I didn't think I could get addicted to weed. I was wrong – and I'm not alone
10 hours ago
- #mental health
- #substance recovery
- #cannabis addiction
- Amy, an 18-year-old, resorted to dumpster diving to retrieve a discarded THC vape cartridge, highlighting her struggle with cannabis addiction despite attempts to quit through rehab and therapy.
- Recreational cannabis use is legal in many U.S. states, with daily use surpassing alcohol consumption in 2024; however, about 30% of users may develop cannabis use disorder (CUD), characterized by persistent use despite negative effects.
- Modern cannabis has significantly higher THC levels (up to 95% in concentrates) compared to the past (around 4%), increasing addiction risks and contributing to issues like psychosis, memory impairment, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS).
- The author shares a personal journey from pandemic-era casual use to dependency, describing how cannabis led to financial strain, relationship issues, and diminished ambition, culminating in a quit attempt driven by medical necessity for ADHD treatment.
- Withdrawal from cannabis can involve symptoms like insomnia, irritability, and emotional flatness, but quitting often leads to improved mental health, renewed hobbies, and a sense of control, as echoed by others in recovery communities like r/leaves.