who become heavy users of Marijuana will, over time, end up having a social network built up in their life of almost exclusively other Marijuana users. This is the lifestyle part of drug addiction that gives their life meaning. Part of staying hooked on Marijuana is in not wanting to abandon this network of friends.

Marijuana really is a gateway drug in some cases

The idea that Marijuana is a gateway drug has been thrown around a lot, but I believe that there is some truth to the theory based on my own experience. I started with Marijuana and the use of it made me curious enough to try alcohol and other drugs as well. It’s not real clear to me that Marijuana is actually the cause of experimenting with other drugs, as I think in most cases it is actually the result of that interest in exploring different “highs.” Nevertheless, smoking weed can definitely lead to trying other drugs, simply due to the social nature of the drug and the culture that surrounds it. If you smoke Marijuana long enough with a large variety of people then eventually you will be introduced to other substances as well. Whether or not you choose to use those other substances is up to you, but most people who are immersed into this drug culture are eventually going to explore a bit.

In the end I don’t think this point matters much though, because marijuana addiction is bad enough all by itself, and it doesn’t much matter if it leads the user to “harder” drugs. To suggest that this is the main problem with Marijuana addiction is to belittle the fact that Marijuana use by itself is really quite harmful and damaging to a person on a number of different levels.

Let’s look at it another way….addiction = loss of freedom

Regardless of whether or not you buy into the idea that Marijuana is addictive physically, socially, or psychologically, being caught up in the lifestyle of smoking weed on a regular basis is still going to ultimately mean the same thing: a loss of freedom.

What more is addiction, really, then when you have to do something? You have lost your choice in the matter and now you have to smoke Marijuana in order to get by. If this is the case with you or someone you know, then it matters little if we label it as addiction or not. The fact of the matter is that they are trapped in a cycle and they have to smoke Marijuana in order to feel normal and to deal with their everyday life.

In this way, it has become an emotional crutch for the user and they are using the drug to medicate their feelings. If something bad happens in their life, then they definitely need to smoke that day. If they become stressed out over events that have occurred in their life, they have to smoke then as well. Using a substance as an emotional crutch like this qualifies as an addiction in my book.

Is Marijuana addictive? Only to the extent that it dominates someone’s life and removes their freedom. If you take a look at heavy marijuana users or people who smoke regularly, you will see that they are making great sacrifices and taking big risks in order to continue to self medicate with the drug.

Check out the video:

Comments (168)

168 comments to “Is Marijuana Addictive?”

On April 20th, 2009 at 6:14 pm ,
Reese S Says:

I was looking here to find some help on how to quit the weed. The things you say are true I have had this problem for 32 years and I want to stop just how do I do this
On April 20th, 2009 at 6:23 pm ,
Chanel Says:

Hey Patrick,
I don’t know if you posted this
in order to get a paycheck or perhaps
you have a passion for writing
and got either the short straw of
having this topic or the long straw depending on your own opinions, but
in all sincerity I want to thank-you
for this information. I have no idea
whether I was just stupid not being
able to find the facts or that it wasn’t
there in order for me to find them, but
without this I wouldn’t be able to base
my own perception on something a bit
more solid than what my mind is led to believe. If I could explain this with any more clarity (you can easily see I’m not concise), I guess this is thousands of times better than any of my ‘hunches.’

In honesty at my age and at the age of my generation, there should be no knowledge of any situation pertaining to marijuana, yet
the brutal truth to this easily convincing statement is that all I have heard in my city, in my school, out of my friends’ mouths is how awfully good this substance really and truly is.
To express my opinion, I think it’s sick. I think it’s horrid and terribly devastating. My stomach churns at the idea. Over a year ago, consider hearing your best friend at the mere age of fourteen telling you of her first attempt at the drug. Now consider her constantly craving it; it doesn’t have to be verbal announcement but time lapses again only for her to inconspicuously refer back to her ‘wild’ weekend. Lucky my parents, I never had a crave to do it. None. I don’t feel the needs to impress the people around me nor do I think I have to carry this experience with me until I’m six feet under. And just because I choose the good ones, my other best friend of the male sex, recently tried to persuade me to “think this thoroughly and just do it once to have a novel experience that leads to an intriguing conversation.” I didn’t budge; no matter how cool everyone believes him to be. I suppose you could compare it to taking Freddy Krueger and putting him into a Jane Austen novel. Something so absurd that it’d never ever happen. Another good trait I possess is that I do not intend and will not by nature drop my best friend who is ultimately obsessed with weed until he drops me. Stupid, right ?

This was exactly what I needed, even though I was bawling before the end of it, for the fact that I’m certain he is psychologically addicted to this herb.

Thanks again.

Happy Smoke Marijuana Day;
I can’t tell you how much I’ve hear about it.
On April 20th, 2009 at 8:34 pm ,
Patrick Says:

@ Reese – Please have a look around this website, explore the articles in the sidebar there or check the archives… all I write about is how to overcome addiction. I think for overcoming Marijuana addiction, the things I write about creative recovery are particularly relevant.

@ Chanel – That is right, I forgot it was 4/20/09 today, that means all the people who are hooked on Marijuana have a day to celebrate. I think you are right to exercise caution regarding this drug, because even though everyone of your peers tries to convince you that it is innocent, Marijuana really is a subtle foe….it can rob you of life in a way that you are not expecting. Plus, it could land you in jail, which is besides the point actually. Medicating your feelings every day is no way to live!
On June 24th, 2009 at 9:01 pm ,
JaViD Says:

K lsn everyone! Ill say it in a short way, people who want to smoke they will, there is no addiction to anything! Its just ur idiotic mind that wants to do. Only Heroin does make u addictive.
On June 24th, 2009 at 9:13 pm ,
Patrick Says:

What is up JaVid….I guess you are probably not really addicted to marijuana. That is great, kudos to you!

Hopefully you can smoke some herb and enjoy it and have a good life. If so, my hat is off to you.

Some people ARE addicted though, and I am trying to help them. That doesn’t sound like you. Fair enough. Good luck to you at any rate….
On July 1st, 2009 at 4:33 am ,
fabian Says:

so true, the reasons for smoking cannabis buds.
The main reason i smoked, is to elevate my mind
enhance my awareness, transcend my consciousness
to find peace and truth in my personal being and the universe
On July 1st, 2009 at 8:05 am ,
Patrick Says:

Fabian, your reasons are presented as being very seductive. I agree with them and that was what I held in my mind when I used to smoke.

But the reality was, 99 percent of the time I just got stoned and sat on the couch, maybe watched some TV. Very rarely did I actively try to expand my consciousness or increase mindfulness in any way. That was my ideal, that was what I told myself. But the reality was that I was just getting wasted, day after day after day.

I have learned not to glamorize it any more, and to see it for what it really was.
On July 6th, 2009 at 10:39 pm ,
Lea Says:

Awesome. Looked for some good material to present to someone who argues this is a good drug, thank you.
On July 7th, 2009 at 7:19 am ,
Patrick Says:

Good luck Lea….it is an insidious drug because people find it very easy to justify as being “soft” and harmless. Good luck.
On July 18th, 2009 at 7:22 pm ,
Gavin Says:

Good Info
On July 18th, 2009 at 8:28 pm ,
Patrick Says:

Thanks Gavin. Hope you are doing well…
On July 25th, 2009 at 4:05 pm ,
alice Says:

Mj is not fair trade either, when us rich hippys sit around contemplating our navels , people of the third world have often suffered for our sakes.
It is often grown in houses here in europe, that are resedential propertys turned into mini farms,
Then often someone is shipped in from the third world to take care of plants, under the pretence they are getting a good job, sometimes its children,they are locked in these houses 24 hours a day for months on end, until harvest, then they are dumped, unpaid in a country they know nothing about.
The people who organise these mini farms are not your fellow hippys, they are rich mafia types, who also deal in hard drugs, crack and heroin and often child traffiking.
Think about where you weed came from? did you or your friend grow it? then can you be sure who did?
On July 25th, 2009 at 4:12 pm ,
Patrick Says:

Interesting points there Alice, I am not really informed about the situations that you speak of, and I have no idea how much of that stuff really happens. I don’t doubt you though. Seems rather unfortunate…
On August 3rd, 2009 at 7:46 am ,
Lee Bardell Says:

Hi Patrick
Thank you for your information, I agree with it ALL. Sadly enough I am losing my husband and the love of my life because HE doesn’t share the same views being an avid user himself. I am sad and torn apart, 12 years of trying to help him see the light, I have started to retire and we will be coming to an end.
Nonetheless, your words helped me as at times I feel as though I am lost in my thoughts and that no-one shares my views as the drug is so socially acepted.
Lee
On August 3rd, 2009 at 7:54 am ,
Patrick Says:

Hi Lee

I know how you feel, that everyone thinks it is socially acceptable except for you. Like it is you against the world.

If people can handle a drug, then that is their business. If someone in your life cannot handle a drug, then it becomes your business. If it is tearing your family apart then it is not your fault. Don’t take on the guilt….you should not have to.
On August 3rd, 2009 at 8:15 pm ,
Lee Bardell Says:

Thanks Patrick, yes I definitely feel as though it is me against the world especially when there are so many wives, mothers and girlfriends out there that just don’t seem to have an issue with their partners medicating their feelings everyday. How can I compete with that?

What constitutes ‘not’ handling the drug? Who determines this and how can you? Because I can surely say that my husband says he can ‘handle’ the drug so who am I to say he can’t? Sometimes I fear I am giving up what we have for no real reason and I will be racked with guilt for a very long time because I have no-one to determine whether he can ‘handle’ the drug or not.
On August 3rd, 2009 at 8:40 pm ,
Patrick Says:

Well this does get into tricky territory, Lee.

To some extent, though, my parents, when arguing with me about whether or not I should be smoking weed, always fell back on this one: it is illegal. Now of course that might change, and it very well might at this point, but for now it is still illegal for most people reading this website.

If it remains illegal, it is simply a matter of when he will suffer consequences.

What about this tact: when he self medicates, he is neglecting his partner out of selfish self-interest. Ask him to uncover what his motivation is for getting high. Then ask him to remove that surface level answer and go deeper.

I was hooked on medicating my feelings with weed and I rationalized it by saying I wanted to have fun. This was a lie that I told myself, but it really was not a lie, because I never bothered to analyze it until I got clean. I believed, with all of my heart and mind, that my happiness was based on getting high. I could not see another way. Addiction is a trap, of course.

Ask him, hypothetically, that if you got really crazy and made a stand, and actually left for, say, a month, and then told him you would return to him only if he quit the weed. I am not suggesting you do this, but you might discuss it as a mental exercise with him. If he would choose the marijuana over you, then what does that say about his level of addiction? What does that say about his level of denial? Tell him to stand up and be a man, to stand by his wife like he promised he would, and that medicating with this dumb little herb every day is a small, petty thing to throw away his marriage over.

Ask him if the truly great people in his life, the heroes that he has looked up to, did they have to medicate with weed? Were they hopelessly addicted to it…so much so that they would squirm at the thought of going without it and actually sacrifice their happily married life in order to keep medicating their feelings every day instead of facing reality? Ask him: “Don’t you see how week this makes you? This dependency?” You think it is opening the doors of perception and it actually has you in chains.

You are going to lose your wife and the drug has you so clouded that you cannot see what is important….what is truly important in life.

I don’t know what else to say, I am just sort of spouting off here, maybe something here will click. But I have had similar stuff said to me, and my mind reasoned it all away, my denial striking it all down at the speed of light.

Most of this is just thinking out loud….even though I work with addicts every day, I still don’t have any magic wands. I try to talk people into staying at treatment all the time when they want to leave early and go get high. It is a tough gig, lots of wasted energy. You can’t pierce through that addiction if they don’t want to hear it. Their mind is pulsing with fear, they are like a trapped animal because you are threatening them and threatening to take away their crutch; their coping mechanism, their means of life.

Of course I would never admit that it was fear. I don’t know anyone who would, unless they had been through treatment and therapy many times and already learned this about themselves.

Fear is what keeps your husband trapped in addiction. It takes sheer courage or absolute defeat in order to agree to try the clean and sober thing. You have to be either super brave or super beat down to do it. Otherwise it is too scary. When I finally agreed to go to treatment, you could have held a gun to my head and told me you were going to play a little game. I would have shrugged my shoulders and said “let the games begin. Whatever. Get me a drink or start pulling that trigger.” I mean I really had no care left about myself. This was the level of surrender and defeat that was necessary to overcome the fear of sobriety. The fear of facing life without self medicating. The fear of facing my own feelings and having to feel them and go through them and maybe even show some emotion.

So yeah, in one way, it really is about “being a man” if you will. Sorry to bring the sexist angle into it, but I am off on a tangent and it sort of makes sense. Really we are talking about “personal responsibility.”

Face reality. Own your feelings. Stop medicating your life away and do what is right for once.

I guess that is a bit of a rant and sort of a lecture too. Hope you can wake him up somehow. Good luck.
On August 3rd, 2009 at 10:13 pm ,
Lee Says:

Thank you so much for your effort and time taken to help me, it is very appreciated. Everything you said has helped me understand more of what maybe going on in his head but the ammunition I have used before and has fallen on deaf ears. It has been 12 years and I have never just ignored it. I have only ever been on my own with my own feelings thats all, I’ve never written or spoken to anyone about this issue our lives.

As he is constantly stabising his feelings whether I threaten to leave or not it is not really sinking in – he believes that I am making a big deal out of nothing and that he is doing nothing wrong. I see so much more than just this and I wish I really didn’t sometimes.

I have threatened him numerous times, with lots of things, not just me walking out the door, it just doesn’t work so this time is different as I have given him a time limit and will leave if he doesn’t talk to me about truely dealing with the issues he has as to why he is smoking in the first place. I am tired.

I wish you had a magic wand Patrick but I guess I am and will just have to deal with all the pain that is coming towards me.

Thank you again, if only my husband could learn to talk too.
On August 3rd, 2009 at 10:26 pm ,
Patrick Says:

Well good luck Lee, let us know at any time if you need more support in any way. Not that there is a ton that we can do here, but we will always be willing to listen and respond if you need to just vent or bounce ideas off of us, etc.
On August 8th, 2009 at 4:13 pm ,
Saintstephen Says:

I really enjoyed reading your article. It takes an intelligent stance on a topic that is rife with conflict.

