Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is often viewed as harmless or “natural.” In Canada, it is legal for adults under the Cannabis Act, but that doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. For many individuals, regular use can lead to dependence that affects motivation, concentration, and emotional well-being. Marijuana addiction develops gradually, as tolerance builds and use becomes necessary to feel normal or manage stress.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) recognizes cannabis use disorder as a diagnosable condition, outlining criteria for its severity. Health Canada and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) provide comprehensive information on cannabis use, its health risks, and public health impact.
Thrive Medical, a Rapid Access Addiction Medicine (RAAM) clinic in Toronto, helps individuals understand and overcome this dependence through compassionate, evidence-based care that’s fully covered by OHIP.
When Marijuana Use Becomes Cannabis Use Disorder
Addiction occurs when cannabis use becomes compulsive despite negative effects on work, relationships, or health. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive component of marijuana, alters the brain’s reward system by triggering dopamine release. Over time, the brain adapts to this surge and requires more THC to achieve the same high, creating a cycle of craving and tolerance.
People addicted to marijuana often find it difficult to cut back, even when they intend to. Withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, insomnia, low mood, depressed mood, decreased appetite, and loss of appetite, make quitting harder without medical support. Cannabis withdrawal symptoms can include both physical and psychological effects.
Cannabis use disorder is considered a type of substance use disorder, and cannabis withdrawal is a key feature of diagnosis.
Related Article: What Is Addiction? Understanding the Disease Model
Why Some People Become Dependent
Not everyone who uses marijuana develops an addiction. Several biological, psychological, and social risk factors can increase the risk:
- Early or heavy use: Starting in adolescence, when the brain is still developing, increases vulnerability to long-term dependence and raises the risk of developing cannabis use disorder.
- Genetic and family history: Individuals with a family history of substance use, other psychiatric disorders, or mental illness are more susceptible.
- Coping mechanisms: Many people use marijuana to manage anxiety, trauma, or sleep problems, which can reinforce habitual use.
- Frequency and potency: Modern cannabis products often contain much higher THC levels than in past decades. Using high-potency cannabis is a specific risk factor that intensifies both effects and dependence potential.
- Use of other substances: Using marijuana in combination with other substances can increase impairment, the severity of effects, and the risk of dependence.
People who have used cannabis from a young age or in combination with other substances are at higher risk of developing cannabis use disorder. Developing cannabis use disorder is influenced by a combination of these risk factors.
Addiction rarely stems from one cause. It’s usually a combination of biology, environment, and behaviour.
Misconceptions About Marijuana Use
Public perception of marijuana has shifted dramatically in recent years, especially with its legalization across Canada. Many now view cannabis as a harmless recreational drug or a natural remedy for stress and pain. However, the widespread prevalence of drug use, including marijuana, has significant public health implications, affecting individuals and communities alike. While occasional use may not lead to addiction for everyone, certain misconceptions can prevent people from recognizing when their use has become problematic.
“It’s just a plant.”
Natural doesn’t always mean risk-free. Marijuana contains psychoactive compounds like THC, which alter brain chemistry, affecting memory, coordination, and emotional regulation. Cannabis sativa is one of the main species of the cannabis plant, and cannabis marijuana is used both recreationally and medicinally. Exposure to marijuana regularly can lead to dependency over time, particularly when higher potency products are used.
“You can’t get addicted to marijuana.”
Cannabis use disorder is a recognized medical condition. Frequent users can develop tolerance, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, sleep disruption, and loss of appetite, which are hallmarks of addiction. The gradual nature of this dependence often makes it harder to identify. There are negative consequences associated with smoking cannabis, including health risks and addiction potential.
“It helps me relax or manage anxiety.”
While some people experience short-term calmness, prolonged use may actually worsen anxiety and mood swings. Over time, the brain becomes reliant on cannabis to regulate emotions, making it harder to manage stress naturally.
“It’s safer than alcohol or cigarettes.”
