Humans are inherently driven by pleasure and the pursuit of rewarding experiences. Our brains are equipped with a built-in reward system that constantly seeks out enjoyable sensations and stimuli. However, this pursuit of pleasure can sometimes lead to problematic behaviors, especially when substances are involved. When we become overly reliant on substances to induce feelings of euphoria, it can disrupt and dysregulate our internal reward system, potentially resulting in addiction.
Research has indicated that a particular substance holds promise in alleviating various health conditions. If you are considering integrating this substance into your medical treatment, obtaining a medical card is crucial. However, if visiting a physical clinic for an MMJ card proves challenging, you also have the option to apply for a medical marijuana card online, all from the convenience of your home.
Chronic and excessive cannabis consumption has the potential to transform into a problematic pattern of use that can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental well-being. This can impact relationships, daily life, and overall health. It’s essential to recognize that the vast majority of cannabis users will not develop an addiction to the plant. Nevertheless, it is crucial to understand how misuse of cannabis affects the brain, which specific cannabinoids may contribute to addiction, and what behaviors can contribute to the development of cannabis use disorder.
Furthermore, it’s worth noting that while some research suggests that cannabis can be a factor in addiction, there is also evidence to suggest that the plant may have therapeutic potential in treating addiction to other substances.
What is addiction?
People can develop addictions to various substances, with chemical or substance addictions being the most prevalent. Chemical addictions encompass substances such as drugs, alcohol, cannabis, and even caffeine (yes, it’s a real phenomenon). Various terms, such as dependence, misuse, and abuse, are used to describe chemical addictions, all falling within the broader category of substance use disorders.
Chemical addiction occurs when an individual’s use of a substance significantly disrupts their daily life, damages their relationships, and impairs their ability to function normally. The dependence on the substance is so overpowering that they find it challenging to cease its use, despite a desire to quit.
Scientists generally concur that addiction follows a repetitive cycle characterized by three key stages:
- Initial Stage: Involves bingeing and intoxication with the substance, leading to a surge in dopamine release, which produces a euphoric feeling.
- Second Stage: Entails withdrawal and negative effects; when the substance is absent, it triggers a distressed and adverse response.
- Third Stage: Features an obsession with consuming more of the substance, ultimately leading back to the first stage.
An addiction to cannabis also aligns with these three stages and is formally diagnosed as cannabis use disorder.
What exactly is cannabis use disorder?
Cannabis use disorder (CUD) can be described as the persistent consumption of cannabis, despite it causing physical or psychological harm. This definition encompasses not only addiction but also includes individuals who are dependent on cannabis and negatively affected by its use.
Roughly 10% of the 193 million global cannabis users are impacted by cannabis use disorder. Symptoms of cannabis use disorder encompass:
- Continued cannabis use even when experiencing physical issues, such as frequent respiratory infections.
- Continued use despite encountering psychological problems like anxiety or paranoia.
- Persistent cannabis use despite facing social or relationship difficulties, which may stem from challenges like impaired emotional processing or social withdrawal.
- Sacrificing or reducing engagement in other activities in favor of cannabis use.
- Issues arising in work, school, and home life due to cannabis use.
- Intense cravings for cannabis.
- Struggles in controlling or cutting down on cannabis consumption.
- Using cannabis in high-risk situations, such as while driving or operating machinery that could lead to harm.
- Consuming more cannabis than originally intended or being unable to adhere to self-imposed consumption limits.
- Developing an increased tolerance to cannabis.
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like depression or irritability upon discontinuing cannabis use.
Can cannabis addiction bring about changes in the brain?
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Cannabis addiction, similar to other substance addictions, leads to alterations in how the brain processes rewards, manages responses to stress, oversees executive system functions, and exercises self-regulation. Executive function impairment in cannabis addiction can manifest as difficulties in maintaining focus, making decisions, planning, and retaining important information.
Additionally, addiction affects our self-regulation abilities, which encompass the control we have over our choices, impulses, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. When addicted to cannabis, the strong desire to consume the substance can sway our decision-making and actions in potentially harmful ways.
Moreover, cannabis addiction can disrupt how the brain responds to stressful situations. For instance, when faced with a near-miss while driving or witnessing an argument, it’s natural to experience a spike in stress levels triggering the release of hormones like cortisol, and adrenaline prepares the body for a “fight or flight response.”
However, research indicates that long-term, heavy cannabis users often exhibit a blunted stress response. This means they produce less cortisol in stressful situations, resulting in a reduced acute stress effect. While this reduced stress response may seem beneficial in handling everyday stressors, it can also be a disadvantage since cortisol plays a role in releasing energy needed for swift reactions to threats or dangers, essentially aiding in quick responses when necessary.
Can Cannabis Offer Assistance in Managing Addiction?
Although THC, a compound in cannabis, can potentially contribute to addiction, another cannabinoid found in the plant, CBD (cannabidiol), is being investigated as a potential treatment for dependence. While research is still in its early stages, initial findings suggest that cannabidiol may serve as an intervention for various types of addiction without carrying the risk of addiction itself.
A recent randomized clinical trial involving human participants demonstrated promise in using CBD specifically to address cannabis use disorder. In this study, CBD doses of 400mg and 800mg proved to be a safe and more effective treatment compared to a placebo in reducing cannabis use among individuals diagnosed with severe cannabis use disorder, with 96% of the participants falling into this category.
While further clinical trials are needed to confirm and build upon these findings, it’s worth noting the intriguing possibility that the same plant may both contribute to a problem and offer a potential solution.
If you intend to utilize cannabis for its therapeutic advantages, obtaining a medical marijuana card is essential. Secure the cheapest medical marijuanas card online and fully harness the potential benefits of medical cannabis.
