What is cannabis?

Cannabis is made from the dried components of the cannabis plant, including its leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds. The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis is THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol), while CBD, another cannabinoid, may counteract some of THC's effects. The psychoactive forms of cannabis include hash oil, hashish, and marijuana. 

Cannabis addiction 

Cannabis addiction results from prolonged abuse, often exacerbated by stronger cannabis strains and more potent methods of consumption. Cannabis users may continue using the drug despite its adverse effects, leading to dependency. Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) affects about 3 in 10 individuals who use cannabis. The likelihood of developing cannabis use disorder is higher among individuals who begin using cannabis at a younger age or during adolescence, as well as those who use it more frequently. Early initiation and frequent consumption increase the risk of developing dependence on cannabis over time.

Cannabis is classified as a Class B illegal drug in the UK, a status it has held since 1928. It is the most widely used illicit drug in the UK, with approximately 14 million people having tried it. Although not all users develop a dependence, around 11% will experience cannabis addiction. This risk increases to 16% for those who began using cannabis during their teenage years. Cannabis, often referred to as a "gateway" drug, is commonly the first illegal substance individuals try before experimenting with other drugs. While this may be true in some cases, the risk of cannabis addiction is significant and should be acknowledged on its own.

Many individuals are unaware of the potential for addiction when they first try cannabis. Some may use it to cope with stress and other mental health difficulties, self-medicate, or fit in with peers, without fully considering the long-term consequences. According to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people from all walks of life—regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status—can develop a substance use disorder involving marijuana or other substances. For those who struggle to quit, marijuana use may start to interfere with various aspects of their lives, including relationships, social interactions, work performance, and education.

Signs and symptoms of cannabis addiction

Cannabis addiction, like other substance use disorders, manifests through various physical and psychological symptoms. Physical signs include red eyes, dry mouth, heightened appetite, drowsiness, impaired balance, poor coordination, and neglect of personal hygiene. Psychologically, individuals may struggle with focus, delayed reactions, poor judgment, distorted time perception, indecision, mood swings, irritability, agitation, and paranoia. Those affected often face an inability to control their consumption, despite significant financial, emotional, and physical consequences. Failed attempts to quit, prioritising cannabis over important activities, and continued use despite adverse effects on daily life or relationships are common indicators. Risky behaviours, such as using cannabis while driving, and a need for higher doses to achieve the same effect, further signal dependence.

Chronic cannabis use can impair cognitive functions like memory, attention, and learning, with these risks increasing for early or frequent users. These impairments, coupled with persistent cravings and reliance on cannabis, can disrupt home, work, and social life, exacerbating the disorder's impact.

The development of cannabis addiction

Cannabis increases dopamine production, the neurotransmitter responsible for pleasure and reward, making users feel compelled to continue using it to prolong those effects. Over time, the brain adapts to the increased dopamine levels, creating a tolerance. As tolerance builds, users must consume more cannabis to achieve the same effects, leading to psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms when attempting to stop.

Impact of cannabis use disorder (CUD) on the brain and addiction stages

Cannabis use can affect the brain both short and long term. In the short term, it disrupts attention, memory, coordination, movement, and time perception, impacting users across all age groups. Long-term use, especially during adolescence, whilst the brain is still developing, can hinder the formation of critical neural connections related to learning and memory, potentially causing lasting cognitive deficits. Factors like THC concentration, frequency of use, and the use of other substances can also influence the extent of these effects. Chronic use may lead to emotional regulation issues, withdrawal symptoms, and reduced dopamine response. Additionally, cannabis use is associated with memory impairments and possible declines in IQ, though some evidence suggests these cognitive challenges may predate use.

