Understanding Marijuana Addiction and Misuse: Insights on Cannabis Use Disorder

Understanding Marijuana Addiction and Misuse: Insights on Cannabis Use Disorder

Even though many people love using cannabis, sometimes people accidentally consume too much of it. With the increasing acceptance and use of cannabis, understanding potential risks is essential, including the lesser-known condition called Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD). 

The definition of Cannabis Use Disorder, how to recognize it and a cannabis overdose, and what to do if it occurs are all covered in this article. We will also discuss how to avoid overconsumption and when seeing an expert may be wise.

Understanding Cannabis Overconsumption

Excessive cannabis use results in overconsumption, especially if you take it too quickly or for a long period of time. During a cannabis overdose, you’ll notice nausea, vertigo, anxiety, and even paranoia, which is frequently called "greening out".

Common Causes of Cannabis Overuse

Causes of cannabis overconsumption

There are several reasons why someone could consume too much cannabis:

  • Many strains nowadays have far more THC than they did years ago.
  • Edibles might be challenging to dose as their effects take some time to start acting and you can unintentionally consume more than you should have.
  • Sometimes cannabis is taken in conjunction with other drugs, which could unexpectedly heighten its effects.
  • New users of cannabis might not yet know how it affects them or how to dose correctly, which might cause inadvertent overconsumption.
  • People who use cannabis seldom may have a lower tolerance, so they are more vulnerable to higher effects even at modest dosages.
  • Some products might not fairly represent the THC amounts or components, which would cause inadvertent overconsumption.
  • Social settings can inspire consumers to eat more than they would on their own, particularly in cases when others are doing so in great numbers.
  • People suffering from stress, anxiety, or depression may use too much cannabis as a self-medication tool, which can readily result in too high consumption or a substance use disorder.

Short-term vs Long-term Effects of Excessive Marijuana Use

Consuming too much cannabis can have varying effects.

Short-term effects include:

  • Increased heart rate
  • Palpitations
  • Trouble breathing
  • Confusion or panic
  • Feeling nauseous or throwing up
  • Lethargy or drowsiness
  • Hallucinations
  • Dizziness or vertigo

Long-term effects might lead to issues like a marijuana use disorder. 

What To Do If You Use Too Much Cannabis

Steps to take if you consume too much cannabis

  • First things first, relax! Even if you feel overwhelmed, keeping your cool is vital. Breathe deeply and gently, then tell yourself it will pass. Choose a cozy place to lie down or sit and attempt to relax.
  • To help your stomach calm, sip some water or eat something light like crackers. Steer clear of sugar-filled drinks and coffee as these might aggravate things.
  • Try distracting yourself with a relaxing hobby like puzzle-combing, show viewing, or music listening.
  • You ought to try CBD. CBD's relaxing properties might help to offset THC's effects.
  • If you feel truly overwhelmed, don't hesitate to phone someone you know. Having a buddy or relative close by will make you feel more secure. They can also monitor you and assist should things prove to be too challenging.

If you see any major symptoms—such as anxiety or confusion—you should contact 911 or visit the nearest ER.

Preventing Overconsumption of Cannabis Products

Preventing Future Overconsumption of Cannabis Products

  • Go slowly and start low. Starting with a little dose is the ideal approach when it comes to cannabis. This is especially true for edibles since they take some time to kick in.
  • Recognize your limits. Just as importantly, you need to be aware of your own limits. Keep track of how much cannabis you consume per session and how it makes you feel, especially if you notice any discomfort.
  • Study different strains. Cannabis is not all made equally. Your experience may be impacted by differences in the amount of THC and CBD in various strains. Always read labels and ask questions at dispensaries!
  • Be cautious with new products. New forms of cannabis, like tinctures or concentrates, can have different onset times and effects. Start with a small amount until you’re comfortable with the product.
  • Wait before re-dosing. Especially with edibles, it’s essential to wait 1-2 hours before considering another dose, as effects can be delayed.
  • Choose lower-THC options. Opt for strains or products with moderate THC levels or balanced THC-to-CBD ratios. CBD can help balance out some of THC’s intense effects.
  • Use a dosage tracker. Keeping track of your intake and how it affects you can help avoid accidental overuse, particularly if you’re new to medical marijuana or using higher-potency products.

The Role of Environment and Setting

When using products from the cannabis plant, your environment has a significant impact on you. In a comfortable and familiar setting, one may feel at ease and in control. The following suggestions can assist you in creating a secure environment:

  • Choose a space that is calm and well-lit.
  • Keep your favorite food and drinks handy.
  • Get some calming music or funny flicks ready.

