Marijuana Addiction?

I started smoking weed about 3 months ago (I'm almost 17), and I do every day. I ran out today. Every time it happens I think it won't be a big deal, until I'm almost sobered up and I get this feeling. This panicky feeling in my throat because I know what comes next and I hate it. I try to find any more weed that I might have stashed away (I never do though), and then I try anything to work with what I have. I have a box of "ash" from when I first started, but I didn't know to keep hitting it after it's been burned a little. I go through that box looking for bits of wasted weed that I can smoke (I'm high on that right now). I think I might be addicted or dependent or something. It feels like I can't handle my emotions or anything at all when I'm not stoned. It's so overwhelmingly hard that all I can think about is when I can get more or any drug to help. I guess my question is: does this sound like an addiction? Any advice is appreciated

I'm sorry you're going through this difficult time.

There's a lot of back and forth on the question as to whether marijuana is addictive (pro-marijuana groups say no, and anti-marijuana groups say yes). However, what is indisputable is that there is an overstimulation of the endocannabinoid system by marijuana that causes changes in the brain that lead to addiction.

That said, what you're going through does sound like both a psychological and physical addiction.

You're only 16 years of age, so if you seek treatment in the near future you should be able to stop smoking marijuana.

I wish you all the best.

You know they say marijuana isn't addictive, or that kicking the habit is like quitting smoking tobacco. This may be so but I'm finding it much more difficult to break the habit than I did much more addictive substances, namely stimulants.

It's an addictive substance. I say this as someone who has been smoking daily since I was 13. I'm 33 now. I have been in detox units for it and all the professionals I have met along the way take my use seriously. I am yet to meet one who doesn't believe it has addictive qualities and can ruin lives.

If I have it, I can't stop nipping at it until it's gone. I've made it a point to not be able to get any for very long periods. Years have passed where I haven't had any or only smoked once or twice all year long. If I lived with a pot user, I'd be a non-stop user, and I would probably be dead from lung cancer.

I grew up in a community where pot smoking was the norm. A lot of my friends still use. Some are very successful, others have ruined lives.

Lung cancer? From what I've heard, it doesn't cause any kind of cancer.

My neighbor is a 59 year old hippie that has been smoking for almost 40 years. He is addicted and can't stop. It is harder to quit than cigarette tobacco... good luck and tc

xXfoxyXx,

Don’t worry about if you are or aren’t addicted to marijuana it doesn't matter. Worry about how you’re going to pay for tuition.

Of all vices, drinking is the most incompatible with greatness