Impact of cannabis addiction on relationships and social life

Effects on relationships

Cannabis can influence relationships positively and negatively, primarily through its effects on cognitive abilities and communication. While moderate use may help some individuals feel relaxed and foster intimacy, chronic or heavy use can impair memory, attention, and decision-making—essential for healthy communication and conflict resolution. This can strain relationships over time, especially when cannabis dependence develops or affects job performance and household responsibilities. Cannabis addiction can negatively influence relationships in various ways, including creating imbalances in sharing household responsibilities between partners or housemates, fostering conflicts due to a breakdown in trust, and introducing health issues related to marijuana misuse that may strain interpersonal dynamics. These factors can collectively lead to emotional and practical challenges within relationships.

The effects of cannabis on relationships are influenced by the frequency of use, individual mental health, and other personal factors. 

Cannabis use and emotions in romantic relationships

Research indicates that cannabis use can influence romantic relationships in both positive and negative ways. Emerging studies suggest that shared cannabis use between partners may lead to reduced conflict and a heightened sense of closeness. However, there is also evidence that individuals using cannabis may overestimate the quality of their communication, whilst intoxicated, with external observers rating it less favourably.

Various factors could explain these mixed findings and warrant further investigation. These include the frequency and intensity of cannabis consumption, differences in gender and age, and the impact of cannabis on cognitive function and motivation.

Challenges couples encounter in recovery from cannabis addiction

Recovery from CUD can be particularly challenging for couples, as significant others often bear the brunt of the emotions occurring during recovery. Research from Addiction Science and Clinical Practice highlights that adults seeking treatment for cannabis dependence typically have over 10 years of near-daily use and multiple failed attempts to quit. These struggles can create tension, unresolved conflicts, financial difficulties, and legal problems, all of which elicit strain on relationships. Recovery can be further complicated by differing motivations, communication issues, and changes in the power dynamics within the relationship. One partner may feel less motivated to make positive changes, placing additional pressure on the other. 

Impact of cannabis use on conflict resolution in relationships

A study conducted by Rutgers and Mount Holyoke College examined how cannabis use affects conflict resolution in romantic relationships. The research involved 145 couples, at least one of whom used cannabis, and assessed how they handled conflict. The couples were videotaped during a discussion of a major conflict, and their stress responses, behaviour, and satisfaction were analysed. The study found that cannabis users were less aware of the negative relationship strategies they used, such as avoiding conflict or making demands. Despite these behaviours, they reported higher satisfaction with the resolution of the conflict, which contrasted with the independent raters' observations of their behaviour. The study highlights that cannabis users might not recognise their detrimental relationship dynamics, which could affect their ability to resolve conflicts effectively. The findings suggest that cannabis use can impair how couples navigate conflict, though it does not indicate whether cannabis is inherently beneficial or harmful to relationships.

Effects on social life

Cannabis use can impact individuals socially, just as it affects them physically. These social consequences can be both beneficial and harmful. Positive effects, such as feeling included in a group, fostering social connections, or gaining peer approval, are often subtle and overlooked, but they can reinforce continued use. 

On the other hand, negative social effects, including peer disapproval, the noticeable odour, or decreased motivation, are sometimes dismissed or attributed to other factors. When these negative consequences become more frequent and severe, individuals may start to recognise how cannabis use is adversely affecting their lives. Compared to health concerns or physical withdrawal symptoms, these social drawbacks are more likely to prompt people to cut back on their use or seek support.

Effect on performance at school 

Cannabis use disorder can disrupt daily activities and affect performance at school. For adolescents, cannabis use during brain development may have long-lasting cognitive and emotional consequences. Regular cannabis use among teenagers can have significant negative effects on their academic performance and overall school experience. Cannabis can impair cognitive functions, reducing the ability to retain information, which may negatively impact their academic performance and exam results. Additionally, the physical effects of cannabis may hinder participation in physical education or sports activities, limiting engagement, reaction time, and effectiveness in these areas. Previous studies have linked heavy cannabis consumption with a higher risk of failing to obtain qualifications, not gaining university admission, or not completing a degree. However, more recent research focusing on high school students has begun to explore potential positive effects, such as the use of cannabis to alleviate anxiety and depressive symptoms, suggesting a more nuanced view of its impact on education.