The Impact of Social Situations

Your cannabis experience may change if you're among other individuals. It can be more enjoyable, but it can also lead to overconsumption. Think about this:

  • Recognize your crowd. Do they consist of experienced users or novices?
  • Set boundaries. Ensure you do not feel pressured to fit in with others.
  • Select the right time. Avoid using it in high-pressure situations.

Overcoming Stress and Anxiety

If you have anxiety or agitation, your cannabis experience may deteriorate. These techniques assist in managing these feelings:

  • Take a deep breath to help you cool down.
  • Use cannabis in a relaxed environment.
  • Have a conversation with a friend if you're feeling overwhelmed.

Understanding Tolerance and Sensitivity

Tolerance develops as a result of your body becoming accustomed to the effects of marijuana via regular consumption. Therefore, more cannabis could be needed to get the same results. It's like eating spicy food—it's intense at first, but you can eventually handle more heat.

Factors Influencing Sensitivity

Factors Influencing Sensitivity

A number of factors can influence how sensitive you are to cannabis:

  • Body weight: People who are heavier may need more to see the effects.
  • Metabolism: People metabolize THC in various ways and at different rates.
  • Age: Older adults may feel the effects of cannabis more strongly
  • Sex: Cannabis tends to affect women more strongly than men

How Can You Modify Your Tolerance To the Effects of Cannabis Use?

If you think you need more cannabis to get high, it may be time to reset your tolerance. One issue with having a high tolerance is that it sometimes leads to overconsumption. Here's how to reset your tolerance levels:

  • Give up cannabis use for a few days or weeks.
  • When you resume using, start with lower potency strains and take less cannabis.
  • Improve your overall fitness by focusing on a balanced diet and physical exercise.

What Is a Cannabis Use Disorder?

A cannabis use disorder is a medical condition where prolonged cannabis use negatively impacts a person’s mental, physical, and social well-being, often characterized by difficulty controlling usage despite its adverse effects.

What Are the Signs of a Marijuana Addiction?

Common signs of a marijuana addiction include increased tolerance (needing more to achieve the same effect) and strong cravings or urges to use cannabis. Many individuals find it challenging to control or reduce usage, even when they wish to stop.

Psychological symptoms of a CUD can include mood swings, irritability, anxiety, and difficulty finding satisfaction outside cannabis use, often leading to social withdrawal. Physically, CUD can disrupt sleep, decrease energy levels, and impact physical health.

Short-Term and Long-Term Effects of CUD

The effects of CUD vary in severity but can impact multiple areas of life. Short-term effects may include impaired memory, attention, and coordination, which can lead to accidents or poor performance at work or school.

Long-term effects are more concerning, with the potential for cognitive issues, respiratory problems in regular smokers, and significant interference in personal and professional relationships.

Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms

Dependency can also lead to withdrawal symptoms like mood instability, restlessness, and difficulty sleeping, making it challenging to stop use without assistance.

Risk Factors for Developing CUD

Certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing CUD.

  • The age of initial cannabis use is significant; studies indicate that individuals who begin using cannabis at a young age are more likely to develop dependency.
  • Frequency and method of consumption also matter, with higher frequency and use of high-THC products (especially through edibles and concentrates) heightening risk.
  • Genetics may also play a role, as well as co-existing mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, which may lead to increased use for self-medication.

Treatments for Cannabis Use Disorder

Behavioral therapies—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)—which helps people control urges and create better coping mechanisms—often form part of CUD treatment. Also helpful is Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), which emphasizes increasing drive to modify behavior. Counseling and support groups can offer vital emotional support; some newly developed therapies are looking at medical intervention to help with withdrawal symptoms and enable recovery.

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek help if you notice any of these serious symptoms:

  • Severe anxiety or panic episodes
  • Mood swings
  • Sleep problems
  • Withdrawal symptoms
  • Inability to function in day-to-day activities

Bottom Line

Managing excessive cannabis use mostly requires awareness of your use and an understanding of the warning signs that point to potentially excessive use.

Recognizing the signs of CUD and seeking help can make a crucial difference. With the right support and treatment, individuals struggling with cannabis dependency can regain control over their lives, improving both their health and well-being.

Keep in mind that even though cannabis use is legal in your region, it is very important to do so responsibly. If you ever feel overwhelmed or uneasy after using too much, don't be afraid to ask for help.

Back to blog