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Heavy cannabis use (cannabis use disorder)

Also called: Cannabis use disorder, heavy marijuana use, weed addiction

Trouble cutting back on marijuana despite problems. About 3 in 10 people who use it may develop it. Therapy helps.

SignsCravings, needing more
WithdrawalIrritability, poor sleep for 1 to 2 weeks
RelatedVomiting syndrome (CHS)

Overview

Daily high-potency use raises risk of psychosis in young people.

Signs include using more than planned, cravings, and trouble cutting back.

Heavy daily use can cause cannabis hyperemesis syndrome: repeated vomiting relieved by hot showers.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Trouble cutting back on marijuana
  • Using cannabis every day

Less common

  • Irritability
  • Poor sleep

Look up a symptom: Trouble sleeping

When to get medical care

Call 911Severe vomiting that won't stop, or hearing voices.
Get care todayThoughts of suicide or harming yourself or others: call or text 988, or call 911.
See a doctor soonYou want to cut back.

Causes

THC.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Teens

Possible complications

  • Cannabis vomiting syndrome

Diagnosis

A clinician talks with you.

Treatment

Cut back with support.

Self-care

  • Set goals
  • Avoid triggers
  • Get support

CBT and motivational therapy help.

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

  • Delay use in teens

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to an addiction medicine doctor or a licensed counselor.

Living with it

  • Keep a regular sleep, meal, and activity routine.
  • Tell one trusted person how you're doing, and plan who to call on hard days.
  • Limit alcohol and drugs. They often make symptoms worse.
  • In a crisis, call or text 988 any time.
  • Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

Back to school, work, or sports

  • Most people can keep working or going to school.
  • Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.
  • The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may let you take unpaid time off for treatment without losing your job.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

  • Teens: The developing brain is more affected.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Many mental health medicines are used safely in pregnancy. Stopping suddenly can cause a relapse.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Mood problems can start during or after pregnancy. Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

  • Listen without judging, and let them know you care.
  • Encourage treatment, but don't force it unless they're in danger.
  • If they talk about suicide, call or text 988 with them.
  • Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Recovery is possible.

Withdrawal fades in 1 to 2 weeks.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

  • Could cannabis affect my mood or sleep?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Heavy cannabis use (cannabis use disorder)

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.