If you or someone you love is struggling with marijuana use, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining things. At Ocean Ridge, we meet many people who feel unsure whether their cannabis use is “serious enough” to seek help. After all, marijuana is legal in many places and widely considered harmless. But when it starts to affect your daily life, relationships, mood, or motivation, it’s worth taking a closer look.
Whether you’re using it to manage anxiety, cope with trauma, or just unwind after work, marijuana can sometimes lead to more than you bargained for. Let’s break it down: what marijuana is, what the side effects can be, and how to know when it’s time to get support.
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What Is Marijuana?
Most people are familiar with marijuana, but it’s worth reiterating. Marijuana is made from the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the cannabis sativa plant. It contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound that creates the “high.” People use marijuana in many forms—smoking, vaping, edibles, oils—and it’s commonly used both recreationally and as medical marijuana for things like chronic pain or nausea.
But while marijuana has therapeutic potential in controlled settings, regular or heavy marijuana use can affect your brain, body, and mental health in ways that aren’t always obvious right away.
Is Marijuana Really Addictive?
Yes, it can be. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, the clinical term for marijuana addiction is cannabis use disorder. People with this disorder continue to use marijuana even when it’s causing problems—like falling behind at work, feeling disconnected from loved ones, or becoming more anxious or depressed.
At Ocean Ridge, we see many clients who never expected marijuana to become a problem. For some, what began as an occasional habit gradually turned into daily use. Others turn to marijuana to cope with trauma, untreated mental health disorders, or other substance use disorders—only to find that it creates more challenges over time.
Marijuana Side Effects
Not everyone reacts to marijuana the same way. Some people feel relaxed or euphoric, while others feel paranoid or emotionally flat. Regular cannabis use can also lead to physical and psychological side effects such as:
Increased heart rate
Memory and concentration problems
Mood swings or irritability
Changes in appetite or sleep
Lung issues from marijuana smoke
Reduced motivation or interest in goals
Increased risk of developing a substance use disorder
The more often you use it—especially in high-THC forms—the higher the risk of long-term impact.
Mental Health Effects and Risk Factors
There’s a strong link between cannabis use disorder and conditions like bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and other psychiatric disorders. While some people use marijuana to ease symptoms of a mental health condition, studies show that over time, it can actually make symptoms worse.
People with a personal or family history of mental health problems may be especially vulnerable. In young people, marijuana use has even been linked to disruptions in fetal brain development, which is why it’s strongly discouraged during pregnancy.
Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
Many people don’t realize you can experience withdrawal after stopping marijuana. It’s not as intense as withdrawing from opioids or alcohol, but it can still be difficult—especially without support. Common withdrawal symptoms include:
Irritability
Trouble sleeping
Anxiety or restlessness
Decreased appetite
Strong cravings
Mood instability
These symptoms can last for days or even weeks depending on the person and the length of use.
Can I Die From Using Marijuana?
Direct overdose deaths from marijuana alone are extremely rare, and most evidence doesn’t show a clear causal link between cannabis use and mortality. However, marijuana use is associated with significant risks such as motor vehicle accidents and other injury‑related deaths when intoxicated (like driving under the influence).
When to Get Help for Marijuana Use
It might be time to reach out if:
You’ve tried to quit but can’t
You feel like you need marijuana to function
You’re using it to numb emotional pain
It’s affecting your job, relationships, or motivation
You’ve noticed worsening mental health disorders
If any of this feels familiar, Ocean Ridge is here to support you.
How Ocean Ridge Can Help with Cannabis Use Disorder
At Ocean Ridge, we understand that healing from drug abuse—even something that’s often seen as “low-risk” like marijuana—requires personalized, judgment-free care. Our expert team uses a holistic, trauma-informed approach to treat cannabis use disorder and co-occurring psychiatric disorders.
Whether it’s your first time asking for help or you’ve tried treatment before, we’ll meet you where you’re at with evidence-based therapies, compassionate staff, and a serene environment where you can feel safe and supported. You’ll have access to individual therapy, medical care, and integrated support for both mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
You’re Not Alone—Reach Out Today
Struggling with marijuana use doesn’t make you weak or broken—it makes you human. At Ocean Ridge, we’re here to walk alongside you with understanding and expertise. Reach out today to learn more about our program or talk through your concerns with someone who truly gets it.
Recovery is possible. We’ll help you get there.
Start Your Journey By Getting Help Today
Our medical, clinical, and counseling staffs on site are available 24/7.
FAQs About Marijuana Use
What is marijuana use disorder?
Marijuana use disorder is a medical condition where a person continues to use cannabis despite negative effects on their life, relationships, or health. It can include physical dependence, psychological cravings, and an inability to stop using even when you want to. It’s now recognized by the mental health community, including the mental health services administration, as a legitimate form of substance use disorder.
Can marijuana cause mental health issues?
Yes, research suggests that frequent marijuana use—especially in young people—can increase the risk of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and even psychosis. While some individuals use cannabis to self-medicate, regular use can sometimes worsen underlying conditions or create new challenges.
Is it possible to develop psychosis from marijuana use?
Yes, in some people—particularly those with a family history of mental illness or other risk factors—cannabis use can develop psychosis or worsen psychotic symptoms. These may include paranoia, delusions, or hallucinations. If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek help right away.
What does the research say about cannabis and mental disorders?
According to findings published by the national academies press and other medical journals, long-term or heavy cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of developing various mental disorders. These include depression, schizophrenia, and major depressive disorder, particularly when cannabis use begins early in life or is sustained over time.
Is cannabis ever used in clinical trials or medical treatment?
Yes. Cannabis is being studied in clinical trials to assess its potential benefits and risks in treating conditions like epilepsy, PTSD, and chronic pain. While there are some therapeutic uses—like when it’s used to treat nausea during chemotherapy—it’s important to differentiate between controlled medical use and unregulated recreational use.
Can cannabis lead to long-term mental illness?
While not everyone who uses cannabis will develop mental illness, studies show that heavy or prolonged use—especially starting in adolescence—can raise the likelihood of developing disorders like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or persistent anxiety and depression.
How do I know if I’m using cannabis in an unhealthy way?
If you find that you need to use cannabis to get through the day, feel anxious without it, or notice that it’s affecting your sleep, motivation, or mood, you may be dealing with marijuana use disorder. Talking with a professional—like the team at Ocean Ridge—can help determine the best next steps for support and recovery.
Bobby Nassiri is a seasoned Program Director and Business Development Director with over 12 years of experience in the behavioral health industry. Since earning his CADCII counselor certification in 2017, Bobby has been dedicated to improving the lives of individuals through compassionate care and innovative program development. Bobby’s expertise spans a wide range of areas, including strategic business growth, program management, and client counseling. His comprehensive approach to behavioral health ensures that every program he directs is both effective and empathetic, catering to the unique needs of each individual client. Outside of his professional endeavors, Bobby enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, practicing Brazilian jiu jitsu, and attending concerts. His diverse interests and commitment to personal well-being reflect his holistic approach to life and work.
