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Am I Addicted To Cannabis?

5 signs of cannabis addiction.

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a Class B drug. This means it’s illegal for you to have for yourself, or to give it away or sell it to others. You can be imprisoned for up to five years in prison if you are charged with possession (having drugs for your own use) and up to 14 years for supplying (giving or selling cannabis to others). Cannabis is also known as:

  • Dope
  • Weed
  • Grass
  • Skunk
  • Marijuana
  • Pot
  • Herb
  • Resin
  • Hash

Cannabis can be smoked, vaped, or eaten. When someone uses cannabis, they feel ‘stoned’. This feeling can differ from person to person. Some people describe feeling stoned as being happy and giggly while others might feel sleepy, confused and paranoid. This can be due to how much of the drug has been taken, how often a person uses it or the mood a person is in when they take it.

5 Signs Of Addiction

People who use cannabis heavily can become addicted to it, even when they know it’s causing them problems. These are some of the signs of cannabis addiction:

  1. Cravings

This is when a person feels a strong need or urge to use cannabis even if it means sacrificing something else. For example, a person might use the last of their money to buy cannabis rather than food or skip school to go and use cannabis.

  1. Withdrawal Symptoms

When someone who has used cannabis regularly tries to stop, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. This is a sign of being addicted to the drug. Withdrawal symptoms could include:

  • Feeling moody and irritable
  • Having an upset stomach
  • Difficulty sleeping or eating
  • Feeling nauseous
  • Sweating and shaking
  1. Loss Of Interest

A person who is addicted to cannabis may struggle to have healthy relationships with friends or have little interest in taking part in everyday activities. They may also struggle to keep up with school, work, or other responsibilities.

  1. Using Drugs In Dangerous Situations

Someone who is addicted to drugs may use them even when they know it’s clearly dangerous to do so, such as before driving a car.

  1. Increased Tolerance

A person who uses cannabis regularly may find they need to take more and more of the drug to achieve the feeling of being ‘high’ or ‘stoned’. This is because their body has built up a tolerance to the drug and become gradually desensitised to its effects. This is a clear sign of addiction.

Getting Help For Cannabis Addiction

If you, or someone you know, needs help with cannabis addiction, visit your GP.

Click here for more ways to get support.

Curated by

Sian Dolan
Sian Dolan is a content writer for Hidden Strength with a background in children’s and teenage magazines. She feels it’s more important than ever to write supportive, engaging features for young adults who need a guiding light and a helping hand with their mental health and wellbeing.