Marijuana is a drug which has a reputation for being ‘safe’, even being defended as a beneficial plant that eases anxiety and helps sleep. Most of us would be surprised if other illegal drugs lined the shelves in shops or were used as a fashion statement. Yet, this is the case for cannabis, meaning many of us are likely to know someone who openly uses it.
Because cannabis is generally viewed as acceptable, the risks of addiction are easy to dismiss. People rarely talk about how it feels to rely on cannabis to cope with triggers or feel calm, meaning dependence on this drug can creep in gradually, without the chaos or crisis that usually marks addiction.
This page explores how that happens, how to recognise the early signs, and why understanding your relationship with cannabis can help you take back control.
What is cannabis addiction?
Cannabis addiction, also known as cannabis use disorder, describes when someone struggles to stop using marijuana, even if it’s negatively impacting their mood, focus, or relationships.
Cannabis is a psychoactive drug made from the Cannabis sativa plant, which is smoked, vaped, or eaten in edibles for its relaxing, euphoric effects. It is commonly used to distract from negative thoughts and ease anxiety. Some people can take cannabis without becoming addicted, while 9% of users find it hard to relax or function without it, even when they never meant for it to get that far.
Recognising cannabis dependence
Because cannabis is so widely accepted, dependence can be difficult to recognise in yourself and in others. Here are some common signs that casual use has become a cannabis addiction:
Signs of cannabis dependence in yourself
- Using more often or in larger amounts than you planned (for example, intending to smoke only on weekends but finding it’s become part of most days)
- Feeling irritable, restless, or anxious when you can’t access cannabis
- Telling yourself it helps you function, even when it’s starting to cause problems at work or home
- Needing cannabis to relax, eat, or fall asleep
- Losing motivation or interest in things you once enjoyed that don’t involve cannabis
- Finding it hard to focus or remember details when not using it
I recognise these signs – get help.
Recognising dependence in someone else
Spotting signs that someone is addicted to cannabis can be challenging, especially as use of this drug is so widely accepted and encouraged. Many people who use cannabis daily still appear to function well, especially in the early stages. Here are some signs that cannabis use may be becoming an addiction:
- Frequent use throughout the day or needing to smoke as soon as they wake up
- Noticeable drops in motivation, energy, or personal care
- Withdrawal from friends, family, or activities they used to enjoy
- Irritability or mood swings when they don’t have cannabis
- A persistent smell of cannabis or keeping paraphernalia close at hand (grinders, rolling papers, vapes)
- Financial strain, secrecy, or defensiveness if their use is mentioned
I recognise these signs – how do I help?
Cannabis use disorder doesn’t always mean someone has obvious shifts in behaviour. It’s often a gradual journey from using cannabis to feel good to needing it just to feel okay. Recognising that change is an important first step toward understanding what’s really happening and beginning to take back control.
Most clients we’ve treated describe the same realisation: what started as something small and harmless had quietly become something they couldn’t do without.
Why do some people become dependent on cannabis while others don’t?
Addiction to cannabis comes in two parts: physical addiction and psychological addiction.
While drugs ignite feelings of euphoria and alter brain chemistry, making it uncomfortable when you stop taking them, it is usually those who have an emotional attachment to these feelings that develop a reliance on cannabis. Emotional factors such as anxiety, trauma, or boredom can increase the likelihood of dependence, as the drug is used as a coping mechanism to get through the day. Without learning to face these feelings in a healthy way, cannabis and other drugs are needed in higher doses to sustain the high that distracts from unwanted thoughts. This makes it more difficult to stop than those who try it without emotional attachment.
Everyone’s brain chemistry, stress levels, and coping mechanisms are different. Using cannabis daily increases the chances of addiction, as the brain relies on the dopamine release it causes. To stop taking it would mean low mood and cravings for that feeling, which some people would find overwhelming. People who start using cannabis in their teens are also at higher risk of developing dependence because the brain is still forming its reward pathways.
How addiction to cannabis hides in plain sight
Cannabis addiction doesn’t always make itself obvious. There may not be dramatic highs or chaotic scenes, or a clear rock bottom. For many, it feels manageable because life still appears to function as usual.
However, it’s the denial of lack of control that has the most influence. Over time, smoking or ingesting marijuana becomes less about enjoyment and more about avoiding discomfort. Reliance on this drug is apparent when people tell themselves they could stop if they wanted to but continue to take it even if it is causing them harm or discomfort.
Here are some of the quiet ways cannabis dependence can take hold:
It blends into routine
Cannabis can become part of daily structure in the form of a joint before bed or a reward at the end of the week. When it feels tied to normal life, it’s harder to see it as a dependence.
It masks emotional discomfort
For many people, cannabis is a way to slow racing thoughts and calm anxiety. It works in the short term, but when used to manage feelings rather than face them, it can deepen emotional avoidance and make genuine calm harder to find.
It softens reality
Long-term use can create a sense of detachment; days blend, motivation fades, and emotions feel muted. This may temporarily help in difficult periods, but people who use it regularly may feel present, but not fully in their lives.
It hides behind confidence
Because cannabis is socially accepted, people often laugh off their use or compare it to other drugs. This reassurance can delay the realisation that dependency has formed.
It feels personal and private
Many people smoke alone to relax or reflect in intimate settings. That privacy can also turn into isolation, making it harder to talk about or imagine stopping.
We understand that the warning signs of cannabis dependence can be difficult to face. If you want guidance in understanding these signs and what to do next, call us for confidential and compassionate advice.
Overcoming cannabis addiction
Noticing that cannabis has started to take up more space in your life is a powerful moment of awareness that allows change to begin. Letting go of cannabis isn’t about stopping overnight; it’s about understanding what it’s been helping you with and finding healthier ways to deal with those feelings.
At The Haynes Clinic, we understand how subtle cannabis use disorder can be, and how hard it can feel to change something that’s become part of daily life. We are here to help you rebuild trust and connection, take control of your emotions and introduce you to a range of helpful tools, so you can find balance without needing cannabis to get there
Contact us today for guidance on how to take the next step.