Marijuana addiction, or cannabis use disorder, is more common than many realize. Nearly one-third of current users develop dependence, and about 10% of people who try cannabis eventually struggle with addiction. Despite its perception as low-risk, marijuana dependence can disrupt work, relationships, and daily life.

In California, roughly 22% of residents aged 12 and older used marijuana in the past year, with young adults showing the highest rates. Approximately 39% of young adults report annual use, and about 24% develop substance use disorders. A specialized marijuana treatment center addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of dependence. Withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and cravings, often indicate the need for professional care. Co-occurring mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, make integrated dual diagnosis treatment essential.

Peak Path Health’s residential programs in the Hollywood Hills and Woodland Hills of Los Angeles, CA, provide medically supervised detox, therapy, and holistic wellness in a private, retreat-style setting. Small resident groups allow for personalized, evidence-based care. Our “Peak Experience” approach addresses withdrawal symptoms, builds healthier coping mechanisms, and prevents relapse through comprehensive therapeutic support.

Marijuana, or cannabis, is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis sativa plant. THC, the chemical responsible for marijuana’s high, hijacks the brain’s reward circuitry. Repeated exposure can lead to dependence even among casual users. Marijuana is consumed via smoking, vaping, edibles, or oils.

THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, disrupting neurotransmitter function and affecting memory, learning, attention, decision-making, and coordination. Repeated use reduces natural endocannabinoid production and receptor numbers, causing tolerance and dependence. Modern cannabis contains higher THC levels than previous decades, increasing addiction risk and the severity of withdrawal.

group counseling session at a marijuana treatment center with therapist support

How Common is Marijuana Abuse?

Cannabis use disorder is recognized in the DSM-5 as patterns of problematic use causing significant impairment or distress. Approximately 30% of current users meet criteria for cannabis use disorder, and 10% of first-time users develop an addiction.

Los Angeles County, with its high density of dispensaries, has elevated use rates, particularly among young adults who may underestimate the risks of frequent consumption. Adolescents aged 12-17 show about 7.6% prevalence for substance use disorders, with 34–39% having tried marijuana. Increased treatment admissions reflect both higher use rates and greater recognition of cannabis addiction as a clinical concern.

Marijuana Addiction Statistics

In California, where legal access has increased availability, approximately 22% of residents aged 12 and older used marijuana in the past year as of 2023-2024. Among adults, 17% reported cannabis use.

  • Approximately 10% of cannabis users develop addiction (National marijuana addiction rate)
    In 2023, 17% of California adults reported cannabis use (State-level adult usage)
  • From 2023-2024, 22% of California residents ages 12+ used marijuana in the past year (Overall state prevalence)
  • 39% of young adults ages 18–25 report annual marijuana use (Highest-usage demographic)
  • 24% of young adults have a substance use disorder involving cannabis or other substances (Young adult SUD rates)
  • 30% of current marijuana users meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder (Clinical threshold for dependence
  • 6% of adolescents (ages 12–17) meet criteria for a substance use disorder (Adolescent SUD prevalence)
  • 34–39% of adolescents have tried marijuana (Youth exposure rates)

Young adults between the ages of 18-25 show the highest usage rates at nearly 39% annually, and about 24% of young users develop substance use disorders related to cannabis or other substances.

How People Become Addicted to Marijuana

Nobody sets out to become addicted to marijuana. Marijuana addiction develops gradually. Tolerance occurs as the brain adapts, requiring more to achieve the same effect. Physical dependence follows, causing withdrawal symptoms when use stops, while psychological dependence arises when marijuana is relied on to manage emotions or stress.

  • Tolerance: The brain adapts to repeated use, requiring more to feel the same effects.
  • Physical dependence: The body adjusts to marijuana’s presence, causing withdrawal when use stops.
  • Psychological dependence: Emotional well-being becomes entangled with marijuana use.

Regular marijuana use alters brain chemistry over time, particularly the endocannabinoid system. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, disrupting normal neurotransmitter function. As a result of repeated exposure, the brain reduces its own production of cannabinoid receptors. These neurobiological changes affect the endocannabinoid system and other areas of the brain responsible for memory, learning, attention, decision-making, coordination, and reward processing.

individual therapy session at a marijuana treatment center for mental health support

