Cannabis is a plant that has been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for centuries. In recent years, it has become more widely legalized and accepted around the world, leading to an increase in its use among adults. However, there is much debate as to whether or not cannabis can be addictive.
What is addiction?
Addiction is defined as a compulsive behavior to use a substance despite negative consequences, but it is different to talk about psychological addiction or dependence than to talk about physical dependence. Humans tend to develop psychological dependence to everything: to our phone, to our bed, to our ex. Therefore, it would not be fair to measure how addictive a substance is based solely on the psychological dependence developed by users. It is true that anything that makes us feel good and we use it for long periods of time or indulge in it periodically has the potential to become something we become dependent on in the future.
Addiction vs. Physical Dependence
Physical dependence is something that occurs in more extreme cases where the body becomes accustomed to the presence of THC and needs it to function normally. When someone who has developed physical dependence on THC stops or reduces their consumption, they may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, insomnia, decreased appetite, sweating and tremors. These symptoms usually last several days or a few weeks, depending on the degree of dependence, and are treatable, in many cases with CBD.
Best practices to avoid addiction:
While cannabis addiction is a possibility, it is important to note that it is less common than addiction to other substances such as alcohol or opioids. In fact, research suggests that only about 9% of people who use cannabis will become addicted.
That said, it is not a bad practice to be aware and wary of the potential long-term consequences of cannabis use, so here we will discuss many approaches that can be taken to avoid developing a dependence or addiction to cannabis.
Use in moderation: It sounds cliché, but it's much harder to recover from heavy periodic use than it is to never start. If you are still in a phase where you can choose which days you use cannabis and which days you don't, a smart strategy would be to try to keep it under control and allow yourself a break from the substance from time to time.
Spaces consumption: If you are already at a stage where you are using cannabis on a regular basis, and you are also starting to feel like you need more weed each time to get the same "high" as before, it would be a good idea to take a tolerance break. By allowing your body to rest and your brain receptors to cleanse from the flood of THC, you will allow your body's natural chemical balance to be restored. If you want to know more about what a tolerance break is and how to do it, consult this article here.
Change the method: Another way to stay alert and prevent addiction is by choosing how we consume marijuana. Something with a quick effect or instant reward like smoking it has a greater potential to develop some kind of addiction or dependence because activity and reward are so well linked in our brains. On the other hand, if we consume cannabis in the form of oils or edibles or anything that has a slower effect, then we are less likely to develop an addiction.
Find the right social space: For those who choose to use cannabis in social settings, it is important to do so in a safe and responsible manner. For example, joining a cannabis club or dispensary in Barcelona can provide a community of like-minded people who can support each other in their cannabis use. It is also a place where you can find trained staff who can provide advice on the proper use of marijuana and other cannabis products.
Aspects to consider:
It should be noted that there are many people who use cannabis on a regular basis without developing addiction. However, for others, cannabis use can lead to problematic use, and many times that has more to do with personal history and genetics than the substance itself. If you think you may be developing some kind of addiction, or fear for someone else, here are a few
warning signs to watch out for:
Difficulty controlling use: the person may have tried to stop or reduce cannabis use, but is unable to do so.
Spending a lot of time using or recovering from use: the person may prioritize cannabis use over other activities or responsibilities.
Continued use despite negative consequences: the person may continue to use cannabis despite negative effects on his or her physical, mental or social health.
Withdrawal symptoms: if the person tries to stop using cannabis, he or she may experience withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, insomnia and decreased appetite.
It is important for people to know the signs and symptoms of addiction and prioritize their physical and mental health. If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be struggling with cannabis addiction, it is important to seek help from a doctor or mental health professional.
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