I am now smoking twice a month for personal reasons, after being a daily smoker for 35 years.

Problem: I am experiencing extreme panic attaxcks and emotional breakdowns, about 3 days after each use. I do not want to stop outright, becuae I enjoy it and it has never negatively impacted my life. But the withdrawl symptoms that I experienced upon cutting way back, and now experience each time after smoking, are really not worth it.
I am looking for a solution.
Anyway, thanks for the read.

Peace, out.
On August 8th, 2009 at 4:25 pm ,
Patrick Says:

Hi Saint Stephen

Smoking twice a month is an interesting setup. I know for myself, if I tried to do that, I would end up smoking every day, and probably also return to drinking as well.

But if that is working for you then I would not necessarily beat yourself up over it.

You can’t take my advice or that of anyone else, really. You have to find what works for you. In order to do that, you have to be really, really honest with yourself. Accurately judge what marijuana is doing for you, and what it is not doing.

Sometimes it used to do something well for us, but not so much anymore. Clinging to the old results we used to get is a form of denial.

But maybe it is still working for you, even just twice a month. Maybe that is doing what you need it to do. And maybe that can work out for you in the long run.

But you should be very careful to accurately judge whether or not it is really doing what you want it to do.

I am an addict, and eventually the drugs and the booze would not medicate my feelings like I wanted them too. I could no longer get to a happy place through self medicating. I was either miserable, or blacked out. No more in between. That is when I decided the drugs were not really doing what I needed any more.

So I quit.
On August 9th, 2009 at 9:08 am ,
Lynn Says:

hi patrick,
thank you for this information. I just broke up with my boyfriend on friday, and I’m really upset about it. We used to smoke with each other, literally everyday, more than once a day for the whole time we were together ( a year and a half) and even longer than that. The main reason I even started smoking is because my birthday is 4/20, and I wanted to live up to its fame (stupid, right? actually, more than stupid!!)
Well, the last time I smoked was on Thursday night before I broke up with him, so today will be third day in a row I haven’t smoked any weed in I don’t even know how long. I feel like I’m going through withdrawal, I can’t eat, my body feels like it’s hurting all over, and my head is killing me. Are these symptoms of marijuana withdrawal, or is this just the pain of breaking up with someone I love? I can’t figure it out, but it’s killing me. I don’t want to start smoking again, I want to be done with it, but I feel like I want to again, so I don’t have this continual pain. It’s almost like quitting cigarettes all over again.
~Lynn
On August 9th, 2009 at 3:59 pm ,
Patrick Says:

Hi there Lynn

There is some potential for some physical withdrawal symptoms, but these usually only occur with much heavy smokers I am told. If anything, what you are probably experiencing is a combination of the two things….both the psychological withdrawal from the marijuana, as well as from breaking up with your boyfriend.

I have not heard that being very common with the headache and the body pain. Like I said I think it is more than just the marijuana withdrawal. You should try to give yourself like at least 30 days to be completely smoke free and get your head cleared a bit and get through the emotional loss of your relationship. If you actually stop smoking and really feel the emotions you are going through you will be a lot healthier in the long run for it. I know it sucks right now and it would probably be nice to self medicate, but if you feel the emotions then you will learn from them and become a stronger person. This is growth in action. Make it through this tough time and you will become healthier because of it.
On August 9th, 2009 at 9:07 pm ,
Lynn Says:

Thanks Patrick,
It’s so hard to just suddenly stop smoking, I’m craving it right now, I think it’s just because I would usually smoke when I’m stressed about something, or to help me calm down. It’s hard not to have it when I feel I need it the most. I will take your advice though, and try to work through the cravings, because I do want to become a stronger and healthier person. Thank you so much!!
~Lynn
P.S. – I will probably come back in a month and let you know how your advice has helped me. :)
On August 9th, 2009 at 9:41 pm ,
Patrick Says:

OK Lynn….be sure to keep us posted. Good luck on your new journey…..
On August 14th, 2009 at 9:06 am ,
urbanminister Says:

I think Marijauna, like any other addiction; cigarettes, television, food or drugs can be addressed with a plan. The 12 step program is definitely a plan. There is a lot of excellent information here and other places online. If you want to stay “clean” you have to do the work no matter what addiction you’re trying to take control of.

Thanks-Great Insights,
urbanminister
http://twitter.com/urbanministe
On August 20th, 2009 at 3:06 am ,
rachel Says:

i never saw it like that.
“Smoking it daily stunts your personal and emotional growth. You use it to medicate your feelings instead of learning and growing through new situations.”
you are soo right.
and then without it the next day they feel irritable and low, become angry. the truth is this drug changes a person, from what i see.
im going to a school where the kids are big on weed and i know i wont come close to it anymore because i know it will limit my learning and growth. thanks!
On August 20th, 2009 at 6:21 am ,
Patrick Says:

God bless, Rachel, and good luck to you. Sounds like you are making some healthy choices.
On August 26th, 2009 at 2:58 pm ,
Bob Says:

Patrick, thank you for your insight into the reality of marijuana use. I was a constant user in my younger days, but gave it up for many years to maintain my Air Force career. In the past year I met the love of my life and we intend to be married next month. About a month into our relationship we began to smoke together daily. After about six months I realized that it was robbing me of my focus, ambition, ability, and keeping me from realizing my dreams, so I pulled back without any real problem. I told her my reasons for doing so, but left her use up to her. She has been a daily user for over 20 years. Lately, I’ve realized how much self-medication is involved for her and how dependent she is on it, and it really bothers me. The past two nights we’ve been talking about it, and it has her really upset. I’ve told her that I don’t want a relationship that is characterized by addiction and that we should be each other’s crutch rather than weed or alcohol. She understands intellectually, but is very scared becaause I think, though she won’t admit it, that she is gravely addicted to it and can’t fathom the thought of not having weed. I’ve assured her that she is free to make her own choice, but I’m not sure I can or want to stay if we can’t be free to love and experience each other without doing so through the lense of the head change that getting high brings. I love her so much that I don’t want to leave. She loves me and is afraid I will. I’d like to believe that her desire for me is motivation enough to put it away, but I’m very afraid that the psychological hold of 20 plus years of smoking will win the day. Everything you said is right on target – her network of friends consists of only smokers. Her justifications are many and varied. Her overlooking my previous hints, comments, and trying to set an example has been disappointing. We truly love each other and have so much to offer one another, but I am convinced that neither of us can give the other our best while we are constantly self-medicating. I don’t want to lose her and realistically know how difficult the struggle will be for her if she want to stay with me. And finally, here is my question: My initial inclination is to ask her to limit her use to one or two times/week rather than insisting on total and immediate absitinence. Do you think this is a reasonable proposal, or is it likely just to lead back to daily use? We’ve both set it aside before for a period, but once using again we were back to daily use within a week. Any advice? Again, thank you for your concern and compassion. Bob
On September 2nd, 2009 at 1:37 pm ,
Patrick Says:

Wow that is quite a situation there Bob and I honestly do not think I am qualified to give you advice on it. A big part of me wants to say “Just smoke with her and be happy!” But of course that is not the answer as you point out that you notice the drug is holding you back from being your best self in some ways.

I guess it is like with any relationship with addiction going on. So often on this website is a woman trying to get her husband to stop drinking, and I just want to scream at them to leave now, that nothing is going to change. Of course alcohol is such a crude and violent drug compared to marijuana though.

I am baffled. This is an interesting situation and pretty upsetting. Would hate to see you two split up over marijuana.

It is like saying “I love you, you are perfect, but just change this one thing….” Is that really fair to say to someone? I guess it is. Sometimes we outgrow one another. Happens all the time in AA. One gets sober, the other keeps drinking. If they both hold steady like that, eventually they split up. Like you point out, it is just incompatible.

I don’t think the limit thing will work. You hint that you don’t think it will either. It will either backfire or create hidden resentment, etc.

I guess you will have to make a decision eventually. Either love her, warts and all, or leave. I guess you could challenge her with an ultimatum instead but I don’t see that working out.

Huh. Good luck, at any rate. Keep me posted, would be interested to see how it all turns out. I hope you can stay together somehow.
On September 9th, 2009 at 5:38 pm ,
Willie Says:

this makes me sick. there’s nobody out there that is addicted to marijuana as…….. its not addictive
On September 9th, 2009 at 6:47 pm ,
Patrick Says:

We are all entitled to our opinion of course, Willie. Let me ask you this though: do you think video games are addictive (World of Warcraft, etc.)? What about internet addiction? Are these “real” addictions or do they not qualify?

What about food addiction?

Spending addiction? Sex addiction?

Would love to hear where you and others draw the line on all of these….
On September 27th, 2009 at 8:07 pm ,
Ryan Says:

weed is good! you people dont know what the hell your talking about! why would you ever want to stop smoking the herb that has made your whole lives what they are? yeah you all know the best moments of your life were when you were stoned and if you say they werent than you can be the ass hole who lies about it!
On September 27th, 2009 at 8:18 pm ,
Patrick Says:

@ Ryan – weed might be good for you. If it is, then roll with it brother! Me, it screwed me up bad….led to some even worse stuff. And I just can’t use it successfully. I am an addict.

So for me, weed = bad. Just saying!

But you are entitled to your own opinion of course…..
On October 3rd, 2009 at 4:34 pm ,
Addiction Recovery Says:

Patrick, I am glad you wrote what you did to Willie. There are definitely addictions in this world and my opinion is that Marijuana is one of them!
On October 13th, 2009 at 8:31 pm ,
marc Says:

Hi Patrick,
I can relate to your article.
My parents wont let me get a car until I quit smoking pot, but I’d take the pot any day, which I guess is mainly because of the social life associated with it. I don’t need a car; although it would be nice.

I hate to pass judegement, but I think that some of the people posting on this site have some serious mental issues. I was following somebody’s story about how they are all fed up with their husband smoking weed – i kept reading to find out that she herself was a stoner? What the fuck is this shit. Shut the fuck up and smoke if you want to, if not thats cool too.

Call it pro choice, I think people need to make their own decisions and do what they want.
On October 13th, 2009 at 8:51 pm ,
Patrick Says:

@ Marc – I totally agree with you there…..”smoke if you want to, and if not, that’s cool too.”

That is a perfect philosophy for a drug like this, that to me has obvious medical benefits for certain people.

And then others who have addictive tendencies, they can just avoid it, like they do with other drugs. I don’t smoke weed anymore because it led me to bad things.

Good luck to you, and thanks for your comment…..
On October 23rd, 2009 at 11:57 am ,
Bobbette Says:

Stop being destroyers of friendships! >:E
On October 30th, 2009 at 4:21 pm ,
sally Says:

YEAH! WHAT BOBBETTE SAID!!!! THAT’S A GREAT NAME! WHOEVER NAME YOU BOBBETTE MUST BE SUPER COOOL!
On November 2nd, 2009 at 3:00 pm ,
d Says:

uggg shut up
On November 2nd, 2009 at 6:33 pm ,
lizzy Says:

oh my god, talk about ignorance. the people writing responses to this are not only ignorant, sexist and misinformed, they are also just idiots-even the kid talking about enlightenment and reaching a higher level. that just gives marijuana a bad name.
ive met plenty of people who casually smoke, it does not interfere with their social life and they have no signs of addiction. i’ve never heard of or met anyone with an addiction. and even if it is slightly addictive, its certainly healthier than other addictions, such as alcohol, hard drugs, prescription drugs, or even coffee and chocolate. it has numerous benefits and, if used correctly, few harmful affects. IF USED CORRECTLY, not in a “pothead” manner. this is ridiculous.
On November 2nd, 2009 at 6:36 pm ,
lizzy Says:

a few more things-there are no reported cases of marijuana related deaths. now alcohol, drugs (both kinds), caffeine-TONS. also, there was a piece called stiletto stoners recently about women in the working world who smoke and lead fulfilling, healthy lives, but have to hide it in shame because its illegal. clearly, its not necessarily a “stoner” “pathway” drug. in fact, most of the time, it isn’t.
On November 2nd, 2009 at 9:23 pm ,
Patrick Says:

@ lizzy – you make valid points, and I used to make them all myself too. I used to quote to people how no one had died of a marijuana overdose, etc. How it had less toxicity than caffeine, and so on.

You add the disclaimer “IF USED CORRECTLY.”

Well, duh. Crack cocaine and heroin are perfectly acceptable if used that way as well. “Correctly” can mean anything you want it to.

But I got addicted. I am an addict. And it took control of my life. I’m sorry if you don’t buy into that.

Marijuana might not make you into an addict….but it screws an addict up, and it is “off limits.”

Just go to an NA meeting and ask if they know of anyone who has ever relapsed on Marijuana. In a room full of 20 people, you will get at least 5 to 10 hands in the air. You know why? Because it leads them back to their drug of choice every time. And I know a few people in NA in which Marijuana IS their drug of choice.

Hey, if it is not a problem for you, then it is not a problem for you. I’m not saying it is. What I’m saying is, it is a problem for me. (and a lot of other people).
On November 5th, 2009 at 2:06 pm ,
Phil Says:

WWTTFF!!!!!!!!!!! NONE OF THOES FACTS AFE TRUE. IF YOU WANNA SMOKE ITS UR CHOICE. IF YOU CANT STOP BECAUSE UR “ADDICITED” THATS ON YOU. ITS UP TO YYYOOOUUU!!!!!!!!!! DONT BLAME IT ON THE POT. ITS NOT ITS FAULD THAT U PEOPLE ARE ADDICS. SO STOP MAKEING UP FALSE SHIT!
On November 5th, 2009 at 9:02 pm ,
Patrick Says:

The more defensive someone is about this issue, the more it makes me wonder.

