Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a medical diagnosis. It is not the same as physical dependence. The main sign is continued use despite harm to health, work, school, money, or relationships. Doctors use 11 criteria. Two or more in 12 months means CUD.

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The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates about 30% of people who use cannabis develop some degree of CUD. Risk is higher for people who start before age 18.

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The 11 DSM-5 criteria

These are the signs doctors check. Two or more within a year point to CUD.

what are the signs of marijuana use disorder

  1. Using more cannabis, or for longer, than planned.
  2. Wanting to cut down or stop, and failing.
  3. Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from cannabis.
  4. Cravings.
  5. Use that causes problems at work, school, or home.
  6. Continued use despite relationship problems caused by cannabis.
  7. Giving up hobbies, sports, or social events.
  8. Using in dangerous situations, such as driving.
  9. Continued use despite health problems made worse by cannabis.
  10. Tolerance: needing more to get the same effect.
  11. Withdrawal: symptoms when stopping.

Withdrawal signs

Withdrawal is a physical and mental response to stopping heavy use. Symptoms include irritability, insomnia, poor appetite, restlessness, cravings, and low mood. They peak in the first week. They can last up to two weeks. Some people report stomach pain, sweating, and chills.

cannabis addiction signs in adults

Signs that are not in the DSM-5

Some warning signs are not formal criteria but matter.

How to tell heavy use from addiction

Heavy use means using a lot. Addiction means use causes harm and continues anyway. The key question: does cannabis cause problems in health, work, money, or relationships? If yes, and use continues, that is a sign.

Another sign is loss of control. A person plans to use once a week and uses every day.

When to get help

See a doctor or counselor if you meet 2 or more criteria, or if withdrawal makes it hard to stop. Treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management. No medication is approved by the FDA for CUD as of 2024. Some doctors prescribe medications off-label for sleep or anxiety.

SAMHSA runs a free helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).