Understanding Drug Addictions
Cannabis Addiction: The Causes, Symptoms and Impacts
Cannabis, also known as marijuana, is a psychoactive drug derived from the cannabis plant. It is commonly used in its dried form or as a resin and can be smoked, vaporised or eaten. Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug in the UK, and while some people think it is harmless, cannabis can cause major health problems and personal issues. Cannabis addiction may not get the same attention as other forms of drug addiction, but it can be just as damaging. Understanding the symptoms of cannabis addiction and the harm it can cause is crucial for making informed choices and knowing when to seek professional cannabis rehab.
What is cannabis addiction?
Cannabis addiction, also called weed addiction or marijuana addiction, is when you feel unable to stop using cannabis, no matter what harm it is causing. Cannabis addiction does not take hold the first time you try it, but develops incrementally through various stages.
Everyone’s experience of cannabis addiction is a little different, but it usually goes something like this:
You try cannabis at a party or with your friends because it looks fun, you want to fit in, or you feel a little stressed about something. This is initial cannabis use and, barring some extreme reaction or accident, it is generally relatively safe (though still illegal and unhealthy).
If you enjoy the experience or it provides some stress relief or similar effects, you may start using cannabis more regularly. This may be just on the weekends at first, or whenever you’re feeling bored or want to relax. This stage is often called recreational or casual use, and many people stay here without ever developing a dependency or addiction.
However, casual use can quickly become habitual cannabis abuse where you start planning your day around it, need it to relax or sleep or feel annoyed when you can’t get hold of any. From here, physical and mental dependence can start to take hold, where your body and brain begin to expect cannabis and stopping suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms like irritability, sleep problems or cravings.
Once you’re at the stage where you want to stop but can’t or you’re continuing to use even when it’s clearly causing problems in your life, that is cannabis addiction. At this point, outside help through professional drug rehab and detox is often needed to break the cycle.
- In the UK, fourteen million people have used cannabis at some point in their lives
- 2.3% of all adults in the UK over the age of sixteen are estimated to be cannabis dependent
- 11% of all cannabis users will develop an addiction, with 16% of teenage users becoming addicted
- More than one-third (38.7%) of adults aged 16 to 59 who use cannabis consumed it at least once a month, with 11.5% of these individuals using it daily
- In the 2022-2023 period, 28,845 people began cannabis detox and rehab treatment
- While cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in the UK, it has been legal for medicinal use since November 2018 under certain conditions
What are the telltale cannabis addiction signs?
If you believe you or a loved one is living with a cannabis addiction, getting professional advice and support as early as possible can be a real game-changer. If you spot any of these cannabis addiction signs, now may be the time to seek help:
- The appearance of red eyes, also referred to as ‘Red eye syndrome’
- Distancing yourself from loved ones who disapprove of your drug use
- Putting less effort into your relationships with family, friends or romantic relationships because of cannabis
- Decreased motivation for things that you used to enjoy or prioritise
- A noticeable decline in your motor skills
- Experiencing cannabis withdrawal symptoms like irritation, restlessness, anxiety, hunger or insomnia
- Being unable to cut down or stop using cannabis
- Needing more cannabis all the time to get high or stave off withdrawal
- In impairment in your memory, more commonly, your short-term memory.
If these problems describe your situation, cannabis addiction treatment at the Providence Projects can help you get your life back on a positive path.
Reach out to our expert support team 24 hours a day
Start the Cannabis Rehabilitation Process Today
Finding the best cannabis addiction treatment is vital for long-term recovery success. Our friendly and compassionate team will hold your hand through the process until you learn to love yourself again.
Why is cannabis addictive?
On a purely chemical level, cannabis is addictive due to its powerful effect on the reward systems of the brain. THC is the active compound in cannabis that produces its psychoactive effects and also increases levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This rapid build-up of the “happy hormone” (as dopamine is sometimes called) creates intense feelings of pleasure but also reinforces repeated drug-taking behaviour and eventual dependence.
However, there are also a wide range of other contributing factors which explain why some people become addicted to cannabis and others don’t. For example, some genetic studies, like one conducted by Yale University, suggest that developing cannabis addiction is at least partially hereditary.
There is also strong evidence that socioeconomic factors influence rates of cannabis abuse. This is borne out in UK government figures, which found that individuals earning less than £10,400 per year were the most likely to use cannabis, with a usage rate of 13.2%. In contrast, those in the highest income brackets were more likely to use Class A drugs.
Stress, starting cannabis use at a young age, and easy access to cannabis are also factors which likely increase the chances of becoming addicted.
What are the dangers of cannabis addiction?
Long-term cannabis abuse and addiction can bring a whole host of health and personal risks. Some of the most notable include:
Cognitive impairments
Frequent cannabis abuse, especially in younger people whose brains are still developing, has been linked to lasting problems with memory, learning and concentration. You may find it harder to stay focused in conversations, recall basic information or stay sharp at work or school, even long after you stop using cannabis.