Phil, I just know that I cannot handle pot. Me. I don’t know about you. You can do your own thing…..but for me, I just can’t go there. That’s all I am really saying here….I am an addict and this drug called Marijuana really messed me up. That’s all.
On November 6th, 2009 at 10:48 pm ,
pono Says:

I am a daily smoker but when i dont have any bud i dont want more i can go weeks with out any smoking, but i have been smoking for three years. every day now im stoned but i can handle what im doing but yet im stone.
On November 6th, 2009 at 10:52 pm ,
pono Says:

all these poeple are just say that they dont have a problem but they do. they just dont want to amit it.
SEVEN!!!!!
On November 8th, 2009 at 9:09 pm ,
A Guy Who Does His Research Says:

Hello,
I have been smoking for 4 years now. Marijuana has never affected my life in a negative way at all, but for those who are addicts (non-medical) to it now, it is your fault you abused it. Don’t get me wrong, I am not trying to say you guys deserved it and I hope you guys pull through, but if you think about it marijuana addiction is not a physically addiction due to the fact that your body has no desire to crave THC; this is because our receptors naturally accept THC in our systems, thus leading to no PHYSICAL craving to marijuana unlike cigarettes with nicotine.

Here is when the addiction comes in:

You will not get withdrawal after going a day or two not smoking marijuana, but you get a psychological craving to the EFFECTS of the THC, not THC itself. This leads to more smoking. Note, the effects of THC can also be similar to just simply choking yourself or taking xanax.

Here is the kicker:
People don’t have to get addicted to marijuana if they smoke responsibly! Same with drinking alcohol, drink responsibly.
Do not smoke before a test or a business meeting. Just do it on your own spare time if all of you work is finished. It is such as easy drug to control but people choose not to.

Did you know there has been no recorded death associated with marijuana to date?
Compare that with what is currently legal now: alcohol, fatty foods, cigarettes, overall stupidity. That is what is killing this nation, not marijuana.

Are you guys familiar with a certain government funded study that found marijuana caused permanent brain damage due to the killing of brain cells?
This study claimed that all of the monkeys (test subjects) they injected (metaphorically speaking) with marijuana, showed signs of brain damage. What they decided not to tell the public (who believed the study)was that the monkeys they forced to inhale marijuana was forced to inhale it through a gas mask for FIVE MINUTES STRAIGHT!! Of course brain damage will occur, but not because of the marijuana but because the brain was denied oxygen thus leading to the death of brain cells.

My apologies for such a rant.
Bottom line, please do not villainize marijuana like it is an evil drug that will kill you and ruin your life because it won’t if you use it responsibly. Responsibility will help prevent addiction.
Thank You.
On November 8th, 2009 at 9:30 pm ,
Patrick Says:

Hi there Guy Who Does his Research

I agree that Marijuana is not as addictive as some drugs at the physical level, but it is still addicting due to the effects that the drug produces in our brains. Getting stoned has a very powerful psychological effect, in my opinion, due to the fact that the drug is mood-altering. This goes way beyond smoking a cigarette. Getting high changes your entire mood. A cigarette does not even phase your current mood. Does not even touch it.

I completely disagree with you regarding “responsible using.” The first drug I ever tried was not alcohol, it was Marijuana. This was my first drug ever.

And the first time I smoked it, I was addicted. I knew it right then. I said out loud “I will never stop smoking this stuff.” I was thoroughly hooked on half a joint. In fact, I was addicted before I even tried it, because previously I had gotten “high” from shoplifting. I was an addict waiting to happen.

How could I have used the drug responsibly? I got hooked for life from half a lousy joint! Because I am an addict. Through and through. I just am.

Your argument that “marijuana will not kill you and ruin your life if you use it responsibly” works just fine on other drugs such as Heroin and Crack cocaine. Just limit intake and use them responsibly! While true that marijuana is not nearly as addicting, it still is addictive. It is still a powerful, mood altering drug. True, nicotine kills millions of people, but it is not as powerful in my book. It does not alter your mood so drastically. You don’t get “stoned” on cigarettes.

Bottom line for me: because of the effects produced by marijuana, it is an addictive drug. Perhaps other addicts can get away with smoking it “responsibly,” but I know I cannot. Heck, I started with marijuana. It was my drug of choice for a long time.

If this stuff doesn’t apply to you, then you are probably not an addict! Go smoke in peace!
On November 8th, 2009 at 9:50 pm ,
A Guy Who Does His Research Says:

Dear Patrick,

I am sorry if I angered you or anyone in anyway, but perhaps your craving for marijuana was more of you instead of the drug itself. Yes it marijuana is mood altering just like alcohol except, in my opinion, it is not as bad of a mood alter as it would be for alcohol. It keeps you calm and placid whereas alcohol gets you drunk, makes you throw up, gets you into car wrecks, and in some cases, die from alcohol poisoning. I have never heard or known anybody who got into a fight or got into a car wreck while high. Anything can be addicting: food can be addicting, pills can be addicting, even masturbation can be addicting.
By the way, drugs such as heroin and cocaine have been proven to be physically addicting and extremely harmful to you in countless ways.
Marijuana addiction and it’s “harmful effects” are still being disputed.

This is my last post here.
Sorry if I angered anyone and good luck with solving your addiction problem.
On November 15th, 2009 at 12:07 am ,
Anonymous Says:

Guy Who Does His Research,

Patrick isn’t saying that marijuana itself is addicting. He has numerous times that people mostly get addicted to the psychological effects of the drug. Yes, it does depend on the person as to whether or not they end up getting addicted, but the fact is, it is a risk that someone has to consider if they are prone to falling for that. I’m addicted so to speak to chocolate in that I like to eat it when I’m stressed out. Is it the chocolate’s fault that I’m mentally attached to it? No, just as it isn’t the pot’s fault that people are addicted to the sensation they get from it since there is no evidence of it being chemically addicting. However, Patrick is highlighting that if you do end up getting addicted to it (again, addiction doesn’t mean chemically, and it does depend on the person and how they react to it), it can have some serious consequences, especially since it’s illegal.

I really think, to summarize, what he’s saying is that, yes, Marijuana isn’t chemically addictive. Yes, not everyone will get addicted. But, if you happen to be someone that’s addicted to it psychologically, socially, etc. (which is a real possibility), it can have consequences.
On November 24th, 2009 at 9:17 pm ,
Connor Jacob Says:

Although marijuana may be physcologically addictive, it is most definitely not chemically addictive. People may use it as a crutch, however in my experience, none of my friends have used it except to simply have fun.

I personally think Marijuana is a great drug, and that it is fun to use when ever you feel like it or when you have lots of friends over.

However getting addicted to it is totally different. People who get addicted to it usually always have major family or life problems, and use it, much like booze, to get over those problems. I think that you are generalizing that all pot smokers (including those who smoke only occasionally) are like this.

I just want to say that 1.) I think Marijuana should be legalized and then handled much like Alcohol and Cigarettes are and 2.) Marijuana is, a high percentage of the time, not addicting, and not something that can either take away your friends, your life, or ruin any part of your life.
On November 24th, 2009 at 9:39 pm ,
Patrick Says:

I agree Connor that most do not get addicted to pot.

But I still think most people who are arguing here are minimizing the consequences for those who DO become psychologically dependent on the stuff. (notice I did not say addicted there!)

People seem to minimize this out of hand, as if no one really becomes dependent, simply because MOST do not become dependent. They dismiss the addicted as weak, foolish, or selfish. This is what I am surmising from the comments anyway.
On November 30th, 2009 at 12:53 am ,
john davis Says:

fuck all of you =]
marijuana is great
On November 30th, 2009 at 8:42 am ,
Patrick Says:

Totally understand, John! I’ve been right there with you before.

All part of the journey. And, maybe you can use successfully. Me, I can’t. Good luck.
On November 30th, 2009 at 12:06 pm ,
Veronica Callahan Says:

I’m sorry but your evidence is terrible. THC is a non addictive drug. Addiction is not when “you have to do something” addiction is when the body has been exposed to something so uch that it needs it to FUNCTION!! THC may in fact be habbit forming but so is biting your nails or tapping your foot. Please get your facts striaght.
On November 30th, 2009 at 1:19 pm ,
Patrick Says:

@ Veronica – I disagree with your definition of addiction. What you described there is physical dependence. That is a similar, but separate issue from addiction.

I do agree that Marijuana addiction differs from other drugs that carry a strong physical dependency with them. But addiction is about much more than just physical dependence.
On December 6th, 2009 at 9:14 pm ,
Kayla Says:

I Just Think That Marajuana is not addicting not physically anyways Maybe Mentially… Cause I Did It For Years And Quit Without Any Help.
On December 8th, 2009 at 2:08 am ,
big d Says:

Here’s the deal-pot is NOT physically addictive. Its totally a psychological thing. I smoked pot every single day, all day long, for 11 years and wanted to join the army-so I just stopped! I don’t crave it, need it, want it, anything. All you have to do is just stop buying it lol! I’m now a proud drug free soldier. Believe me, I loved getting stoned and vegging out and watching movies, playing xbox360, having sex with my wife, but guess what-i can still do all that! I just don’t get stoned anymore. Trust me, you’ll feel more energized, you’ll lose some weight (no more munchies), and waking up is waaaay easier. If you really want to stop-just cold turkey stop! Its a waste to try and “cut down” because you won’t have withdrawl anyway because its not a physical addiction. You might be a lil grumpy at first because its a lifestyle change, but if you want it-you can do it. From fat pothead to lean mean active duty us army. It can be done people!!
On December 8th, 2009 at 8:04 am ,
Patrick Says:

@ Kayla and Big D – I completely agree. Psychologically addicting, not physically….
On December 9th, 2009 at 10:27 pm ,
Chris Says:

Patrick I have read this whole page, and I can see were you are coming from. I would still have to disagree with you, because these people that say they are addicted to weed, would not steal or prostitute for the drug. If you told someone that smoked weed every day to stop for a week they could no problem. People find no harm in the drug and there for continue to use it, but if it was very dangerous they would most likley stop. Thats kind of my opinion. But what is fact is when you said you were addicted to marijuana the first time you used it, that is some bullshit because nothing even happens the first time you smoke ecspically a half of a joint. Thats like me saying I am addicted to something that hasnt even been made yet. The bootom line is its not even a drug its natural it was put on this earth for a reason by god and i can garntee he didnt have addiction runing through his mind, he gave it to us not to fight and argue over but to enjoy.
On December 9th, 2009 at 11:12 pm ,
Patrick Says:

@ Chris – People warned me going in to it that I would not get high on the first time I smoked weed. This was utter crap. I set out to prove them wrong and I got completely lit up on a lousy half of a joint.

This was not some peer pressure moment where I was trying to look cool….I was seeking something, and I was hitting that joint for all it was worth with the determination of a seasoned high-on.

I was hooked right there and I said so out loud. Then I proceeded to smoke the stuff for ten more years, in spite of the consequences. I tried a bunch of other drugs as well. Am I blaming that experimentation on the marijuana? Not really. I experimented with coke and acid and ecstasy because I am an addict…..not because Marijuana led me to them.

It is almost like people are not seeing this clearly: I am a drug addict. I like drugs. I like to get high on drugs. Marijuana just happened to be the first drug I really tried.

Let me say it this way: if you happen to be a drug addict, then yes, marijuana will screw your life up. This will happen even if the drug becomes completely legal. Getting high is still an emotional crutch. This only applies to drug addicts, people! If you are not addicted, then be confident in your “normal-ness” and go smoke weed as you wish to. You are on the wrong website, wondering about the wrong questions. If it is not a problem then it is a not a problem.

Here is one more analogy: is alcohol addictive? Yes it is. Does everyone who has taken a drink of alcohol become a raging alcoholic? Of course not. It is the same with marijuana.

Many will smoke it, very few will have a problem with it. The ones who have a problem with it are drug addicts. Period.

Did the marijuana turn them into an addict, like Reefer Madness would have you believe? Of course not. Marijuana does not create drug addicts after half of a lousy joint.

Drug addicts are born, not made. I was a drug addict waiting to happen. Marijuana is just a “soft” drug that is caught in the crossfire here. But it is still a drug, and it can, and does, have real consequences (emotional ones, not legal ones).
On December 10th, 2009 at 2:49 pm ,
Chris Says:

Patrick I understand your problem and you are right, but I think the information you gave at the top of the page before the comments is not accurate becauce I did a health projest were I had to find out what drugs were addicting and you made weed seem like it was addicting now it seems like your not blaming the bud but yourself witch one is it? I think you got the definition of a habit and a addiction confused.
On December 10th, 2009 at 5:02 pm ,
Patrick Says:

@ Chris – I just reviewed the post itself and I still agree with all the info there. Yes, marijuana is addictive. Yes, so is alcohol. No, not everyone will get addicted to both drugs. But the potential is there.

For some people, alcohol is not a problem. Same goes for marijuana. Same goes for other drugs.

Physical dependence is just one facet of addiction. Psychological dependency can be much stronger and harder to break anyway.

Addiction is more than just physical dependence. It involves craving, obsession, compulsion, lifestyle, and so on.
On December 11th, 2009 at 9:09 pm ,
violet Says:

weed is bad period!!!!!!!!!
On December 14th, 2009 at 7:21 pm ,
Troy Says:

I am in the process to stop smoking weed. The very first post was dead on with everything I have experienced. I smoked heavily for 2 years then realized MY bad habits using the drug were damaging my life.

I stopped smoking cold turkey for 32days through the help of NA. During that time I did feel a slight withdrawal, some cravings, and I slept a lot (which my doctor said was normal because apparently MJ messes up the deep sleep cycles-research needed.) The physical withdrawal was easy. Like the army guy posted you just make a choice to stop, not that hard.

Then the difficulties began emotionally. I formed many coping mechanisms around getting high (not just escape, but to have fun, to relax, even to journal out cognitive therapy.) When I decided to stop smoking there has been a frequent immense emotional turmoil accompanied with a strong desire to find a way to get MJ or ANY TYPE OF HIGH.

The hardest part though, for me so far, and the reason I haven’t been able to give up the drug completely, is the social network. When I remove myself from smoking, I remove myself from literally all my friends. I used to have other friends who didn’t smoke but they are now estranged because all I did was smoke and that lifestyle sorted me out into strong friendships with other smokers.
So, in short, after smoking MJ for 2 years daily, when I decided I wanted to stop I have found that it has not been as easy as just stopping. It has been a road of very mild withdrawal, emotional stress, lack of healthy coping habits, and I’m all alone- unless I want to sit around my friends while they all smoke, which is difficult for me because I loved the stuff so much!

