How easily do people get addicted to weed?

[SnoopDoggyDog]

I really don't want to become addicted so about how often do people usually smoke before becoming addicted? And what are the symptoms to addiction? I used to think addiction was impossible, but after reading this thread (http://boards.cannabis.com/medicinal-cannabis-health/148680-seriously-cannabis-addictive-not.html) I found out it isn't and I have to be more careful.

[silkyblue]

Dont inhale and ya wont be addicted


'jmo


P'artnership for a drug free America made herby addictive"

[psteve]

You cannot become addicted to cannabis. It has no addictive properties.
You may acquire a 'habit' of smoking cannabis, if you have the prerequisite 'addictive personality' (OCD).

[allrollsin21]

this is a person specific question. Too many variables to make general sweeping questions. Depending upon certain illness' people use the herb to treat, they may need more doses than those using it recreationally or spiritually.
One thing i am certain of, MODERATION will do you well. and this word MODERATION needs to be self defined as well.

It cannot be argued (probably will be by someone on this site who thinks herb is a cure all) that we humans were put on this earth with everything we need to exist right inside ourselves. Certain breathing (pranayama) exercises can have similar effects as cannabis. Whatever started this wheel spinning did not create humans with a dependency upon cannabis. With that said it is highly beneficial for many people. And likely as detrimental for others.

[allrollsin21]

sorry...cannot be argued AGAINST

[HerbalConfusion]

I heard one puff of the stuff makes you go insane. So obvious this kid is 14.

[SnoopDoggyDog]

Well obviously it takes more than a few hits to get you addicted, much more than that actually. These are the types of responses I was expecting just that I get paranoid easily and thought maybe you guys could help. It's cool though, it was a stupid question lol.

[HighTy]

Marijuana is not addictive, nor out of your control. Smoking marijuana is a concious decision. It's enjoyable! Of course your gonna want to smoke it again and again. It's rather VERY easy to control yourself. I'd compare it to trying to stay away from junk food, or watching your diet. Your not gonna go insane trying to watch your diet because your so addicted to food. People just believe marijuana is addivtive because people are ALWAYS smoking. It appears to the rest of society that these people are addicted, but it's just because they just love marijuana. The vast majority of smokers are NOT tweekers looking for their next fix of meth by far, so I wouldn't worry about it.

[TurnyBright]

keep in mind that cannabis "addiction" means addiction in the sense that you like it a lot and want to do it, not addiction as in you suffer from withdrawal illness if the substance is removed from your diet.

there are lots of documented cases of people being addicted in the former sense because weed is so damn great and its easy to like.

[Storm Crow]

Women's Guide to the UofC
Women's Guide to the UofC (http://wguide.uchicago.edu/9substance.html)

Cannabis Basics
Erowid Cannabis Vault: Basics (http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_basics.shtml)

10 Things Every Parent, Teenager & Teacher Should Know About Marijuana (4th Q)
Erowid Psychoactive Vaults (http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_flyer1.shtml)

Marijuana Myths, Claim No. 9
Erowid Cannabis Vault : Exposing Marijuana Myths (http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_myth9.shtml)

My cousin was "addicted" to Pepsi, incidentally. He HAD to have at least a half dozen 24 can "flats" of it or he would start getting "antsy". Usually he had a waist high stack in the corner. Drank it constantly - haven't seen him for 30 years -wonder if he still has any teeth? ;)

You can get "addicted" to anything- not just addictive substances. The habit of smoking is addictive- it doesn't matter what you are smoking. This is one of the reasons tobacco is so hard to quit. Folks get addicted to the physical act of smoking, as well as the nicotine. They are trying to beat 2 addictions- one physical, one psychological. Makes it twice as hard. :(

You can be addicted to sports, chocolate, massages, even a person (it's called an obsession or infatuation). When we don't get what we want, our minds throw a "tantrum" of some sort. And the mind being what it is, you can "psych" yourself into a state of illness, depression, panic attacks or even "withdrawals". And that illness, depression, panic attack or withdrawal can feel dang real, even though you are essentially doing it to yourself. (So don't cap on them, guys, when they say they feel _____. They ARE feeling it!)

According to a recent news article roughly 42% of Americans have used cannabis at some point in their lives. Most have used in their youth and now either abstain or only smoke on occasion. I still don't see packs of "jonesing" cannabis addicts roaming the streets :wtf: - do you? (I HAVE seen some pretty scary packs of speed freaks, though.)

Frankly, I think you are hassling about a "tempest in a teacup". Almost everyone can use cannabis without serious repercussions- provided they don't get busted. Now there's something to worry about!

- Granny:hippy:

[LolaGal]

It's like crack.......one hit and you are hooked for life.... LOL

[NaughtyDreadz]

It's like crack.......one hit and you are hooked for life.... LOL

growing is like crack.. one (successful) grow and you're growing for life...

[HerbalConfusion]

growing is like crack.. one (successful) grow and you're growing for life...