Increased risk of mental health disorders
Cannabis addiction has been shown to increase the risk of anxiety, depression and in some cases, psychosis. For people who are predisposed to schizophrenia or other severe mental health conditions, regular cannabis abuse can be especially dangerous and may trigger the onset of symptoms earlier or more severely.
Respiratory issues
Smoking cannabis can cause huge damage to your lungs over time. Heavy users often suffer from a chronic cough, wheezing and shortness of breath, and there may even be an increased risk of lung conditions, including lung cancer.
Legal, financial and relationship issues
Despite growing debates around legalisation, cannabis remains illegal for recreational use in the UK. Being caught in possession can lead to fines or even a prison sentence. As well as these legal risks, cannabis addiction can strain your finances, affect your performance at work and school and greatly harm your relationships with friends and family.
Finding help if you have a cannabis addiction
Ready to take the first step toward freedom from cannabis addiction? At Providence Projects, we offer effective cannabis addiction treatment through a comprehensive treatment pathway;
- Safe and supported cannabis detox, extensive therapy during primary treatment.
- Continued therapeutic support through our option secondary treatment.
- Effective support during your transition back to everyday life after treatment through our sober living and management support.
- Continuous free addiction support for life after leaving our treatment care, through our UKAT alumni programme.
All of this is designed to help you build a life that has no place for cannabis any more. Whether you’re looking for advice or ready to begin, contact us today.
Reach out to our expert support team 24 hours a day
Start the Cannabis Rehabilitation Process Today
Finding the best cannabis addiction treatment is vital for long-term recovery success. Our friendly and compassionate team will hold your hand through the process until you learn to love yourself again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you overdose on cannabis?
While a fatal overdose from cannabis alone is extremely rare, high doses can lead to severe anxiety, paranoia and in some cases, acute psychotic reactions, particularly in individuals with a predisposition to mental health issues. Cannabis overdose symptoms include drowsiness, vomiting, panic attacks, memory problems and difficulty breathing. These symptoms are usually temporary, but if they persist, you should seek medical care.
How is cannabis addiction screened?
Cannabis addiction is usually screened through a combination of simple questions and open conversation with a doctor, therapist or rehab specialist. You might be asked how often you use cannabis, whether you’ve tried to stop and couldn’t and how it is affecting your day-to-day life, relationships or mental health. One commonly used tool is the Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test-Revised (CUDIT-R), which helps professionals assess whether your cannabis use is starting to cause you harm.
How to avoid cannabis addiction?
The best way to avoid cannabis addiction is to either not use it at all or to be really honest with yourself if you do. If you choose to use cannabis, try to keep it occasional, avoid using it to escape from stress or difficult emotions and pay attention to how often you’re relying on it. It is also a good idea to steer clear if you have a family history of addiction or mental health issues, as these can increase your risk.
Does cannabis make you feel angry more easily?
For some people, becoming irritable, restless, or experiencing heightened anger after using cannabis is a common side effect. This is often linked to how THC – the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis – disrupts the brain’s reward systems, affecting mood regulation and emotional control. These effects can be more apparent in individuals who have existing mental health conditions, particularly during the withdrawal stage.
Are younger people more susceptible to weed addiction?
Yes – research consistently shows that adolescents and young people are especially vulnerable to developing cannabis use disorder. For instance, studies indicate that teens are more than three times as likely to become addicted to cannabis compared to adults. The developing adolescent brain, combined with factors like peer pressure, experimentation, and lack of coping skills, lead to heightened risks of cannabis dependence.
Is marijuana becoming stronger and more dangerous in the UK?
The potency of cannabis in the UK has significantly increased in more recent times, driven by higher levels of THC in modern strains.
(Click here to see works cited)
- UK Addiction Treatment Centres. “Cannabis addiction & abuse | Marijuana addiction | UKAT.” UK Addiction Treatment Centres, 27 March 2025, https://www.ukat.co.uk/addiction/drug/cannabis/ – Accessed 1 July 2025.
- Yale Medicine. “Cannabis/Marijuana Use Disorder > Fact Sheets.” Yale Medicine, 2025, https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/marijuana-use-disorder – Accessed 1 July 2025.
- Office for National Statistics. “Drug misuse in England and Wales: year ending March 2024.” Office for National Statistics, 12 December 2024, https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/drugmisuseinenglandandwales/yearendingmarch2024 – Accessed 30 June 2025.
- GOV.UK. “Adult substance misuse treatment statistics 2022 to 2023: report.” GOV.UK, 21 December 2023, https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/substance-misuse-treatment-for-adults-statistics-2022-to-2023/adult-substance-misuse-treatment-statistics-2022-to-2023-report – Accessed 30 June 2025.
- Adamson, Simon J et al. “An improved brief measure of cannabis misuse: the Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test-Revised (CUDIT-R).” Drug and alcohol dependence vol. 110,1-2 (2010): 137-43. doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.02.017