What increases marijuana addiction risk?
- By Robert Mauer
- Reviewed by: Dr. Janaka Hanvey, PhD
Several factors increase the risk of developing marijuana addiction, including early use during adolescence, frequent or daily use, and use of high-THC products. These factors increase exposure and can strengthen the brain changes associated with addiction.
Individual vulnerability also plays a role. Genetics, mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, trauma, and environmental influences can all increase susceptibility.
The combination of high exposure and individual risk factors is particularly important. The more often and intensely marijuana is used, especially in vulnerable individuals, the greater the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder.
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Sources
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA):
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/addiction-science
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
https://www.cdc.gov/overdose/prevention/index.html
National Institutes of Health (NIH):
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK27946/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use