Social support

Individuals with Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) often report experiencing lower levels of social support and higher tendencies toward social avoidance. Research by Dorard and colleagues found that those seeking treatment for cannabis dependence were more likely to report diminished social support and exhibit higher scores on measures of social and distraction avoidance coping. Similarly, Gliksberg and team observed that increased cannabis consumption was linked to a reduction in the size and diversity of social networks, which subsequently led to a lower perception of social support.

Low perceived social support is frequently associated with heightened psychological distress in individuals with substance use disorders and mental health conditions like bipolar disorder. Furthermore, social support can influence the severity and duration of mental health issues. For example, research by Wareham and colleagues revealed that strong social support was linked to a shorter duration of depression. Additionally, Rapier and colleagues found that social support serves as a protective factor against substance abuse, with negative correlations identified between social support and lifetime use of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis.

These findings highlight the detrimental impact of frequent cannabis use on social and interpersonal relationships, which can, in turn, lead to greater substance abuse and more social withdrawal. Individuals with CUD and low social support may be particularly at risk for negative mental health outcomes and increased psychological distress. Moreover, cannabis use may create an additional barrier to seeking treatment for those who are vulnerable. A less explored factor in the literature is the role of negative social interactions. Individuals with CUD may avoid social engagement, as many of these interactions are negative, potentially worsening their psychological distress and increasing experiences of loneliness.

Effect on career and employment opportunities

Cannabis use, especially when frequent or in large amounts, can significantly affect an individual's career and overall quality of life. Research has shown that heavy cannabis use may lead to lower income levels, an increased risk of unemployment, and, in some cases, a diminished quality of life. Regular cannabis use is also linked to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which can further impact work performance. Those experiencing these disorders may struggle with symptoms like overthinking, panic attacks, and low mood, making it difficult to perform at work or even attend regularly. This can lead to additional challenges, including relationship problems and financial strain. Overall, chronic cannabis use can have far-reaching effects on a person’s daily life, including their career, well-being, and personal relationships.

Effects of marijuana use on impulsivity and hostility in daily life

Research has shown that marijuana use is linked to increased impulsivity and heightened hostility on the same day and the following day compared to when marijuana is not used, regardless of alcohol consumption. These changes in behaviour were not influenced by the frequency of marijuana use. Additionally, marijuana use was associated with more hostile behaviours and perceptions of hostility in others on days of use. In contrast, alcohol consumption did not significantly affect impulsivity or interpersonal hostility. These findings suggest that marijuana use may contribute to mental health and social functioning issues, particularly in terms of impulse control and interpersonal relations.

Addressing cannabis abuse

Approaching cannabis use responsibly is crucial, especially for individuals with health vulnerabilities. Consulting healthcare professionals and moderating usage can prevent adverse effects. Support from loved ones plays a vital role in overcoming substance misuse. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recommends involving families through therapy or support groups to improve treatment outcomes.

When cannabis use begins to strain relationships, addressing concerns through open, non-judgmental discussions is essential. Professional interventions, such as couples therapy or addiction counselling, can help improve communication and foster healthier coping mechanisms. Early intervention and treatment for cannabis addiction are the most effective ways to prevent or resolve relationship challenges and ensure better outcomes for all involved.

Summary

Cannabis, derived from the cannabis plant, contains psychoactive THC and can lead to Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), particularly with early and frequent use. Around 3 in 10 users may develop dependence, marked by cravings, tolerance, withdrawal symptoms, and impaired memory, attention, and decision-making. Addiction negatively impacts relationships by straining communication, creating imbalances in responsibilities, and complicating conflict resolution. Socially, it may foster peer connections but often leads to withdrawal, reduced support networks, and feelings of isolation. For students, cannabis use can impair learning and academic performance, while for adults, it may hinder career prospects, income, and work performance. Chronic use is also linked to impulsivity, hostility, and mental health issues. Addressing cannabis misuse requires open communication, family or couples therapy, and professional support, with early intervention offering the best outcomes.