I’m trying to experiment with cutting back and using it only to have fun, but after my first round of experimentation I find myself following the same path I followed before to problem usage. This is the same path that I was amazed a therapist could use to so accurately describe my 2 year journey with MJ. It is the path that all people who become addicts follow. So I guess the question isn’t really is MJ addictive, but rather are you a person prone to becoming an addict to getting high, or are you on the path to becoming an addict.

The path goes like this:

Experimental – normally someone else is offering for free, you’re just doing it for the experience

Occasional Use – One a week or less, normally still a friend initiating and/or providing. Just done for something to do to have fun.

Regular Use – More than once a week. User begins to buy their own and have their own stash. May switch to an activity that is enjoyed not only with friends but also alone.

Problem Use – Frequent use (4 or more times per week). User is seeking to control their usage, usually repeatedly failing. User is smoking more to get high (tolerance.) User ends up smoking more than intended or for a longer period of time than alotted. Problems with family, non-smoking friends, finances, activities, performance begin to be seen.

Addiction – User is consumed with the thoughts of how to get their drug to get high. (Sometimes a functioning addict is formed, but they are still being driven to function so they can still get their drug.) Larger problems begin to arise, especially relationally and financially.

That’s what I could remember from my therapist. There’s more but that’s the ball park idea. I find myself following this same path again as I’m trying to just use occasionally.

I have also tried other drugs but I don’t blame that experimentation on MJ. I’m a curious person and when opportunities for experiences presented themselves, I took them. They could have came into my life any which a way, but I would say from experience that it was the social network I was involved with that brought about the other drugs.
On December 14th, 2009 at 8:44 pm ,
Patrick Says:

@ Troy – what an extremely sensible comment, thank you for giving us your experience.

I think the key is that some people are susceptible to addiction, and others are not. It is the same with other drugs, such as alcohol. However, the consequences of alcoholism are so much more damaging and visible than the consequences of MJ addiction. Also, the withdrawal is so much more mild with MJ, so people minimize the drug.

I think your experience and your sharing it here is incredibly valuable, Troy. Thank you so much. Your thoughts are well organized and I think you know that if you get off the stuff for, say, six months, you will see a huge improvement in your life.

It sucks to lose all your friends but I have gone through that myself. I had to make a choice about addiction and recovery. For many, many years I chose my friends, and continued to get high. Eventually this led me to other drugs (including alcohol) and I was facing a more serious decision.

I think you are forecasting this cycle perfectly Troy. You see it coming and are taking action against it. Good luck!
On December 16th, 2009 at 2:39 am ,
shenans31 Says:

I would have to say that I don’t think it’s addictive in any sort of way. I mean, I love the way it makes me feel, but I could stop whenever I want to. But as in the movie “the Union” and I quote
“There are no deathsfrom cannabis use… anywhere.. Ever.”

and the whole it kills your brain cells is also bullshit.
the study was conduted using monkeys. they were putting “gas-masks” over the monkey’s entire mouth/nose and then pumping 30 Columbian stregth joints within 5 minutes. no oxygen, you start losing brain cells because they die. therefore Marijuana is not nearly as bad as eveyone claims it to be.
On December 16th, 2009 at 7:08 pm ,
Patrick Says:

@ shenans31 – I am familiar with the research done where they suffocated the monkeys. I use to quote that all the time to help justify my beliefs.

This is not an “either/or” thing. They tried to make marijuana out to be evil. It’s not. But, it is no good for me either. And it gets me into trouble, and takes away from the life I really want to live. It does rob ME of potential.

Perhaps it does not rob you of potential. If so, that is great.

Good luck.
On December 17th, 2009 at 2:40 pm ,
Curley Says:

Look you little stubborn children believe what you want to believe but i am one of those people who cant just smoke on nug. i got to keep smoking intill im doing it on a hourly basis. I have crazy withdrawl symptoms (loss of aptite, aggression, depression, imsomniea, stomch pain). I am a pot addict to the fullest and i am not proud to say it.
On December 23rd, 2009 at 5:19 pm ,
Bob Says:

Patrick, I posted back in September concerning my new wife’s addiction to pot and how it has affected me. Your answer was very thoughtful. I resolved to love her warts and all, and to let the chips fall where they may. I am able to truly love this woman and accept that pot will probably always be part of her life.

I am amazed to read all the posts that are so vehemently denying that pot can be addicting. Most of these coming from people who proudly claim to be daily smokrs. Is there a disconnect in some people’s thinking that daily use of any substance could not be considered addictive? I think you said it well, that when people protest so loudly if gives cause to wonder. Or another question, why are those who argue so loudly that pot cannot be addictive visiting and posting on a web site designed to help people overcome addiction. At any rate, you have handled all these incredibly ignorant posters with grace and dignity. Keep up the good work.

Bob
On December 23rd, 2009 at 5:29 pm ,
Patrick Says:

Hi there Bob

Yeah it is a tough, tough topic to tackle.

I think the real problem comes from the fact that Marijuana is really more of a behavioral addiction, rather than a real “drug addiction.” Not sure if that makes any sense or not. But of course, the kicker is that it doesn’t matter. It is still an addiction, and there are real consequences. But you already know that….

Good luck to you and your wife.
On December 27th, 2009 at 2:20 pm ,
Anonymous Says:

I would just like to say that you are very difficult to understand, Patrick. Addictions are harmful to the body, right? Yet studies show that marijuana is actually more beneficial than harmful. For instance it does not cause lung cancer as most people believe, actually thc is known to help lower the chance of cancer in the body.
On December 27th, 2009 at 2:35 pm ,
Anonymous Says:

Also how you are describing marijuana is not labeled as addictive like you think. Habituating is the term that you are describing and should probably be using. In that way, I agree with you that it is habituating. There is a difference between these two terms, therefore they are not to be used interchangeably.
On December 27th, 2009 at 2:52 pm ,
Patrick Says:

@ Anonymous – I would agree that thc is not the cancer-causing agent that was once feared….however, you might want to think about the idea of smoke in general. You can still see some pretty nasty pictures of the lungs of a long time marijuana smoker….not much different than that of a cigarette smoker. It might not have as much “cancer juice” as nicotine, but it produces far more tar and resin, and that does stick in the lungs.

Can’t be good. Period. Just study the end of a roach, or a pipe…every pot head knows that the resin and tar build up is thick and extra sticky. Its a no-brainer that this is damaging the lungs in a major way over long periods of time……

Habitual vs. addiction – I agree there is a difference, and many people who smoke MJ are probably just habitual. Good point. With me, and with some other people, marijuana becomes an addiction, but introducing obsessive thoughts about smoking (preoccupation, planning, supply control, etc.) and also compulsion (smoking when I said I was not going to, etc.).

Not every marijuana smoker is addicted.

But some are. I know this, because I was at one time…..
On January 4th, 2010 at 10:42 am ,
Anonymous Says:

Thank you Patrick for attempting to bring light to the fact that this can be addicting to people, maybe not everyone, maybe not even a majority, but for some, it is addicting.

For those of you who are arguing over the wording of “addicting” versus habitual….here is the definition of addict from the websters dictionary….”one who is psychologically or physiologically dependent (as on a drug)”

Notice it says psycologically (mentally) OR physiologically (physically). So, there can be no denying (of course people will), that weed CAN be addictive, just like alcohol, just like sleeping pills, just like some prescription medications, etc. That doesn’t mean it is addictive for everyone.

I have tried MJ, never got into it. I have my 17 yr old nephew living with me now because of his lifestyle choices, one of which is MJ. Some of the others….prescription drugs, ICP, and gangs.

Before you go off on me….please LISTEN….I AM NOT BLAMING MJ!! It is a symptom of a larger problem. His home life sucks and he turned to MJ as a coping mechanism, which led him to a group of friends that all do MJ (and other crap), including gang activity. Now he believes that MJ is the ONLY thing that can get him through life, he hasn’t learned to cope and he is on a very slippery slope. He got his first high on MJ, and when it’s no longer available to him, he still wants the high and is turning to other things, prescription drugs, alcohol, household products, etc.

It’s very sad to see a bright young person turn into a raging lunatic because of any form of drugs.
On January 4th, 2010 at 10:47 am ,
Patrick Says:

I agree Anonymous, MJ is a symptom of a larger problem. It does not have to be a gateway drug, and in many cases it is not.

But for some, it clearly is. Thanks for your comment.
On January 12th, 2010 at 4:09 pm ,
Royal Dice Says:

M J can be a gateway drug, but that don’t mean you’ll end up doing crack if you smoke M J.
On January 17th, 2010 at 8:34 am ,
Stupid Like a Fox Says:

Now really I can see every ones point. But lets face facts here. Marijuana is not and has not EVER been addictive! I speak from doing it for 15 years and quit. I’m also a smoker and have tired many times to quit that but could never seem to give it up. With pot, I put it down and never picked it up. I really felt no effects. Likes hands shaking or getting sick. You know, the signs that your body is telling you that you need the THC back in your body so it can go about it’s day. Is it or can it become a habit? Yes, but no matter how bad this habit might be it is not what we all call addictive. Because again, the signs of withdrawal are not there. This also comes for many of my friends who have quit or tried. The ones who did quit only quit because they really wanted to and those who didn’t because they being told they had to. But even with all that if you can show me one person who (is a “heavy” user) and got sent to jail and could not get out of bed because the withdrawals were so bad. Then I would be able to agree with you. But that is not the case. What tends to happen with people who answer this question tend to base their answer around their personal opinions. If you are against pot, you will never admit to it being non-addictive and vise versa. And the government will not do anything about this because they make way to much money off keeping it illegal. But that is another topic.
On January 17th, 2010 at 10:33 am ,
Patrick Says:

Defining addiction through the presence of withdrawal alone is too narrow. For example, there are no withdrawal symptoms with sex addiction and gambling addiction either, but those go beyond mere “habits,” fox…..
On January 27th, 2010 at 10:27 pm ,
Paul D Says:

I think marijuana is addictive in the same way that some people are addicted to certain types of food, or deserts. People who smoke marijuana regularly, then stop smoking, do not go through painful withdrawal sickness like cigarette smokers or heroin users.
On January 27th, 2010 at 10:39 pm ,
Patrick Says:

I disagree, Paul D….because marijuana can medicate emotions so much better than “certain types of foods or desserts.” Just my opinion, and I still appreciate yours….
On January 29th, 2010 at 1:52 pm ,
Nick Says:

marijuana makes people funny!
On February 16th, 2010 at 2:36 am ,
Anonymous Says:

Speaking from current and past experience, I agree 100% with previous statements that MJ can, in certain cases be addictive. I have smoked Mj for 4 years, not a lifetimes worth, but plenty enough to know it’s affects on my body. After consistent use for even a few months, I was unable to eat when I wasn’t “high.” The mere thought of food was enough to bring a salty taste in my mouth (like I was goig to puke). That right there told me that Mj can in fact be addicting, I needed it to eat. Or at least my mind or body was telling me so.

So after finding this out I continued to use the drug. Still noticIng that everytime I don’t have it I won’t eat.
I wake up in the morning with a bad stomach ache everyday. If I go a few hours without it n the morning I start to feel really out of it and loopy. I took a trip to see my dad this week. I have only been three days without it, but it seemed like a lot longer. I have gone through phases like this before with long periods without MJ. Everytime with the same feelings. This time seemingly worse. I haven’t had a bit to eat since yesterday ( half bowl of soup), and I feel alot more sick than normal, throwing up a few times. No, it’s not the flu. For one, I have experienced the flu many times and this is most definately not the same feeling.
My conclusions that MJ can be addictive is based on my own personal experience. I’ve wanted to quit for A while and find it very troublesome because I personally like the drug. However I don’t like the consequences. Recently I have started to get heart palpitations, I think it’s time too find my solution.
Also, saying that MJ is a gateway drug is bullshit. That’s just someones excuse for making bad decisions. The drug didnt make their decision. They did.
On February 16th, 2010 at 7:48 pm ,
Genitt Says:

Everyone here has made an excellent point, and no one is right or wrong. Indeed, i must admit that in some cases MJ can be somewhat psycologically addincting, but that is not the majority. My entire family (asside from my mom) has smoked weed quite frequently when they were young, including me. However, you can say that my younger brother got psycologically addicted to it. Why? I suppose because we never really had a “normal” life, the society we lived in, and the people around us, as well as other personal reasons. I have gone about 5 months or so without touching it, and feel great with or without it. But my younger brother was so emotionally unstable and severely depressed that when he had to stop for a while, he became even more depressed to the point where we got worried. But in the end he managed to simply stop doing it with a change of atmosphere. We sent him to Lima, Peru wot go live with my grandparents for a while and i must admit, it was the best thing we could ever do for him. Being so caught up with a different culture, a different way of life, and so many other things to do, he simply had forgotten about marijuana all in all. So you see everything that “Patrick” had stated IS 100% true and I am not arguing with that. You see, if you smoke all day every day (like my younger brother) its almost certain that you may develop some type of dependancy for it. However, the same concept applies to food. If you eat a certain type of food every day, whether it be chocolate, salty foods, McDonalds, etc. and you eat this food when you are depressed, when you are tired, and even in celebration, it is OBVIOUS that one will most likely develop a dependency for this if it is taken away. Sure, there are no withdrawl symptoms, but what is the difference between food and marijuana? i mean, yes marijuana messes your lungs up, but i think i prefer messing my lungs rather than clogging my arteries with sugar and fat and being morbadly obese. But thats just me. All in all, MJ CAN be physically and or psycologically addicitng, but so can MANY other things; such as cutting, food, other drugs, bitting nails, etc. its all a matter of what you choose in order to have “fun” get rid of your “anger” or to just “relax”.
Ther are many opinions out there and everyone has a right to express them. But FACT is, although MJ may result to some types of addiction for some people, then by damn it so can chocolate. I would know because i crave chocolate and know many other people who do, and that is something that i have NEVER experienced with MJ nor anyone else i’ve ever know, not even my brother. And that right there my friends is not an opinion, it is a FACT!
On February 19th, 2010 at 4:54 pm ,
Em. Says:

It seems that marijuana is only addictive to people that are already ill equipped to handle reality. If so little people ever become addicted to it, then WHY is marijuana viewed so negatively by everyone?! Marijuana is not the problem. Just think about all the things out there so much worse for you that ARE legal.