Although the risk of overdose is lower, marijuana can still impair judgment, slow reaction time, and affect motivation. Long-term use, especially starting in adolescence, can interfere with brain development and cognitive performance. However, risks of substance abuse and drug abuse are still present with marijuana use, and these can have lasting impacts on mental and physical health.
Understanding these misconceptions encourages more honest conversations about cannabis use and its effects. Thrive Medical helps individuals approach these concerns without judgment, offering education, counselling, and OHIP-covered treatment options for anyone ready to regain control.
Related Article: Signs You May Need Help for Substance Use
Signs and Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction
Recognizing dependence early is key to preventing deeper psychological and physical effects. Cannabis use disorder often develops gradually, making the signs easy to overlook, especially when use feels socially acceptable or “normal.” Over time, subtle changes in mood, motivation, and daily functioning can reveal an emerging problem.
Common indicators of cannabis use disorder include:
- Needing larger doses to feel the same effect (tolerance): The body adapts to THC, requiring more to achieve the desired high.
- Spending significant time obtaining or using cannabis: Routine revolves around access and consumption.
- Using marijuana to cope with stress, boredom, or emotions: Dependence often begins as self-medication, as some individuals use cannabis to manage symptoms of mental health issues.
- Neglecting work, school, or relationships: Responsibilities or hobbies lose importance as use takes priority, often leading to social or relationship problems.
- Cognitive impairment: Difficulty with memory, attention, or decision-making can signal problematic use, especially among adolescents and heavy users.
- Feeling anxious, restless, or irritable when unable to use: Withdrawal symptoms can create emotional discomfort.
- Repeated failed attempts to quit or cut back: Even with strong motivation, physical and psychological cravings make it difficult.
Physical symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, or appetite changes can appear within a day of stopping and typically last one to two weeks. These are recognized as cannabis withdrawal symptoms, which can include both physical and mental health symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and mood swings. Prolonged cannabis use can lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms and a greater impact on physical and mental health.
Marijuana addiction can co-occur with mental health disorders and other mental health issues, making it important to manage symptoms holistically for effective recovery.
Thrive Medical’s clinicians help patients identify these early patterns and provide immediate, non-judgmental support to manage withdrawal safely through medication-assisted care and counselling.
Mental Health and Cognitive Effects
Long-term marijuana use can significantly affect brain function, mood, and emotional regulation. Research from Health Canada and CAMH links heavy cannabis use, especially starting in adolescence, to increased risk of developing mental disorders and psychosis, cognitive decline, and emotional dysregulation. THC interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a network that helps control stress response, sleep, and memory.
When overstimulated by regular cannabis use, this system may become less effective, altering how the brain processes reward, motivation, and decision-making.
Some of the most common mental and cognitive effects include:
- Reduced motivation and focus: Daily users often report a lack of drive or difficulty concentrating on complex tasks.
- Anxiety and depression: While marijuana may temporarily calm the mind, it can heighten anxiety or depressive symptoms in the long term.
- Memory impairment: Persistent use, particularly in adolescents and young adults, can interfere with short-term memory and learning.
- Altered perception and thought patterns: High doses or frequent use can cause paranoia, disorientation, or slowed thinking.
- Sleep disruption: Though some use cannabis to fall asleep, over time, it can reduce sleep quality and alter natural sleep cycles.
- Exacerbation of other mental health conditions: Marijuana use can worsen symptoms of other mental health conditions, especially in those with a history of mental disorders.
Research suggests that marijuana use can increase the risk of cognitive and emotional problems, especially in vulnerable populations. There is also an increased risk of developing or worsening psychotic and other mental disorders, particularly for individuals with a predisposition or family history.
Thrive Medical’s care model integrates mental health therapy with medical treatment to address both dependence and co-occurring conditions like anxiety or low mood. By supporting brain and emotional recovery together, patients can rebuild healthy coping mechanisms and improve cognitive clarity as they progress toward lasting wellness.
Treatment Options at Thrive Medical
Thrive Medical offers same-day access to care through its RAAM clinic, ensuring no referral or long wait times. All services are fully covered by OHIP, removing financial barriers to treatment.
