Can marijuana cause dependence?
- By Robert Mauer
- Reviewed by: Dr. Janaka Hanvey, PhD
Yes, marijuana can cause dependence, meaning the body and brain adapt to its presence. This can include tolerance, where more is needed to achieve the same effect, and withdrawal symptoms when use stops.
Common withdrawal symptoms include irritability, sleep disturbance, decreased appetite, restlessness, and low mood. These symptoms can make it more difficult to stop using and can reinforce continued use.
Dependence is one component of a substance use disorder but does not by itself define addiction. It becomes clinically significant when combined with impaired control and continued use despite harm.
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Sources
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Drugs, Brains, and Behavior: The Science of Addiction
Government scientific overview of drug use, addiction, brain changes, tolerance, dependence, and recovery.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Commonly Used Drugs Charts
Comprehensive federal reference covering major drug categories, effects, overdose risks, and health consequences.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) — Substance Use and Mental Health
Federal information about substance use, addiction, prevention, treatment, and behavioral health.
MedlinePlus — Drugs and Young People
Government medical resource discussing drug effects, misuse, addiction risks, and substance use education.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — Understanding Drug Use and Addiction DrugFacts
Clear explanation of why people use drugs, how addiction develops, and how substance use affects the brain and behavior.