Conversations about cannabis are changing fast. For many people, cannabis is medicine, stress relief, or a safer alternative to substances that caused them harm in the past. At the same time, more people are hearing the term cannabis use disorder and wondering what it actually means and whether it applies to them. The truth is far more nuanced than the fear-based headlines suggest, and it deserves a compassionate, honest explanation.
Cannabis use disorder isn’t about moral failure or lack of willpower. It’s a medical condition that exists on a spectrum, shaped by biology, mental health, stress, trauma, and access to support. Understanding it better can help reduce stigma and make it easier for people to ask for help when they need it.
Cannabis use disorder is a clinical diagnosis recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). It describes a pattern of cannabis use that starts to interfere with daily life, health, or responsibilities. Importantly, this diagnosis is based on impact, not frequency alone. Someone can use cannabis regularly and not have cannabis use disorder, while another person might struggle even with lower amounts.
Research suggests that about 9–30% of people who use cannabis will develop cannabis use disorder at some point in their lives, with risk increasing when use begins earlier or becomes heavier over time.
That said, statistics don’t tell the whole story. Many people move in and out of problematic use depending on what’s happening in their lives. Stressful jobs, global unrest, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or lack of access to healthcare can all increase reliance on cannabis as a coping tool. That doesn’t make someone weak — it makes them human.
One reason cannabis use disorder can feel confusing is that it’s not the same thing as addiction in the way many people imagine. Cannabis does not cause the same level of physical dependence as substances like alcohol or opioids, but it can still create psychological dependence and behavioral patterns that are hard to change.
For example, someone might notice they’re using more cannabis than they intended, perhaps habitually, or that it’s harder to enjoy things without it. Others realize they’re using cannabis to avoid emotions, to sleep, or to get through the day, even when it’s no longer helping the way it once did. Some people experience irritability, sleep problems, or low mood when they try to cut back or stop.
The brain’s endocannabinoid system plays a role in mood, sleep, appetite, and stress regulation. Regular cannabis use can alter how this system functions over time, which helps explain tolerance and withdrawal symptoms that coincide with addiction.
Risk for cannabis use disorder isn’t evenly distributed. People with anxiety, depression, PTSD, ADHD, or chronic pain may be more likely to use cannabis frequently, especially when other treatments are inaccessible or stigmatized. Genetics also play a role, influencing how rewarding cannabis feels and how quickly tolerance develops. Adolescents and young adults are at higher risk because the brain continues developing into the mid-20s.
One of the biggest barriers to addressing cannabis use disorder is shame. When people feel judged, they’re far less likely to talk honestly about their use or seek support. Stigma can push people to hide their behavior, which often makes patterns worse over time.
For some people, addressing cannabis use disorder means stopping entirely. For others, it means reducing use, changing patterns, or learning new coping tools. Harm reduction approaches recognize that there isn’t a single “right” outcome and focuses on what improves someone’s quality of life and health.
We believe that substance use disorders should be treated like any other health condition — with empathy, education, and evidence-based care. Therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and motivational interviewing have shown effectiveness in helping people change their relationship with cannabis. Find a therapist who can help.
Cannabis use disorder deserves to be taken seriously, but not sensationalized. Most people who use cannabis will never develop severe problems, and those who do aren’t broken or beyond help. They’re responding to real needs with the tools they have.
At UtahMarijuana.org, we believe in education. If learning about cannabis use disorder sparks questions or self-reflection, that’s not a bad thing. Awareness is often the first step toward healthier, more intentional choices — whatever those may look like for you.
So, if you or someone you love is struggling, know this: help can be supportive, flexible, and respectful of your goals. You deserve care that meets you where you are, not where someone else thinks you should be. The Care Providers at our affiliated clinic, KindlyMD, can help you make a lifestyle change that fits your needs and goals. Schedule a consultation today.