Cannabis addiction treatment at Thrive Medical addresses cannabis use disorder within the broader context of mental health and substance use, pairing therapy with short-term medications to ease withdrawal and sustain change:
- Medication-Assisted Therapy: While there are no Health Canada–approved medications specifically for cannabis use disorder, short-term medications can help manage withdrawal symptoms such as sleep problems, irritability, or anxiety.
- Individual Counselling: Therapists help patients identify triggers, build coping strategies, and set recovery goals.
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): This structured approach helps patients reframe thought patterns and reduce relapse risk.
- Contingency Management: This behavioural therapy uses tangible rewards to reinforce positive behaviours, such as attending sessions or abstaining from cannabis, and is effective in treating cannabis dependence.
- Motivational Enhancement Therapy: An evidence-based approach, MET helps patients explore ambivalence and boost motivation to change drug-using behaviours, often used alongside other therapies.
- Supportive Follow-Up: Regular visits allow physicians to monitor progress and adjust care as needed.
For individuals needing more intensive support, inpatient treatment and specialized treatment facilities are available to provide comprehensive care. Peer support, including group-based programs and community resources, plays a crucial role in recovery from marijuana addiction. ConnexOntario is a valuable resource that can connect patients to addiction and mental health treatment options across Ontario.
This holistic model helps patients recover while continuing daily responsibilities such as work or school.
Related Article: How Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Works: Breaking Down Barriers to Recovery
How Medication-Assisted Therapy and Counselling Work Together
Medication-assisted therapy (MAT) supports the biological side of addiction, while counselling addresses the emotional and behavioural aspects. For example, patients who experience sleep issues or anxiety during withdrawal may receive temporary medical support, allowing them to focus more effectively on therapy. Medication-assisted therapy can help manage symptoms of withdrawal and anxiety, enabling patients to concentrate on their recovery process.
At Thrive Medical, this integration helps patients stabilize faster and engage more deeply in recovery. The goal isn’t simply abstinence but building a balanced lifestyle with improved emotional regulation and coping skills.
Life After Treatment: Staying in Recovery
Recovery from marijuana addiction is an ongoing process, not a single event. Thrive Medical’s care team encourages continuous support through:
- Relapse prevention planning
- Peer and community support connections
- Stress management and lifestyle guidance
- Continued mental-health check-ins
With proper support, many individuals regain clarity, motivation, and self-confidence within months of sustained recovery.
Compassionate Care, Real Recovery
If marijuana use is affecting your focus, relationships, or emotional balance, Thrive Medical can help. Our Toronto RAAM clinic offers same-day assessments and treatment for both cannabis addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders—all covered by OHIP.
Reach out today to start your recovery with compassionate, confidential care.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can marijuana really be addictive?
Yes. Although not everyone develops dependence, frequent and long-term use can cause cravings, withdrawal, and loss of control — signs of addiction.
- What are the withdrawal symptoms of marijuana?
Common symptoms include irritability, insomnia, vivid dreams, mood swings, and appetite loss. These typically ease within one to two weeks.
- Is treatment for marijuana addiction covered by OHIP?
Yes. Thrive Medical’s RAAM clinic in Toronto provides fully OHIP-covered assessments, medical treatment, and counselling for cannabis use disorder.
- How long does recovery take?
Recovery timelines vary, but many patients see improvements in mood, focus, and sleep within several weeks of treatment and continued therapy.
- Does marijuana cause long-term brain changes?
According to Health Canada and the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA), cannabis use disorder can affect motivation, memory, and overall mental well-being.
- Can marijuana help with anxiety or depression?
Short-term relief is possible, but long-term use may worsen anxiety or mood instability. Professional evaluation is recommended for safe alternatives.
- Is complete abstinence required to recover?
Most recovery programs focus on reducing or stopping use completely, but each plan at Thrive Medical is personalized to the patient’s goals.
- What should I do if someone I know is addicted?
Encourage open, non-judgmental conversation and suggest professional help through an OHIP-covered clinic like Thrive Medical.
