Around 1 in 10 people who use cannabis will develop an addiction to it. This rate rises to 1 in 6 for people who start using cannabis in their teens.1
Regular use can lead to psychological dependence, including a preoccupation with using cannabis, and feelings of anxiety when it is unavailable. According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, long periods of cannabis use may also result in mild physical withdrawal symptoms when a person stops using. Symptoms may last for up to a week and include irritability, anxiety, upset stomach, loss of appetite, sweating and disturbed sleep.
Whether or not someone will develop a Cannabis Use Disorder is unique to the individual. While research in this area is still ongoing, the likelihood of developing a problematic relationship with cannabis is influenced by your length and intensity of use, the potency of the products used, your genetics and personal history, and your age of first use.2
Source: Canadian Public Health Association. (2018). Cannabasics. Retrieved from: https://www.cpha.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/resources/cannabis/cannabasics-2018-fact-sheets-e.pdf
1Government of Canada. (2018). Cannabis Health Effects. Retrieved from: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/health/campaigns/cannabis/health-effects.html
2Canadian Public Health Association. (2018). Cannabasics. Retrieved from: https://www.cpha.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/resources/cannabis/cannabasics-2018-fact-sheets-e.pdf