I enjoy smoking as much as growing except when things go to shit ;)

[cornish_dope]

Marijuana is not addictive, nor out of your control. Smoking marijuana is a concious decision. It's enjoyable! Of course your gonna want to smoke it again and again. It's rather VERY easy to control yourself. I'd compare it to trying to stay away from junk food, or watching your diet. Your not gonna go insane trying to watch your diet because your so addicted to food. People just believe marijuana is addivtive because people are ALWAYS smoking. It appears to the rest of society that these people are addicted, but it's just because they just love marijuana. The vast majority of smokers are NOT tweekers looking for their next fix of meth by far, so I wouldn't worry about it.


You hit it on the nail there mate, If it's there I can end Up smoking all day but if it isn't I don't think about it, it doesn't bother me.

It's abit like if you're trying not to eat as much chocolate then you don't buy any.

I think weed can be addictive in the same way as junk food, gambling etc.

People who say they're addicted to weed are weak and have no will power that's all it takes.

Weed has it's risks like everything, eating, driving, drinking, walking, running sleeping.

The only thing that you're really safe with is a glass of water and a bowl of salad but that would just be dull.

[HighTy]

People who say they're addicted to weed are weak and have no will power that's all it takes.


I hear this crap every once and a while from people who give off a bad image of marijuana. Your not addicted, you just think you are. I'm like whatever, get over it dude your not addicted. They just need to be more responsible like anyone else.

[GreenDestiny]

It cannot be argued (probably will be by someone on this site who thinks herb is a cure all) that we humans were put on this earth with everything we need to exist right inside ourselves. Certain breathing (pranayama) exercises can have similar effects as cannabis. Whatever started this wheel spinning did not create humans with a dependency upon cannabis. With that said it is highly beneficial for many people. And likely as detrimental for others.

But we were not made with everything we need inside of us, we lack important things such as vitamins, about 10 amino acids, omega fatty acids, etc. There are certain things we need to eat to give us those substances because the body either can't make enough or none at all. Since we do have a dependency on those things, the same really can be argued about cannabinoids.

Until definitive proof is discovered about cannabinoids, we can't argue that we do or do not need them. It's true that our bodies have been found to produce at least 2 endocannabinoids (the Endocannabinoid System has specific functions). So then, there's no proof yet if we do or do not need extra cannabinoids from outside sources. It seems logical to assume that extra cannabinoids can help aid the ECS in its functions, unless too much would have a negative effect on it. We so desperately need more research on it.

Until research proves me wrong I will believe that cannabinoids really are essential for our health.

now for my takes on addiction:

Mind
As far as addiction, for myself I've found it to be psychological in nature. I know what works for myself, so it's no wonder why I want it. Not being able to have it will make me have what seems like withdrawal symptoms, but it's all psychological; take away any beneficial medicine that works from someone and they'll crave it.

Body
Physical dependence is a whole other issue... I'll just pick at one aspect of it: stress. There seems to be way too much stress these days despite all our modern conveniences and amenities. Smoking cannabis will definitely help with stress, and the body/mind will love it... and crave it more often to counter the everyday stress. But it's not a good thing to completely rely on cannabis for relieving stress symptoms, it's just a strong tool for us to use with other relaxation techniques.

Spirit
Anyone else besides me also experience a spiritual addiction to it? It's harder to explain, but it's like the feeling of peace and state of mind that our consciousness reaches. I feel more connected to myself and to the universe, and the epiphanies I often have can really blow my mind. It's definitely something I love to experience quite often.

[HighTy]

I remember the way I used to look at weed and what i used to think about it. Now, Since I opened my eyes to the truths and benefits of marijuana, I have started a responsible healthy balance of life, im always happy and grateful for every day that passes :D

All just from a joint a day. I couldn't ask for more!

[cornish_dope]

10% of people have addictive personalities, those are the people who get addicted to weed, but they also have as much chance of being addicted to food or gambling as weed. Weed isn't the problem it's people.

The cannabis plant and the human have the most amazing relationship. We have receptors specially built to get us stoned, the fibres the medicine this plant has been a wonderful friend to human kind for the past 10,000 year and trying to destroy such a good friend that nature has given us is a crime against god.

[HighTy]

Man made alcohol, god made canabis. Pretty simple. Canabis is meant to be used and harvested. Perfectly taylored to fit in with nature's intended balance. Humans and canabis have a very special relationship that is not recognised by people that are against it. It's not recogniseable until you smoke it's wonderful yeild.

[allrollsin21]

I agree with a lot of what you say GreenDestiny. I don't however agree that cannabis is needed in the same way Vitamins are needed. If someone never had any vitamins they would get sick and die. If someone never had cannabis they could live a healthy life.
I believe the Herb to be a sacred sacrament, medicine, and tool. I also believe it is not for everyone. Vitamins are for everyone.
Another example is that young children that so beautifully live in the moment, speak exactly whats on their mind, cry, scream, laugh, and smile with no inhibitions, they do not NEED cannabis. Their bodies are complete without it.
Just because the body may produce cannabinoids does not mean that it needs extra added to it.
The brain also produces dimethyltriptamines, but we do not NEED DMT to survive.
It can be used to improve lives through medicinal usage, spiritual usage, and others, but i believe that humans are born with all the stress reducing, love inducing abilities right ourselves.
Sometimes its a lot easier to puff a spliff than to do and hour of yoga followed by an hour of meditation...or something like that.

