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↑ ↓Last updated: 12 April 2024 & medically reviewed by Hailey Shafir
Marijuana is often viewed as a safe drug, but some people still abuse it, and it is even possible to develop a dependence on it. The signs of cannabis use disorder can be difficult to detect, especially as more people turn to more discrete methods of using the substance (i.e. vaping, edibles, tinctures and oils, etc.). This article will provide some of the warning signs that can indicate a person is abusing marijuana, including the signs of marijuana use disorder.
Key takeaways:
- While some people still smoke the plant form of marijuana, more people also use electronic vape, oils, and edible forms of the substance, which can be harder to detect
- Behavioral signs of marijuana abuse include: anxiety or paranoid thinking, impaired judgment or decision making, and seeming slow to respond
- Physical signs of marijuana abuse include: lack of energy, bloodshot eyes (red eyes), smelling like cannabis (pungent, skunk-like odor)
Warning signs of marijuana use
Marijuana use has become more socially acceptable, and in a growing number of states is even legal to purchase and use medically or recreationally. The ways in which marijuana is used have also changed. While some people still smoke the plant form of marijuana, more people also use electronic vape, oils, and edible forms of the substance, which can be harder to detect.
Below are some of the common signs and indicators of marijuana use, including those which may be present in people who ingest THC (the psychoactive chemical present in marijuana) in ways other than smoking the plant form of the drug:[1][2]
Physical signs
Increased appetite or weight gain
Sleepiness, drowsiness, or seeming out of it
Lack of energy
Bloodshot eyes (red eyes)
Smelling like cannabis (pungent, skunk-like odor)
Dry mouth or needing to drink a lot more
Dizziness or loss of coordination
Increased heart rate
Finding pipes, bongs, or other devices used to smoke marijuana
Finding plastic bags with trace amounts of marijuana
Smelling marijuana when a person vapes or uses an electronic cigarette
Finding wax/honey/amber substances (shatter/cannabis concentrate)
Smelling smoke or marijuana odors in a person’s car or home
Finding vape pens containing delta-8 THC or another variant
Behavioral signs
Lack of motivation or seeming lethargic
Impaired memory or slower thinking and reaction time
Anxiety or paranoid thinking
Impaired judgment or decision making
Moving slower or seeming slow to respond
Uncontrollable laughing or euphoric mood
Moodiness or strange affect
Psychosis (seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
Confusion or disorientation
Is marijuana abuse dangerous?
While there are some documented health benefits associated with marijuana use (for people with specific conditions), it is not true to say that marijuana is completely safe. While it is generally believed to be safer than some other ‘hard drugs’ like heroin, cocaine, or meth, there are still some potentially harmful effects that can result from marijuana use. Check out our guide on dangerous drugs for more information.
This is especially true for children and teens, people with existing mental health conditions, and chronic, long-term, heavy users. Mixing marijuana with other drugs also increases the likelihood of experiencing harmful effects. Some of the potential negative effects and risks associated with marijuana use include:[1][2][3]
Breathing problems, asthma, and increased lung cancer risk (for smokers)
Increased risk for heart problems
Risks to unborn children (for pregnant people using marijuana)
Nausea and vomiting
Paranoia, psychosis, and increased anxiety
Depressive symptoms including sadness, apathy, loss of interest, energy and motivation
Slower cognitive processing and thinking skills
Loss of motor coordination making accidents/injuries more likely
Possibility for legal consequences (if illegal in your state)
Possibility for job loss (if drug tested at work)
Relationship conflicts and problems
Several studies have indicated that marijuana abuse, especially of high potency or synthetic strains, may have a direct correlation to developing psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, depression, and anxiety. [1] Young people who use also may be more likely to develop cognitive problems and delays later on in life. Because marijuana impairs judgment, people who use the drug can also make poor or impulsive decisions that endanger them or other people.
It is also possible for regular or heavy users to become addicted or to develop what is called marijuana use disorder. The signs of marijuana use disorder include experiencing two or more of the following symptoms:[3]
Urges or cravings to use the substance
Having a desire to stop or limit use of the substance without being able to quit or reduce use
Extending use or increasing the amount past what it is meant to be
Using the substance even when it compromises safety
Continuing to use the substance even though it’s causing relationship problems
Neglecting other parts of life such as work or school due to substance use
Spending a lengthy amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance
Neglecting social, recreational, or occupational activities or opportunities due to the substance
Tolerance or needing more of the drug to get the desired effects
Withdrawal (uncomfortable physical or psychological effects when cutting back or stopping)
Using the substance despite having a condition that may have been caused or worsened by it
Consequences of marijuana abuse
Some people who abuse marijuana experience short or long-term consequences and problems as a result. While not everyone will experience these effects, it is possible to develop the following issues and problems because of abusing marijuana.[2]
While intoxicated
- Anxiety or paranoid thoughts
- Elevated heart-rate
- Lack of coordination
- Impaired judgment
- Impaired short-term memory
Long-term (non-permanent)
Issues sleeping
Inability to focus
Lack of coordination
Reduces finances due to the cost of marijuana
Weight gain
Worsened mental health
Long-term (potentially permanent after chronic use)
- Psychosis
- Loss of IQ (reported in adolescents only)
- Bronchitis or other respiratory problems
- Marijuana addiction
- Increased risk for mental health conditions
- Increased risk for other addictions
Recognizing marijuana addiction
Despite its growing popularity and acceptance in modern society, marijuana still holds the potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction. This can lead to people abusing marijuana when they should be focusing on other tasks such as work, ignoring other responsibilities in order to get high, having money problems due to buying more marijuana than they can afford, and craving the substance when they aren’t using it. The hallmark sign of addiction is continuing to use a drug even after it is causing problems or impairments to your physical or mental health, relationships, work, or other important areas of life.
First steps to overcoming a marijuana addiction
As with all forms of addiction or substance use disorder, the first step to recovery is to recognize that there is a problem. If you think that your marijuana use has become an issue but are not sure if you have a problem, speak to a doctor about the possibility of treatment, or consider scheduling an appointment with licensed mental health or addiction professionals. During a formal substance abuse evaluation, a clinician can help you determine whether or not you are struggling with marijuana use disorder and if so, provide options for treatment such as inpatient treatment for marijuana use disorder.