I should probably mention that I am a heavy pot smoker and have never experienced any symptoms of withdrawal in all the years that I’ve been smoking it.
On February 19th, 2010 at 11:46 pm ,
Patrick Says:

Hmmm…..a lot of people are addicted to coffee, but it is not a big problem. Why? Because the consequences are minimal (the health community says the benefits may even outweigh the negatives at this point) and the withdrawal from caffeine is quite minimal.

A lot like marijuana, actually. Just because it is not devastating like alcohol withdrawal is (which can be fatal) does not mean the drug is harmless. Addiction is characterized by more than just toxicity levels and presence of withdrawal symptoms. Those are factors in diagnosing addiction, yes. But they are not the whole story.

The bottom line is that many people who smoke a lot of pot develop a problem in their life because of it. No, marijuana *itself* may not be the problem. But smoking it every single day is a symptom of a deeper problem that lies at the root of addiction. It is a way to self medicate. I know this because I lived it for several years….avoiding reality and medicating my emotions by getting high. Is it as bad as drinking a half gallon of vodka and smashing your car? No, but that’s not the point. It is still addictive, and damaging, at least for me (and for some others).
On February 20th, 2010 at 1:25 am ,
Timeforchange Says:

listen ive smoked marijuana for the past 10 years i started smoking it when i was 14 and my mother always said “your going to get addicted i dont want that” and one day she looked at me and called me a drug addict. i said you really think im addicted? she responded yes…i quit smoking for 3 months with out a problem. i never smoked or did anything besides marijuana and i have NEVER drank alchohol i dont plan on it either. i smoke marijuana cause i have stomach problems i get very bad pain every now and then along with nausea and MJ is the ONLY thing that helps i have tried a million other medicines and nothing works i dont think i speak for myself when i say “If i wanted to quit marijuana i could do it without a problem” and with that said i believe anyone with a harmfull condition that has tried medicines and nothing works should be allowed to smoke marijuana in peace with out anyone judging or giving them names like “potheads”. marijuana has NEVER killed anyone and an overdose is IMPOSSIBLE you would have to smoke 15,000 joints in 15 minutes to do so. alchohol has killed millions of people why is it that illegal? why dont i see people getting arrested for drinking but us people who smoke marijuana are always getting fucked with. I just think we have the right to be pain free and if you dont like it dont smoke it were not obligating you too its a decision a person makes and if they wanted to they would stop otherwise they’ll keep smoking. And all that deeper problem stuff is BULLSHIT i hate all you doctors speaking out false about it only because you know it will overthrow your proffesion, marijuana is a pain reliever admitt it its not addictive and it doesnt kill brain cells.. its a medicine something people rely on
On February 24th, 2010 at 10:50 pm ,
2sides...1truth..whichone Says:

All I wanna say is that my entire family has come in contact with a drugs and substances of all sorts. Everybody drinks, most have smoked this or that at one point in time. Hell I’m underage and know more about drugs and alcohol than most people will ever know. Just the fact that I know how to cook this and flip that, how many oz. is for that, how to stretch this, it freaks me out. But I’ve tried several drugs that are a wide variety of things, like LSD, inhalants, codeine, angel dust, crosses, blow, shrooms, and much more. I guess you could say I am a generally screwed up individual, but I’m not addicted to any of this.
I was one of those kids that would come home everyday and just get so high that I couldn’t talk and would just sit there and drool. All through school I would just go home grab whatever I could find, be it drugs or some inhalant or something and just go get scrambled. And I was a multiple time user for all of those things in the list, but around 12 months ago one of my friends was like, ay man that stuff is gonna mess you up so bad you gon end up in a coma, so I just quit it and that was it. No withdraw. No nothin. If anything there seemed to be more time in a day, and I started noticeing more stuff in my life. The only thing I didn’t leave behind was weed (and/or hash) because that stuff just flat out makes me relax after a hard day at school or work. (Yea I miss school for work, you would do the same if you were down here up in this building hearing the neighbors yell through the walls)
So anyway a few weeks ago I decided to quit all drugs clean. And just vapped one more time and left the stuff behind. There has been nothing, no withdrawal. The only thing that has been hard for me has been alcohol and I just haven’t been able no matter how hard I try to put down that bottle in the bag. So I guess I’m an alcoholic but I dropped the coke and weed in a day but haven’t been able to set down the bottle in over a year. Why is all the fuss about weed which it is impossible to OD on and even all those smart scientists can not even tell if you can develop a physical dependence on it? Why would you take the chronic but keep the bottle?
Weed is not addicting, all those cancers and stuff they tell you that you can get is just from smoking. You could smoke almost anything and you’re gonna develop some health factors. To all my fellow users of the weed, I quit easy, you can too, and to anyone that is afraid of the consequences, use the vaporizer, research it please. It is no gateway drug, all those docs say that these druggies did the chronic before they did the blow, but they also went to sleep, they also brushed their teeth, they also put on clothes.
And finally you can be addicted to anything. Think about this, the endorphines that are released in your brain during an orgasm are the same chemical that are released by cocaine. So how can a natural thing be compared to something man-made and made to seem worse?
On March 2nd, 2010 at 12:40 am ,
Linda Says:

I have heard anyone talk about the consequences that it brings to our community. It doesnt effect your brain motor skills. Just a couple of weeks ago a kid cause a trible accident because of under the influence of pot.
Someone pays the price.
On March 24th, 2010 at 12:20 pm ,
John Says:

I’d like to just point something out, you can become addicted to a cheeseburger too but were not outlawing those are we? I’ve smoked marijuana, and i’ve been through spurts where i smoked daily for quite a while and i never felt addicted or a need for the drug. But like i said, you can become addicted to anything, if you eat a roast beef sandwich everday for a year, and try to stop, im sure youll really be craving that roast beef sandwich but its not like your going to freak out and rob a bank to get a fix, and even if you do get addicted to marijuana, whats the worst that can happen? youll spend too much money on it maybe, becuase there is no helath problems associated with it whatsoever, maybe the occasional cough and maybe a lung infection even though I’ve never even heard of a case of lung infection due to marijuana smoking and i know A LOT of people that smoke.

and addiction is a very loose word, you will never get addicted to marijuana like you will heroin or coke, I knew a heroin addict and TRUST ME, you can NEVER get that addicted to pot
On March 26th, 2010 at 10:41 pm ,
Diane Says:

I know all about the debates over MJ. From my own personal experience…my husband is addicted. He smokes on a daily basis. It does not matter if we are short paying a bill, his pot comes first. When he does not have it, he becomes very angry and lashes out, especially at me. When he smokes, he forgets things all the time, risks his job, he has even tried growing it incase he was without. Of course our teens found it which opened a whole new can of worms. He does not even want to have sexual relations unless he is high and that makes me feel like crap! He says sex is so much better. He has degenerating back disease so he says he smokes to help him deal with the pain he is also becoming addicted to pain killers that his damn pain doctor keeps giving him. I know the signs. I smoked before, I have tried other things. MJ in my opinion is addictive and can and will destroy you and your family. Get help.
On April 2nd, 2010 at 1:08 am ,
smantha Says:

we are all different in many ways i smoke pot lam not addicted to it but my is addicted to it he has to smoke pot after every twenty minutes;i know thats pretty scary. well i hope you huys get what mean
On April 3rd, 2010 at 4:32 am ,
paul Says:

I have access to unlimited quantities of herb and smoke /ingest almost every day. Occasionally I will not smoke/ingest for several days in a row and have never had any cravings or abnormal feelings/effects. I live in a very popular ski town and estimates are that 30 to 50 percent of snowsports enthusiasts are high when on the mountain. It is socially acceptable by almost everybody I know. Once you remove the stigma, many of these issues go away. Something about it being illegal (not in my town) changes the dynamics of users, upping the excitement level, and actually increasing use by those seeking the “coolness” factor or those looking to join a certain group for the lifestyle appeal. I believe marijuana has actually helped me learn to be more patient,relax, put lifes issues in perspective, and improved my relationships with others by allowing me to contemplate my daily concerns and family/friend relationships from a different perspect. I have been using marijuana off and on for many years and daily for 5 years.. Health concerns from smoking are easily avoided by ingesting with food instead of lighting up. Also, many people with health problems use marijuana f0r improvement of symptoms and pain reduction. I think people with addiction problems have a problem that is exacerbated by drugs, not caused by them.
Marijuana is a naturally occuring plant that is not changed or processed for use and is very very safe, being impossible to overdose. If you disagree, thats cool. Peace
On April 3rd, 2010 at 2:59 pm ,
Addicted Says:

Thank you for this article. All of it is very true. I fit into the psychologically addicted category. I always dream of the day when I do not need this anymore. Some people are strong enough to do it themselves, I am not one of those people. If rehab worked and was for free, I would definitely go, instead of smoking this tree. Wasted so many years of my life, it just isn’t worth it.
On April 9th, 2010 at 11:29 pm ,
Anonymous Says:

It is kind of addicting.
When you’re depressed, it feels like weed is the only thing that can help make you feel better.
I personally love pot.
I don’t think I could live without it. &Trust me, I’ve tried to stop. But, it helps emotional pain so much, that it’s close to impossible.
On April 11th, 2010 at 8:39 pm ,
Anonymous Says:

Hello

I personnally think that pot is addictive. My boyfriend smokes all day and night and it seems he forgets about his family.
The only thing that matters to him is smoking his weed and we come second in his life its too bad.
Maybe one day he will wake up it will be too late.
On April 11th, 2010 at 11:53 pm ,
Medical User Says:

Marijuana is highly addictive both physically and mentally. People who think otherwise are naive or refuse to believe so because they don’t want there precious marijuana to have a bad rep as in heroin other hard drugs. (I’m not talking about one time users duh) . This is especially true for habitual smokers. As soon as marijuana becomes part of your life style it is extremely hard to stop. I constantly feel like something is missing when in not high and go as far as to scrape resin from pipes, bongs to selling things so i can go to a collective and purchase marijuana. Marijuana addiction is still a new phenomena and i believe we are the first true generation hooked on marijuana. The grade of marijuana and the availability is ever increasing and addiction is on the rise. I know as i am part of the medical marijuana fiasco and i see many addicted individuals that can’t go one day without getting high. Sorry it’s the truth for most people smoking everyday.
On April 12th, 2010 at 7:41 pm ,
Anonymous Says:

Marijuana is NOT addictive, its like a hobby you can go with out it but its nice to do and have around.
On April 16th, 2010 at 1:55 pm ,
Anonymous Says:

Alcohol is addictive,
MJ is addictive,
Mc Donald cheeseburgers are addictive,
It all about how you deal with it.
Addicts don’t believe their “habitual choice” is addictive , until they hit bottom and come back up. They all scream “I’m not a drunk” “I’m not hooked” all the way down.
MJ is illegal. If the government could tax it, then maybe it wouldn’t be.. But it is illegal. It may not be fair … but life is not fair It all about how you deal with it.
On April 16th, 2010 at 3:16 pm ,
Anonymous Says:

Well, I appreciate the article and I respect others opinions…. Those that say they have smoked pot and not become addicted, Yahoo! I am happy for you. I have tried it myself once, hated feeling so tired and emotionally dead and I did not become addicted. The point of the article however was to say it does become addictive for some! Addictions are tricky and there are people that have addictive personalities. Some people are addicted to eating too much, they use food to satisfy their emotions. Just because most people are not addicted to food doesn’t mean that it is not harmful for to those that are! So anything that has led to addictions for anyone should be taken seriously! My husband Smoked pot for 10 yrs. He became seriously addicted and it almost destroyed his life!!! It had taken a toll on him physically, mentally, financially, and socially. Trust me the drug is addictive!
On April 19th, 2010 at 3:01 pm ,
JOE Says:

I am marijuana addict and I wish I never did that stupid stuff. I hate myself for this addiction andsee me having no future as long as I have weed. I didthis drug since I was 16 and now I’m 23. All my friend are worst then me. For a marijuana addict , I have accomplished alot like achieving my commercial pilot licence, but I lost alot because of it like a good job. My parents and family are aware of this addiction and see as a loonitick and a criminal. My girl friend is a recreational user but can go for ever without doing it. MARIJUANA HAS RUINED MY LIFE (BUT NOT COMPLETELY, SINCE I’M STILL YOUNG)… IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND YOU WANT TO EXPERIMENT THINK OF JOE AND MESSED UP MY LIFE HAS BECOME. DON’T DO ITTTTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On April 20th, 2010 at 1:55 pm ,
kylie Says:

thanks so much. this website has helped me be able to talk to my marijuana-dependent best friend. He justifies his use and is pretty much exactly like you describe “potheads” actions. He doesn’t smoke as heavily anymore, but when he wants to, the reasons and justifications are still the same. Thanks so much!!!!
On April 25th, 2010 at 9:46 pm ,
Zach Says:

I wish i never tried pot. im trying to quit but i usually dont make it past a couple days then i have to smoke. I dont even have any serious problems. I just like being high and its slowly taking over my life….
On April 26th, 2010 at 3:21 pm ,
Jack Says:

Are you guys kidding me? Get some self-control. Weed isn’t addictive. I’ve been smoking since I was 16 and I’m 18 now. I stop when I want to and I’ve been smoking daily since I got to college. I was smoking weekly my junior year in high school too. It’s not difficult and it’s not addictive.
On April 26th, 2010 at 3:50 pm ,
your mama Says:

i have been smoking since i was 13 and now 59 years old and still smoke it and i have stoped many times
On April 28th, 2010 at 4:08 am ,
medical colorado Says:

I live in colorado, a newly christened medical marijuana state. I have been smoking pot since 1994 and growing for several years now. Just about everyone I know has smoked, or still smokes in varying degrees. I work part time at a state approved dispensary and have taken the time to really talk to the people involved on both sides of the ongoing debate for legalization. I spoke with members of my local DEA task force who were happy that their resources could be used to more effectively rein in the meth problem. I shave spoken with doctors who have had measured success in dealing with pain and depression(even though it is not yet recognized as treating mental problems). Our customers come from all walks of life, everyone from doctors to coal miners. I still use to treat the pain caused by a recent cancer surgery as I cannot take more expensive and infinitely more addictive opioid pain killers. In all my years I have never heard of anyone becoming an addict, ever. This article is complete B.S. The same tired misinformation that’s been perpetuated for decades. and Joe, you are a pussy. Man up, put down the pipe, go outside and find something you like more than crying about how a little plant ruined you life.
On April 28th, 2010 at 4:25 am ,
medical colorado Says:

@medical user:You sir, are simply too stupid for words. You sound like a spineless turd,”Once marijuana is part of your life it’s hard to stop”. I handle 40 MMJ recipients a day who completely disprove your statements. Is there no accountability for these so called”addicts”? Is their lack of will and self-control the fault of a little plant? Or the weakass who can’t handle it. Comparing marijuana to coke or heroin is simply moronic. Grow a pair candyass.
On April 28th, 2010 at 5:25 pm ,
Patrick Says:

Wow….the anger in some of these comments shows that this is a very hot topic indeed.