[HighTy]

I never implied that children are in need of canabis, but ok. Of course people can live without it. People who smoke canabis should be recognised as a culture that enjoy the benefits of it. I'm just saying that it fits as nature intended it to, thus people should not be restricted to it's use if they do so choose.

[allrollsin21]

Highty i agree with you completely. I was responding to GreenDestiny, and should have made that more clear.
Hell ya leave the people alone...all for it!

[HighTy]

It's cool :-) I think the main issue to getting marijuana legal is motivtion. If everyone made an effort toward legalization, we could do it in a heartbeat. Those few that make a strong effort to get this on the ballot, I thank you so much. You are pioneers in the history of america.

Kinda off topic, but I just kept typin...lol

[GreenDestiny]

allrollsin, I agree that we can live healthy lives without cannabis and that's it's not as important as vitamins and minerals that we really need. I'd rank it at being a #2, an additive we need for better quality of life, and possibly quantity. So, yeah, you're right about the fact we don't need it for survival.... lol I couldn't even remember my own sig. at the end of my posts where I state that it's needed for "increased health" not for absolute health... I get too carried away with how great it can be.

Of course it's not for everyone, but it's definitely something that most people should consider trying, even just for the mental health benefits. So many "healthy" sane (and sober) people seem to be really blinded by reality TO reality (e.g. delusions of perfection); they should step back from time to time to see it all from the weed perspective... or something like that..

[HighTy]

Pretty much summs it up why I smoke pot right here...I'm clearly addicted because I want to be.

My medicinal reason- (A.D.D) I personally love the benefit it because makes me exercise my brain. now I feel more clear minded and I understand that the brain is like a muscle. I've made goal minded choices because of it's ability to eliminate my anxiety, reduce stress and clear my mind so I can take control of how much I really wan't to get out of life. I now no longer drink now because I purly enjoy the effect of marijuana and the fact that virtually no side effects even exist. Users may appear to be just plain trippin on somethin, but we speak and do very real things and exist as real people.

Why is this medicin that I truly benefit from illegal by by the government as a schedule 1 drug? Eveyone should definatley be ready and registered to vote for November. It's gonna be awesome if we can all make this happen. :thumbsup:

[GreenDestiny]

I've also found that it makes me want to wash the dishes more often, or clean my room... it enhances my oganization skills so then I put it to use, and suddenly parts of the house are back to normal without much memory of it... great auto-pilot effect for menial tasks.

[allrollsin21]

Destiny i am with you on that one. I find the menial tasks like an all night prune session or big feeding to be a completely more tolerable experience if i eat some edibles beforehand. Its like night and day.
When i am within the influence it makes those menial tasks more important and therefore are performed with more focus and care. Truly words cannot convey the beauty of this.:hippy:

[melodious fellow]

Women's Guide to the UofC
Women's Guide to the UofC (http://wguide.uchicago.edu/9substance.html)


10 Things Every Parent, Teenager & Teacher Should Know About Marijuana (4th Q)
Erowid Psychoactive Vaults (http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/cannabis_flyer1.shtml)




I love Erowid, thanks for the link to the "10 Things Every Parent..." I am definitely printing out lots of those to give to anyone who hassles me.

What you said about addiction to anything is so true! They have proven certain foods, even some natural ones are actually more addictive than cannabis: One can be addicted to anything, that is a psychological addiction and the only type of addiction possible with cannabis. Some foods however, act on one's dopamine receptors, and this is what defines a physical addiction.

Like Dr. Ron Paul said, "you look a little overweight son, should the government come put you on a diet?" :D

And when ya compare obesity related deaths to cannabis deaths... Write your senator for a WEA, a weight-enforcement agency in your state! Think about the children...


:rastasmoke:

o btw, the other link, the women's substance guide (and I couldn't see how it was gender specific, looked pretty general info) was really full of misinformation towards the bottom... mostly things not to be discussed here...

peace :rastasmoke:

[RobPA]

Well obviously it takes more than a few hits to get you addicted, much more than that actually. These are the types of responses I was expecting just that I get paranoid easily and thought maybe you guys could help. It's cool though, it was a stupid question lol.


Ive been smoking for years, if I want to skip a day or a few months I just quit for a while to lower my tolerance. I never have any problems and "Addictive Behavior" Runs in my family. Just need to have willpower. Try to always smoke in an enjoyable atmosphere to keep smoking fun.

[Revanche21]

I smoke everyday but I use it responsibly

I've been smoking for over 5 years now

At one point in my life, I would wake and bake and smoke all day long, but then I realized I couldn't live that way.

Now I enjoy a nice toke at night an hour or two before sleeping.