Since marijuana dependence is much less severe than the dependencies of other active substances, its identification has become a difficult task for many researchers. Marijuana dependence is often viewed as a long-term habit, rooted in psychology rather than the manifestation of harmful physiological symptoms.

The National Institutes of Health ( NIH ) consider certain factors at play as indicators of marijuana dependence and abuse.

Adults seeking treatment for abuse of marijuana have been dependent on an average of more than 10 years of daily use and have more than six attempts to quit.

It is a fact that dependent users continue to use marijuana despite the social, psychological and physical harms, (relationship problems, family problems, guilt, stress, financial difficulties, self-esteem, etc.) they justify it for regular use.

According to a study sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, titled cannabis dependence and treatment, researchers found that Marijuana dependence occurs less often than with other drugs.

About 9 percent of those who tried marijuana had a dependence compared with 15 percent of those who tried cocaine and 24 percent of those who tried heroin.

However, the study notes that because of the severity of cannabis users compared to other drugs, marijuana dependence is twice as common as dependence on any illicit stimulant. any other law.

Who is at risk for cannabis dependence?

It is important to note that adolescent consumers and people with anxiety disorders are more susceptible to long-term marijuana dependence.

Many U.S. citizens turn to antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and other medications to deal with these symptoms, regulate mood, or enhance focus. Self-medicating cannabis users are just as susceptible to abuse as any other drug, especially because the herb has fewer dangerous side effects.

The NIH  also found that when a person transitions from using more harmful drugs to marijuana, this can also play a role in cannabis dependence if the underlying problem is not addressed. In addition, the NIH suggests that  those who give up their marijuana habit before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder than adults.