I would like to keep seeing healthy discussion without all the anger.

Just because Marijuana has medicinal uses does not mean it is completely safe for anyone. I am an addict and Marijuana was my first drug of choice and I used it as a true addict would for a long time before I tried other drugs. Even when moving on to other “harder” drugs I continued to use Marijuana every day.

I am not saying MJ is evil or that it should not be legal or that it is not good medicine. In fact, I am all for legalization and for medicinal and even recreational use. I agree that alcohol is far more dangerous. BUT, marijuana can still be addictive for some people. So can video games. So can gambling. If you can’t get with that, then just go do your own thing, but the anger and the over reacting point to some sort of disturbance, some hint of truth that is making people angry.

If this article were all full of blatant lies then why would people be so upset?

I know both sides of the coin as well as anyone because I used and loved this drug for many years. But I also was able to see how I was using it to medicate my emotions, and how it is a mood altering substance that reactivates my addict thinking. It is off limits for me, because I am a drug addict.

OK, that is my rant for this month, I will try to duck out of it for a while, until I get too tempted and have to jump back into this fray….
On April 30th, 2010 at 5:25 pm ,
Anonymous speaker Says:

I fully understand what this entire article is trying to get out, and for the most part it’s partially true. I’m not trying to be a rebel or a smart-ass; I would really like to state a few facts that are confirmed and true about marijuana that I honestly feel should be shared.
To start this off I’d like to mention that the founding fathers of our beautiful country did infact smoke the herb marijuana, therefore saying that pot makes people stupid is untrue.
Considering that we are all aware or have heard about smog, and what it is doing to our ozone and how it’s destroying our polar caps and killing defenseless artic animals and damaging health factors for generations to come, which in my opinion is basically getting away with murder. And little do people know, but hemp is also a strong material that can be made into products such as paper (the constitution was written on hemp paper), and plywood aswell. My point being; hemp can be turned intoa fuel for cars, eliminating several to most conflicts the US is having due to iraq, aswell as the worlds ozone meaning it will more than likely help keep our world green! What’s not great about that?
I know it sounds a lot like I am trying to make it sound like the greatest thing in the world, but honestly I feel that it has many more purposes that can give you and the future of mankind a helping hand.

I’m fully aware that marijuana can be smoked, and yes I do suppose you could become addicted to marijuana. It effects everyone differently, I’m really trying to state that if you do something repeatedly and enjoy how it makes you feel why not do it? Well one reason is if it takes over your life, but I feel confident to say that you can become addicted to anything; skateboarding, sex, a certain band. Etc.
I will be completely honestand tell you that I smoke pot, not everyday?, I’m not high right now, and I have never felt the urge or need for it, it doesn’t make me feel depressed if I’m not high for a day I can go as long as I please. It has no effect towards me and I don’t do it to feel good or to get away from things it’s just a way for me to creatively think of new and innovative ideas. I’m not a junkie I’ve never done anything but pot. I am always responsible with it. I would never make anyone ever do it if they didn’t want to, sure it’s not cheap, I’ve learned to appreciate what I can afford. I’m not a straight A student though I can manage to get B’s and C’s with little effort. It hardly impairs me I drive a few miles per hour under the speed limit and I feel that I can pay better attention to the road and things surrounding me. As a 17 year old I personally think that beer and tobacco products are useless cancerous and take far to many lives for them not to be illegal. Where there is not one reported overdose on marijuana. I’ve been told that one day I could get so high I might jump off a bridge but in all reality it doesn’t necessarily make you hallucinate. It’s not acid or one of those highly dangerous mind alteri g drugs. As a matter of fact smoking marijuana makes me love myself I’d never do anything to harm myself, and I don’t go putting random drugs in my body. People need to understand that it isn’t going to destroy your life unless you let it. Though it is medically legal where I’m very happy we just changed and I feel that even though people tend to think that people who smoke pot are lifeless losers. I am proud to say that I am a stoner, not addicted, not stupid and strongly disagree with the direction In Which most all of society has been driven. And I honestly do whatever I possibly can to inform people about the truth of subjects that are extremely way to discriminated against for false reasons. Thank you all for reading, please don’t try to argue it’s just facts that I felt were important to let people know about and I am truely sorry if you are “addicted” to marijuana.
-Talenhardt@gmail.com
Remember addiction is half mental. :). You’ll overcome it and I’m sorry that you did not have a good experience….
On May 2nd, 2010 at 12:26 pm ,
Hannah Says:

For the people who say they have been smoking for years, are not addicted, and can stop whenever they want…. then why do you start again? addicted?.. check!
On May 5th, 2010 at 7:22 am ,
Owen Says:

Thank you for this post, and to all the readers who’ve replied. It’s a hot topic indeed and riddled with mixed opinions.

I’m 27 and was a heavy smoker for almost 10 years. Playing in a reggae band and working in a creative industry gave me many reasons to smoke all the time, then as I started getting older I left the band, purged some friends and got into a serious relationship – but I kept smoking weed almost everyday to the point where up to a few weeks ago when it almost ruined my relationship, my health and my job.

I was hiding it from my girlfriend, smoking before work (because I knew I couldn’t smoke after work as we live together) and suffered a week in hospital with a collapsed lung, likely to have been aggravated by weed smoke. Not cool.

I consider myself a strong willed individual. I have experimented with harder stuff, and gave it up easily. I smoked cigarettes for 6 years and quit cold turkey in 2008. But I believe I am psychologically addicted to Marijuana. It’s hard to break all the associations I had with smoking and I still battle to see myself without it.

I’m all for praising the herb but be careful. Peace.
On May 12th, 2010 at 5:51 pm ,
larry Says:

hannah, that was the dumbest thing ive heard in my life. i take it u have never smoked marijuana on more than one occasion. it is much easier to understand where everyone else is coming from, but your statement just makes me question your common sense. and to answer your question, they start agaain because it is fun. why did they stop? maybe a job, maybe they were broke, maybe to prove to someone or themselves that they can take a break or quit and that weed is not addictive. plus define addiction, please. throught all these posts, i havent seen anyone adress what an addiction really IS. an addiction is when your body can not funstion without the subsatnce in you. thats all, not a craving.
On May 12th, 2010 at 6:51 pm ,
Patrick Says:

@ Larry – an addiction is more than just physical dependence (what you claim it is).

Addiction involves psychological dependence and what you might call “behavior factors” as well as the physical component….

It is also useful to consider consequences when defining addiction, in my opinion….
On May 14th, 2010 at 12:53 pm ,
austin Says:

hahahaha…whoever wrote this is hands down, by far the biggest asshole alive. Weed is not addictive. Weed is not a gateway drug. It is all psychological. Ive been smoking since i was 13..im now 18. I had a physical last month and im 100% healthy. During those years i had stopped smoking with no problem. In the history of mankind there is no evidence of weed being a direct cause of any type of respiratory disease. Just do me a favor, the jerkoff who wrote this and all of you who believe the same bullshit, educate yourself and watch the The Union: The business behind getting high. You can find it on youtube.
On May 14th, 2010 at 12:55 pm ,
austin Says:

oh and to owen..did you ever think the reason why your lung collapsed because of smoking cigarettes?
On May 17th, 2010 at 4:05 am ,
Derrp Says:

“The term “addiction” is used in many contexts to describe an obsession, compulsion, or excessive psychological dependence.” – Wikipedia

Weed does not have these effects (from my experience). I have been smoking many different types of weed for quite sometime now and have no desires or cravings for it. Some days I simply say “Hey, why not get high” and do it. Much like when I get with a group of friends and say “Hey, lets go down to the bar for a few drinks”

Addiction is not doing something to avoid emotional stress like this article suggests. Addiction is a psychological, sometimes physical craving, or obsession.
On May 17th, 2010 at 6:02 am ,
Owen Says:

@ austin – Sure I did, as a weed and cigarette smoker I hammered my lungs, so I’ve given both a break.

@ Derrp – I agree with you that it is not a physical addiction. You are one of the lucky few who can socially smoke and keep it under control, much like most people socially drink. I relate to your term “obsession”, that’s a good way of putting it, I felt obsessed with doing it everyday more that physically needing it and more than I actually enjoyed being stoned.

30 days and going strong.
On May 19th, 2010 at 11:36 am ,
me jenkins Says:

Ya’ll suck ass
On May 19th, 2010 at 11:49 am ,
me jenkins Says:

and, medical colorado u need to shut your monkey ass up because u look like a pair. yo mama so fat she sinks sink holes.
On May 19th, 2010 at 8:28 pm ,
Bill Says:

WEED IS THE SHIT!
I SMOKE THAT CRONIC SHIT EVERY DAY.
HAVE YOU EVER HAD A WANK WHEN UR STONED?
ITS THE BEST!

CYA LATER.
KEEP SMOKING
On May 19th, 2010 at 9:28 pm ,
Pussy Licker Says:

i love to eat pussy!
On May 19th, 2010 at 9:32 pm ,
KRONIK MAN Says:

Hits from thhe bong, I smoke that shi every day niggah

Fuck the haters Kronik Deluuxx

I Love-a Da Billies
laterz
On May 22nd, 2010 at 3:18 am ,
Tevin Says:

I was recently introduced to weed and since then have been a strong supporter of it. I smoked 5 times per week throughout an entire semester of college, so it is safe to say that I should be addicted. However, when I got home from school, I stopped smoking because the group of friends that I have back home tend not to do that. Smoking pot is merely a social activity for most, and it is only done so frequently because it is so fun to do with friends. It is NOT addicting unless you have an uncontrollable addictive personality, in which case, your problem is not weed, but it’s yourself. Scientists should all get together and smoke a fat joint with each other and then maybe they will see how fun it is and look at the matter objectively instead of with a negative light. LIGHT ME UP A DUTCHIE!!!
On May 22nd, 2010 at 3:20 am ,
Tevin Says:

short version: austin is right its all in your head…get over yourself and smoke, or get over yourself and dont smoke, either way nobody gives a damn, just dont lie on weed. thats all we ask.
On May 22nd, 2010 at 1:24 pm ,
j dag Says:

yo i smoke weed every day and yo,i get all the pussy
so fuck you, and keep smoking
yo!
On May 25th, 2010 at 5:16 pm ,
gotta get high Says:

“Now does habitual use mean that a person is addicted? Not necessarily. But in practical terms, this difference really does not matter much”

yeah doesn’t matter much if you’re a bunch of liers.

I guess the truth doesn’t matter to those who make money off the so called war on drugs!

weed aka Marijuana is NOT addictive.
get a real education and stop wasting people’s time with statistics. Statistics which clearly don’t support your case.
Have you considered that many, (as in millions) of people who were addicted to cigarettes an alcohol are now DEAD.

WHO HAS DIED FROM MARIJUANA ???

What about the affects of too much salt in the diet, surely a greater threat that weed, yes?

I’m more addicted to coffee than I ever was to weed.
eat mostly vegies and don’t eat mostly salt and red meat … be healthy everyone :)
On May 25th, 2010 at 7:59 pm ,
billy Says:

All of you are stupied!!!!!!
Marijuana is a drug and it is alegal so that makes it bad.
On June 1st, 2010 at 5:45 pm ,
HmGrwnSnc1984 Says:

You’re mother is stupid Billy. In California, we will get to choose whether it is illegal or not come Nov. 2010! I’ve been smoking weed for 10 years and have many friends who both smoke and don’t, I stay good friends with the ones that quit, I’m stable emotionally and very socially active. Aside from all this, I have managed to complete school, payoff 2 vehicles, become entirely debt free and own my own home and business. All this while smoking weed on a daily basis…….so fuck off with your preachin’ ass…
On June 2nd, 2010 at 5:37 pm ,
Jackson Says:

I became extremely depressed after my girlfriend left me. I started smoking every day because it took my mind off of her and i felt better. It has been over a month and now i feel like I cant function unless i get high. I tried not smoking for a day and it was really hard, I became more upset than I ever was to begin with. Next morning my depression was just so unbearable that i had to smoke more. Marijuana is addictive if your smoking it to escape a harsh reality. I can’t stop using it now…
On June 2nd, 2010 at 9:00 pm ,
Darren Says:

:::IF YOU ARE OR ARE NOT AGAINST CANNABIS PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS:::

Cannabis really does hurt no one, does it really harm the police or government NO
But still the leaders of countries are burning down the crops and arresting people for what reason?
Is the smoke they exhale so disturbing? I personally don’t mind people who smoke pot. I’ve monitored them they’re so happy, at peace, never start fights and always keep out of others’ path.

Ignoring the fact that billions of innocent people are arrested for using a plant, why is this so bad for the countries? I mean, everyone loves money and in this world we live in it’s on everyone’s mind. Even though pot is illegal it makes BILLIONS! of dollars in the US alone. If it were legal not even Bill Gates would be able to keep track of how many TRILLIONS it would make world wide. This would really help out the developing poorer countries in the world and its output on developed countries would be glorious!

Although pot may be considered bad to some it does actually have certain benefits. Unlike tobacco products which cause cancer because of the harmful combustion products in the smoke, cannabis contains THC and CBD molecules which work together to give the a ‘high’. CBD, despite what police and anti-cannabis agencies say, actually has anti-cancer properties which allows marijuana users to smoke the plant material and inhale all the combustion products without the risk of developing lung cancer, British scientists are only looking in to this now. This is why the CBD in Cannabis could be used for cancer patients, especially cancers developed from tobacco products.

Cannabis has been frowned upon for centuries now because of the fact is does give people a buzz and despite that many countries have been tricked into believing it is a harmful ‘drug’ it is the least harmful and no one has ever in the history of using cannabis died.

I really think people would prefer to buy a so called ‘drug’ that gives a buzz and does not cause cancer other to an addictive tobacco product with no effects and causing numerous cancers each year.
It’s actually quite sad to see how so many people are dying each year from tobacco products and how the governments continue to keep taxing, I recently lost an Aunt to Esophageal Cancer because of cigarettes. Stop the murder!

Cannabis is also a very fibrous plant, which would end the need to destroy forests to produce paper, furniture and all lumber products. This would help destroyed forests to recover and slowly but surely heal our precious Ozone layer which so many people abuse.

But the war on the plant continues to remain for now, maybe forever until the leaders are ready to except the fact Cannabis really has so many uses and benefits.
On June 6th, 2010 at 9:01 pm ,
chazzenski Says:

fuck it heres the real deal. the vid is rite but its not bad to smoke it .
jus smoke it time to time. not daily.u can quit, but it depends on how much problems u have in ur life
On June 7th, 2010 at 9:41 pm ,
erik Says:

IDK I JUST QUIT BUT I DIDNT THINK I WAS IF SO THEN WHY DID I QUIT COLD TURKEY ??!!!!!!!
On June 18th, 2010 at 4:22 pm ,
johnson Says:

YOU’RE A MOTHER EFFING IDIOT.

4% MARIJUANA
VS
11 % ALCOHOL

I’M SURE WAY MORE PEOPLE TRY ALCOHOL TOO. ALSO THE EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL ESPECIALLY AT THAT LEVEL ARE WAY WAY WORSE THAN MARIJUANA. IDIOT.
On June 20th, 2010 at 10:00 pm ,
JS Says:

I’ve been smoking Marijuana regularly for 9 years. I am 25 years old now.

I would say it is very addictive. It’s hard even to go 2 or 3 days without it anymore.

For the first 4-5 years I smoked it, I laughed at the people who said they were addicted to it.

I totally understand them now.
On June 21st, 2010 at 2:17 pm ,
matt Says:

This article is a farce, the only reason why marijuana is not legal, is due to the Lumber and wood industry.
On June 28th, 2010 at 12:32 pm ,
Anonymous Says:

Some of you really need to put down your joints and actually read what was said ffs.

1. the definition of addiction is subjective in this context; but so called ‘psychological’ dependancy is still a dependancy. The brain is a physical entity.

2. you can show stats that prove anything, particularly if you have your own agenda – like most of you coming here “sticking up” for marijuana do.

here are some facts:
Delta9-thc is the active ingredient in marijuana.
thc binds to the cb1 and cb2 cannaboid receptors in the brain. these receptors are responsible for most of the effects marijuana gives you.
these receptors are closely linked to the opioid receptor system (like opiates, including heroin)
the opioid system activates Dopaminergic pathways (dopamine) which plays a large part in becoming addicted

research shows that without activation of µ opioid receptor, thc does not have the aforementioned effects.

This is SCIENCE. Not anecdotal crap (i’ve been smoking since i was 2 and i’m not addicted blah blah. some of you have genuinely just posted a reply to say “how can you say it’s addictive? its NOT.” great argument there guys.)

i don’t smoke. tried it, didn’t like it. and i don’t care if people do smoke, and i’m very happy it doesn’t ruin everyones life, obviously. but some people are hurt by this dependancy and for that reason some of you need to open your minds and realise your own personal experiences do not reflect everyone elses.
On July 1st, 2010 at 7:44 pm ,
Molly Says:

Just came here through Google, and would like to point something out:

Psychological addiction is very real, and applies to everything from television to pot. Ask yourself why you smoke pot. Do you do it to escape from thoughts, feelings, or memories? Do you just have an occasional smoke when you’re with your buddies? Do you just wanna experience a different plane of consciousness for once and a while and then go back to daily life?

There’s nothing wrong with smoking pot, as long as you’re doing it for the right reasons and give yourself some general rules like “I’ll never smoke when I’m depressed,” “I’ll only toke every other weekend,” or “I’ll only smoke once a month.” Sounds very similar to the rules we all apply to alcohol, doesn’t it?

It’s not the marijuana. It’s the escapist feeling that some people need (for whatever reason) and find it in marijuana. If they don’t smoke weed, they may find it in shopping or watching television. It’s the individual’s obsession that holds the problem. Marijuana is just what they obsess over.

There’s no statistical proof that marijuana is a gateway drug. If a person parties around a lot, then yeah, they’ll run into different and possibly harder drugs. If anything, alcohol is much more of a gateway drug because a drunken person is far more likely to take serious risks than someone who’s stoned.

In short, if you have the need to escape from something, don’t experiment with drugs (and that includes alcohol). Contact a counselor and deal with your problems up front and learn to love yourself before taking risks.

My own personal situation is a positive testament to marijuana. Earlier this year, I was beginning to develop a drinking problem. A good friend of mine sat me down, explained to me that my drinking was massively impacting my life, and then handed me a piece. I had smoked pot before, but I had always been under the influence of alcohol.

Smoking sober made the experience SO much better. Unlike when I drank, I was in control and I could hold a conversation. I understood my limits and wouldn’t try to cross them. The best thing of all was that I felt good, calm, and comfortable.

I don’t drink anymore. I still smoke pot, but after having the experience I much prefer being high on occasion rather than being buzzed or drunk. Unlike alcohol, I don’t feel I have to smoke. I can (and have) gone months without it and feel great sober. If I can’t afford it, I won’t buy it.

In short, it’s become my new having a drink once and a while without becoming a problem.

Hurray pot!
On July 3rd, 2010 at 4:36 am ,
Ashtray Says:

Just thought I’d add, in regards to the psychological dependence, the same goes for alcohol. People drink when they are sad, when their footy team won, lost, when they had a bad day at work, when they had a really good day and they feel like “rewarding themselves.”

I agree with your statements regarding self-medicating. But isn’t this the same with most drugs? Infact, it isn’t just drugs. People get into music, sport and drugs for the same buzz. It feels good to listen to a really nice song and forget about where you are in the world. It feels good to go do some rock-climbing and get that adrenaline and forget about where you are in the world. It feels good to get “high”, and forget about where you are in the world.

I don’t think these things can be labelled as addictive and non-addictive really. Particularly in the mental aspect, there are so many levels of depth that this is a very hard area to survey,,,

P.s. I’m not bagging music, it rocks. All I’m saying is some people use it to escape and relax.

No offense meant.
On July 3rd, 2010 at 4:47 am ,
Ashtray Says:

I also agree with Molly.
On July 4th, 2010 at 8:09 pm ,
Radio Says:

Im a 16 y,o who has been smokin for about 8 months, marijuana is not a joke whether it actually is psychological or physical addictive who gives a fuck , it has ruined my life, i have been inhaling 1-2 grams a day , i have friends i smoke and play cod with them i have a really good bond with them even before i smoked, ive known these 8 guys for 2.5 years and i never used to smoke with them, marijuana does ruin lives. after reading this site i think it will have a big impact on my life, if there is no physical addiction, why the hell am i still smoking that shit. mental toughness will impact highly , in saying that this is only my opinion 8 months compared to 20 years is nothing in the sense that its 19 more years of what has fucked me over in under a year. sorry if i offended anyone, i havent smoked yet today but i did last night so we will see how i go thanks for all the advice and good luck to everyone trying to quit, i dont think its the drug thats the problem its the person taking them, . Thank you and sorry if i disrespected anyone
On July 6th, 2010 at 2:50 am ,
the truth hurts! Says:

DEAR EVERYONE,

i think its all in ur head…weed is not addicting trust me..

the first time i smoked i was 10 yrs old n it was always dro no reg..me and my three older bros smoked atleast 5 days a week. we all had smoked for 5 yrs. we stopped at times bcus of sports n we never craved it or anything. wen i was 15 and one of my bros was 19 we had quit smokin for GOOD..now he is 22 yrs old. he has a good job a nice house n wife n kids. they r u can say a perfect family. we 2 quit bcus grandma passed away n cus its illegal..my two other bros are locked up at this moment bcus dey couldnt control dem selves n dey messed with coke, bars, n codine.

da bad part is dat me and my bros would buy 2 grams a day.we were always calm.
imagine how much money dat is in 5 yrs. we would get the hook up 15 buks a gram..dats 150 dollars a week(not counting da weekends)..dats 600 dollars a month.. dats 7,200 a year..ok multiply it times 5…36,000 dollars..but remember we played sports at times so ima bump it down to 30,000 g’z..wow soccer saved us 6 g’z..lol
..wut im tryin to get to is dat it was four teenagers spent around 30,000 dollars on dro for 5 years..bro das like paying of a new top notch truck. but remeber two of us quit for good das like saying me and my bro dat quit, smoked around 15,000 dollars worth of weed for does 5 years..das like sayin me and him smoked a gram for 1300 scattered days..n we stopped without help from professionals..so how r u goin to tell me dat its addicting. u may think dat damn these crazy pot heads..n yea we were untill two us quitted..but really its its all in ur head, just quit trippin n just do what u want to do..i just wrote this to the ppl who want to stop but cant cus they think they r addicted..i just want u to use this as an example dat u can control it n u can stop. dont quit on urself. if it helps use a good friend to help u..

TODAy july 6, im 18 yrs old, i just graduated from high school this year.i dont smoke and never drank’d.(beer is nasty)lol. i have a son dat i love with all my heart.my kid and i are happy for my wise decision.im hope i start college in august. or may join the millitary. not sure. my 2 bros r in jail at this moment aint seen em in yrs..its life u know..dey both have been to rehab so they r fine now but they still gotta pay the price..
but im dissapointed to say that at one point in my life i spent 30g’s with my 4 bros on weed..

remember its all in ur head..be strong..
On July 8th, 2010 at 11:50 pm ,
Ben Says:

What I have read about the self medication, is true; and to those of you who have never tried this powerful potent drug called marijuana, you are very lucky and smart for that matter. I am 25 years old and I have been smoking weed for 11 years. I have recently decided to put myself into treatment for weed and alcohol. To you fools that smoke weed and think there is not a problem with it; well I guess I wont be to rude, because I use to feel this way at some point in my early 20′s; but fuck it, you guys are fucking stupid if you believe that marijuana is not a problem. I mean seriously, would you teach your own kids to do this. And by the way marijuana is extremely addictive it just takes a longer time to realize it. Some people might think I am wrong, but fuck that I was in the game for 11 fucking years!
On July 10th, 2010 at 3:04 am ,
Tony Says:

You do realize that marijuana is 100% not physically addictive, correct? Sure, it can be psychologically addictive, but so can just about anything. There are food addicts who are ridiculously overweight. Does that mean we should throw that in the faces of the obese, or make food illegal? No, but yet there are people who seek help for “bad eating habits” as well. I.E., a diet.

Using any of this to justify marijuana being illegal is downright stupid. In fact, marijuana being illegal in the first place is downright stupid. Marijuana is not a drug, it is a plant. Drugs are made in labs.

What gives the government the right to regulate something that occurs naturally on mother Earth? Nothing. Free country my ass.

Just because some people smoke on a daily basis does not make them addicts. I smoke on a daily basis, but I’m not addicted. I just happen to really enjoy the effects. To prove it to a friend that didn’t believe me when I said I wasn’t an addict, I went cold-turkey and didn’t touch weed for two weeks. Nothing happened. Sure, I wanted to get high, but there were no negative effects on my body at all and I didn’t find myself sucking dick for weed.

Think of it this way. Somebody could really like tacos. They could eat them daily. Based on these facts, would you say the person is addicted to tacos? If yes…then.. wow.

I am fully against drugs. And I am a very frequent marijuana user.
On July 10th, 2010 at 7:23 am ,
Patrick Says:

@ Tony – you say that Marijuana is a plant and not a drug. I say, it is a drug because it medicates my emotions and changes my mood in an instant. That is what makes it a drug, for me. That I could be having a bad day, and smoke some weed, and POW!….everything changes. I have medicated my mood. I was upset, or frustrated, or whatever….and now I have “cheated” and medicated those emotions with marijuana. That is what makes it a drug.

And for me, that is what made it dangerous. That I returned to it–not because I was physically addicted to it–but because I came to rely on it to medicate my mood. I had to get high in order to deal with anything, or to enjoy anything.
On July 16th, 2010 at 1:07 am ,
Jenny Says:

I think Marijuana could be addictive.
it controls your emotions and who you hang out with and how you spend your time, i lost my boyfriend of 2 years because of pot. He’s choosing to smoke it but there’s got to be some sort of addiction for him to do it EVERYDAY!!
just dont smoke marijuana..
On July 17th, 2010 at 4:10 am ,
Ezekiel Says:

How do I stop? I don’t care if the addicition is psycological or physical, it feels the same. It’s all the same. Addiction is addiction. It’s beside the point. Am I just weak minded? Why do I feel like smoking it when I don’t want to? How to I stop it all when I feel like smoking when I’m not? I’m coughing up crap and I find it hard to breathe sometimes. It’s all I smoke, and I don’t want to do it anymore. I want it gone. This site isn’t helping. How do I stop?
On July 25th, 2010 at 5:07 am ,
Dan Says:

Well if it doesn’t make you physically dependent, if you don’t build up a tolerance for it, if it does not in of itself cause withdrawal when you stop using it then its not by definition addictive.. But sure you may form a habit and other factors may contribute towards forming an addiction.

The unfortunate reality is that because marijuana is illegal and unregulated most anecdotal evidence provided by people like Patrick cannot be relied upon as proof of marijuana’s supposed addictive qualities.

The drug can be laced by dealers who obviously want repeat business. If you’re experimenting with other substances concurrently (legal or illegal) you can hardly prove that the withdrawal symptoms are caused by marijuana and not something else you’re imbibing.

Long story short; we need conclusive evidence showing the link between marijuana and addiction. I hope someone here can provide it if it exists.
On July 29th, 2010 at 2:53 am ,
Dave Says:

Dear Patrick,

I’m not saying marijuana isn’t addictive, because to be honest I don’t think it would even matter. To me an being addicted to “something” is where you need to have that “something” or else you feel like you’ll fall apart and die. What I think is happening is that you just enjoy marijuana as I do or any other guy. Its like if you enjoy ice-cream, I love ice-cream I eat it everyday. And my parents like to run every morning. Would you say they are addicted to running?? And I also smoke everyday. So ppl *enjoy* these things. What I’m trying to say is that ppl like to smoke marijuana. I know others who are addicted to cigarettes and they WISH they could stop, but just can’t. Also even if it is addictive is it really harmful to your body? NO its not. The smoke it self is bad for your lungs. That part is true. THC on the other hand is not. No one has ever died from THC. So for the ppl who are scared of the smoke just make some bomb ass brownies and get blazed!! In the end I would like to ask you whats your definition of *addiction* and of *enjoyment*?
On July 29th, 2010 at 9:02 am ,
Romeo Says:

My Name is Romeo I don’t have any knowledge of the use of Marijuana. I have been carrying bags for the better part of my time here in Canada. I found that the use of Marijuana is not a psycological addiction. I have no way of actually understanding how to explain this. Maybe becuase I have smoked so much pot. But whos to say. I have tried to change my habits by becoming a security guard and taking a 40 hour training course. The instructor in the class states that my opinion of the use of marijuana is not a pyscological dependancy but what do I know. I have just taken this course because I have been forced to to keep my employment. Maybe I should sit and listen and maybe research before I open my mouth and argue with him.
On August 3rd, 2010 at 8:30 am ,
glenzlbc Says:

Wow all that information is very true, look I first started smoking at age 14 I believe (loss memory to weed) and I stopped at age 19 and I just barely turned 21..idk if anyone brought this up bt everyone that gets high knows how it is to be so hungry and eat lmao munchies you kno.? munchies also played a role in weed addictions physically and mentally, you know damn well the food taste bomber like that and we all love to eat, no.? if you ask me now, i think buying drugs for a temporary pleasure is a waste of money
On August 5th, 2010 at 12:35 am ,
Incognito Says:

It’s not that I’ll say Marijuana is addictive, because I believe it is not. It is nevertheless time consuming, time it takes to get it, making time to smoke it and time to be high. Time is all we have left… to spend it using the same routine stunts character growth and can ultimately trap oneself into a boring bubble of reality.

That being said life itself is the high, smoking merely puts it into perspective for the detached viewer.

If you want to know about myself, I have smoked weed before for about 5 years “pothead style” 3 years ago. A puff on odd months.
On August 6th, 2010 at 3:04 pm ,
chris neglia Says:

I think doritos and donuts are addictive also, if you consider how many people have formed a dependency around them. Especially in the Southeast US. They share is a statistically significant cross-tolerance with teriyaki beef jerky, RC cola and moonpies.

Yeah, Marijuana is addictive. That is a laugh. Ya’ll wanna try some co-caine!?
On August 7th, 2010 at 1:56 am ,
Stephanie Kendrick Says:

I never used to think marijuana was addictive. I’m 36, smoked it for a few years when I was younger. My mother has smoked daily for 40 years. There is no question in my mind that she is an addict. I am a recovering alcoholic so I know the signs. She has emphysema and has never smoked cigarettes. She is an unproductive member of society, and is now homeless after leaving my house last night in her truck.. My brother and I have been dealing with her and her pot use our entire lives. She has always put it before us, using her child support for it, growing it and selling to support herself and her habit. I believe the majority of marijuana smokers are recreational users, and can lead a productive life while enjoying the “high” pot gives them. My mother, however, uses it to cope with every aspect of her life, weather good or bad, and it has affected my family seriously for many years. It should not be a joke that marijuana is addictive, after much research, and personal experience, I believe for some it is just as addictive as any hard drug. Thank you for the article, I believe it can help open some blind eyes.
On August 9th, 2010 at 1:41 pm ,
Melisha Says:

This page spelled out exactly what I think when all my friends get together and smoke. I just want to know what I can do to get them to stop. From all the web pages I’ve been exploring, everything seems to be biased and controversial. But one thing I know, every person I know that smokes pot on a regular basis (3-8) times a week has told me “it’s not addictive” but they constantly crave it and shove it in my face. Any pointers? I’d very much like to kick it out of my bubble permanently.
On August 9th, 2010 at 1:54 pm ,
Melisha Says:

Patrick- If you do by some miracle get to my question and have time to answer, I’d like to say It’s a good thing you’re doing. You may not have a ton of reliable sources but obviously you’ve spent months debating these topics and I value your opinion-*peace*
On August 9th, 2010 at 4:40 pm ,
Patrick Says:

@ Melisha – You say “I just want to know what I can do to get them to stop.”

Answer: you can’t. Do not try to do so actively. Your best bet is to set the example, to BE the example.

As for “kicking it out of your bubble permanently,” I would recommend that you explore the articles in my sidebar that talk about creative recovery. Basically what I advocate is to create an awesome life for yourself that is so exciting that smoking weed would really just be a distraction. That is what I have done and what I have become.

Hint: your definition of what is fun and exciting will change after you stop using drugs. This might take some time. Most people have to be fed up enough with the drugs to slug their way through the misery for a while. Good luck…
On August 9th, 2010 at 10:57 pm ,
unanymous Says:

wow.. He hits the nail with the hammer.. Its psychologically addicting.. I did it everyday for 2 years, now ive quit for 8 days and wow… Longest ive gone, never in those 2 yrs could i go even 2 days without it for sleeping especially… Its such a waste of money and its not worth it. Live life! Drugs aren’t needed.
On August 10th, 2010 at 1:04 am ,
Chuck Says:

What if I just want to get high at night? or with a couple buddies? And how much is to much?(amount/a week)
On August 12th, 2010 at 6:55 pm ,
me Says:

Most people got to get away sometimes from somethings, life is not just rainbows and addictive substances are good way to relax a bit and get your blood pressure down, people smoke cigarattes when they are upset so they can relax, people drink horrific amounts of alcohol for the same reason, isn’t it better if they all smoked weed instead of smoking tabac or worse drinking alcohol.
I guess you could get addicted to marijuanah and i guess most of us get addicted to something at some point well, isn’t it better to be addicted to marijunah than most of those things? isn’t it better to be a pot head than a workoholic? or addicted to sports?? or sex??? or pills??? well anyways seems that even in the research shown in the article only 4% get addicted, even if that is true, the numbers are very low. And most of the stories you’ll hear about people getting high will be funny stories with a good ending unlike alcohol stories, which some you might not even hear because the drinker won’t know what the hell happend. so in conclusion , the world is not perfect, far from it, we need ways to escape it sometimes and weed is a good option. i’ll take a joint over a drink any day. (but not every day)
think about it , aye?
On August 15th, 2010 at 6:02 pm ,
Jessie Says:

This article spoke volumes to me.

My boyfriend has been smoking consistently for about 4 or 5 years… when he and I hang out I usually see him smoke about 6-10 bowls a day. I smoke with him, but I smoke about 3 times a week, a bowl each time. I’m in no way dependent on it, I just think it’s a nice feeling, and there’s no set-backs because I get it for free from him. I’m worried about him though. I wish he would cut back, but when I mention this he always shoots it down. Usually his reasoning revolves around “I work 40 hours a week and I take care of everything. I love smoking weed, so why shouldn’t I?” I of course have no adequate rebuttal. It makes sense I suppose, but I think it’s more of a justification. He’s 25 living on his own with a good job and the world ahead of him… but I feel like he’s wasting a part of himself. Another reason I think he’s addicted? His father has struggled with addiction since as long as my boyfriend can remember, and I believe his mother had a drug problem as well.

On top of all of this, he doesn’t have to worry about the “illegal” aspect because he got his medical card. Augh! He’s so stubborn, and ridiculously passionate about his weed.

Patrick, do you have any suggestions for convincing him to, at the least, cut back? I really don’t know what to say.
On August 17th, 2010 at 9:44 am ,
Anonymouse Says:

I beleive the reason it would be addictive is the high you get of THC, its kinda like porn, it can be addictive, but not in a chemical way.
On August 18th, 2010 at 10:23 pm ,
Ian Says:

Im 15. i started smoking weed when i was 12, and i do it atleast 4 times day every day. and the days that i can’t smoke my weed is the days that i have terrible headaches and sit in my room in the dark all day or until i can smoke my next bowl. whatever anybody says, marijuana is addictive but, whenever im baked i feel that the whole world around me is perfect. no matter what, im never gunna stop smoking bud.
On August 20th, 2010 at 8:17 pm ,
Patrick Says:

@ Jessie – Convincing someone to cut back on a drug is gonna be very difficult, especially if they are addicted to it.

The experts would say that your first step would be to stop condoning the behavior….that means no more smoking with him or around him.

To be honest, I know nothing about how to “cut down” on a drug….only how to stop it entirely. Moderation is not something I can do, nor teach anyone else how to do…..
On August 22nd, 2010 at 5:18 pm ,
jason Says:

hmm Patrick you do have some valid points. I agree mostly with what you say in your website, however I have one question for you.

Why is it that 10 people can drink alcohol and have two drinks at a party and stop drinking while the 11th person at the party can’t stop drinking until they have consumed 17 beers?

Do you really think that the source of the problem is the alcohol?
If so I think you are confused.

The point here is that a person who is mentally weak can blame marijuana for their problems. Maybe marijuana has manifested personal issues and made problems arise that would not have necessarily happened without actively smoking marijuana.

However, the main controversial topic discussed here is its addictive qualities. the feeling of smoking marijuana is a desirable state… but not an addictive state. Also, I think it is important to realize that personalities are “addictive”.. not herbs or spices, as marijuana clearly is.

I wouldn’t argue that marijuana makes you more focused… because that is probably untrue. Marijuana doesn’t make me want to study books or do mathematics either. It is just something to do that will burn up time. Marijuana is a cure for boredom… or maybe “mood medication” as you put it. Also, I believe that marijuana puts the mind in a state of “thoughtlessness”

So there are a large quantity of people who are depressed or reliant on a substance for happiness… which is sad. If they were addicted to drugs from the local drug store no one would mind.. because a business owner is making money from the sale of these “certain” prescription drugs.

If marijuana were sold at the pharmacy then the whole “perception” of marijuana would be different, maybe even encouraged.s

marijuana should be treated like a coffee, beer, or maybe glasses of milk.

I have smoked marijuana off and on since i was 13 years old. It just is what it is.

I am neither an advocate nor a hater of marijuana. I just think people who are “dependant” on marijuana need to stop doing the “finger pointing” at drugs and alcohol and stick that finger at themselves and take responsibility for their own personality disorder.

Patrick, you yourself stated earlier that you were “high” from shoplifting…

who gets high from shoplifting? shoplifting is stupid and criminal. There is no “change of mood” while stealing… unless you are a retard and socially inadequate.

In closing, I want to say to you that I appreciate your insight and opinion on this controversial matter. I also want to voice my opinion that addiction is not in the substance, it is in the psychological health of the individual.

proper diet, social contacts, exercise, employment, and feelings of happiness should all be plentiful before anyone decides to experiment with mind altering materials.

keep smiling everyone!
On August 25th, 2010 at 9:21 am ,
Dave Says:

I’ve been smoking for about 3 years everday, who ever says its not addictive is a total idiot and are clearly lying to themselves or dont know what they talking about, trying to stop is very difficult, cold sweat, irritation beyond believe, depression, insomnia, it wont leave your mind you will think of it every minute of everyday. And by saying Ill stop tommorow is going to be that little bit harder to say no. One thing I have noticed though, it is way easier to stop if it is your own decision rather then a partner or parent forcing you to quit,
On August 29th, 2010 at 12:22 pm ,
Laurie S. Says:

My husband has been a heavy user for over 25 years. Recently his usage has increased and his perspective on life and the situations around him became more distorted. For the past year and a half I have been secretly seeing an addiction specialist/therapist and going to meetings for spouses of addicts. They educated me in the addict mind and explained it would have to be his decision to quit and become present in our marriage. There was nothing I could do but save myself.

I love him – he is my soul mate. His anger (I learned through an addiction counselor) is directed to me because I represent all his failings, and a direct result of his marijuana usage. They explained that marijuana users are the more angry of the addicts! How about that one, who knew? He smokes from when he gets up until he goes to bed. About every 2-3 hours. He does not want to do anything other than smoke his weed, play on-line poker and video games. When he is done with that, he goes to bed. He has no sex drive nor any interest in our relationship. He does this to medicate the pain he has from his past. He will not let me in because he medicates all this pain he feels so he does not feel. I can not speak to him about his addiction or he leaves. He gets so angry with any conflict or bump in the relationship road. When he wants to do other drugs (or whatever else he was doing out of the house) or there is the slightest conflict in the household – he would pick a fight and move out for a few days, once for 2 weeks! My heart and life would fall apart, he taught me well. If I wanted him to stay around – zip the lip.

With his last outburst he walked out on me again and I did what I had been threatening to do on so many occasions – If you leave me again – the locks will be changed and you will not be allowed back in.

I filed for divorce 3 weeks ago. My hear is broken, he chose his drugs over our marriage.

Pot is an insidious drug that erodes the fabric of the users life. It’s side effect are: lethargy, poor concentration, lack of motivation, depression, paranoia, isolation and many psychological effects (suspicion, inability to deal with complex emotional situations, stunts emotional growth, explosive anger).

When you are lost in the woods it sometimes take a while to realize that you are lost. You can convince yourself that you have just wandered a few feet off the path and that you will find your way back to the trail head any moment. When you finally figure out that you are lost, its time to admit you have bewildered yourself so far off the path that you don’t even know from which direction the sun rises anymore. That is what pot has done to my husband – but he is still lost.

I love my husband and hope he will soon realize his addictions have brought us to where we are now. The door is still open back to our marriage – he needs to walk through it. But with weed being so “accepted” in society convincing him he has a problem, falls on deaf ears. Read a book called “The Truth Abut Pot” formally called “It’s Time to Know” by Joanne Baum, Phd.

If my situation sounds familiar – save yourself. There is no amount of love in the world that will make an addict see the light. Love cannot fix it. You cannot fix it. They have to do it on their own.

Pray for us – we need all the help we can get right now.
On September 2nd, 2010 at 6:15 am ,
Can You Get Addicted to Marijuana? | RespectDrugs.com Says:

[...] now I invite you to learn more about if marijuana is addictive or not. [...]