Signs and Symptoms of Marijuana Addiction

In clinical practice, marijuana addiction is observed not as black and white, but on a spectrum from mild to severe. The DSM-5, the field’s diagnostic guide, outlines 11 specific criteria. Meeting 2-3 criteria indicates mild cannabis use disorder, 4-5 criteria suggest moderate severity, and 6 or more criteria indicate severe cannabis use disorder. Here are the signs you or a loved one may be addicted to marijuana:
  • Tolerance: Needing larger amounts of marijuana to achieve the same effects previously experienced with smaller quantities
  • Withdrawal symptoms when not using: Experiencing irritability, anxiety, sleep disturbances, decreased appetite, restlessness, or physical discomfort when marijuana use stops or decreases
  • Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing vivid dreams when not using marijuana
  • Changes in appetite: Fluctuations in eating patterns, either increased or decreased appetite, are particularly noticeable during periods without marijuana use
  • Inability to control or reduce use: Repeated unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop marijuana use despite a genuine desire to do so
  • Spending excessive time obtaining or using marijuana: Dedicating significant portions of the day to acquiring, using, or recovering from marijuana effects
  • Neglecting responsibilities: Declining performance at work, missing deadlines, avoiding family obligations, or failing to meet professional commitments
  • Continued use despite negative consequences: Persisting with marijuana use even when it causes relationship problems, legal issues, financial difficulties, or health concerns
  • Cravings for marijuana: Experiencing strong urges or intense desires to use marijuana, particularly in specific situations or environments
  • Using marijuana to cope with emotions: Relying on marijuana as the primary method for managing stress, anxiety, depression, or other uncomfortable feelings
  • Anxiety when unable to use: Feeling restless, worried, or distressed when marijuana is unavailable or when circumstances prevent use
  • Loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities: Abandoning hobbies, social activities, or pursuits that once brought satisfaction in favor of marijuana-related activities

Causes and Risk Factors

When working with patients struggling with marijuana addiction, clinicians look at the whole picture. Their genetic makeup, mental health history, and life circumstances all converge to create vulnerability; there’s never just one reason someone develops a cannabis problem. Research shows that addiction risk increases when multiple factors are present simultaneously.

  • Early initiation: Starting before age 18 increases vulnerability.
  • Frequent use: Daily or near-daily use raises dependence risk.
  • Genetic predisposition: Family history increases vulnerability.
  • Mental health conditions: Anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder increase risk.
  • Trauma history: Childhood abuse or household dysfunction elevates vulnerability.
  • Environmental factors: Peer pressure, social normalization, and high availability.
  • Stress: Work, academic, or relationship stress drives marijuana use as self-medication.

Side Effects of Marijuana Abuse

Marijuana abuse affects both physical and mental health in ways that can range from temporary discomfort to long-term impairment. Short-term effects typically appear within minutes to hours after use and may include increased heart rate, bloodshot eyes, dry mouth, and impaired coordination.

The immune system can experience temporary suppression with regular marijuana use. THC and other cannabinoids interact with immune cell receptors, potentially reducing the body’s ability to fight infections. Coordination and motor skills decline during marijuana intoxication, affecting balance, reaction time, and fine motor control for several hours after use.

  • Respiratory irritation, cough, increased phlegm
  • Elevated heart rate
  • Coordination and motor skill impairment
  • Potential temporary immune suppression

Memory and cognitive function suffer with regular marijuana use, particularly when use begins during adolescence. Short-term memory becomes impaired during intoxication, making it difficult to form new memories or recall recent information. Long-term heavy use, especially starting in the teenage years, can lead to lasting changes in brain structure and function that affect learning, attention, and decision-making abilities.

High-THC cannabis products carry a greater risk for triggering psychotic episodes, with symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and paranoia.

Academic and work performance typically decline with regular marijuana use. Students who use marijuana frequently show lower grades, higher dropout rates, and reduced educational attainment compared to non-using peers. In workplace settings, marijuana use correlates with increased absenteeism, more workplace accidents, and higher job turnover.

Relationship problems often emerge as marijuana use becomes more frequent or develops into dependence. Family members and partners may experience frustration with behavioral changes, financial strain from purchasing marijuana, or conflicts about use patterns. Financial difficulties frequently accompany regular marijuana use, particularly when use progresses to cannabis use disorder.

woman experiencing emotional distress from marijuana addiction
client receiving support at a marijuana treatment center during therapy session

Marijuana Addiction Treatment

People overcome marijuana addiction most successfully when treatment addresses both physical withdrawal symptoms and the deeper psychological factors behind use. Peak Path Health provides a retreat-style environment with luxury amenities, chef-prepared meals, yoga, outdoor activities, and holistic wellness practices. Personalized attention, structured care, and integrated therapy help clients disconnect from triggers and focus entirely on recovery.

Treatment begins with gentle, medically supervised detox to help clients manage symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, sleep disruption, and cravings while keeping them comfortable as their body adjusts. From detox, clients transition into Peak Path Health’s 8-week residential program, where the core healing process occurs.

Our drug and alcohol treatment programs combine evidence-based psychotherapies with wellness services to treat the physical, psychological, and behavioral components of cannabis dependency. As treatment concludes, a personalized aftercare plan is crafted to support each client’s transition back home and maintain long-term stability.

Marijuana detox typically involves less medical intensity than detox from substances like alcohol or opioids. Medical supervision during the initial phase of recovery helps manage withdrawal symptoms and provides support as the body adjusts to functioning without cannabis. Withdrawal symptoms from marijuana follow a predictable timeline:

  • Timeline: Withdrawal symptoms typically begin 1-3 days after last use, peak around day 7-10, and can last 2-4 weeks
  • Common symptoms: Irritability, anxiety, sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, mood changes
  • Medical support: Symptom management, nutritional support, sleep aids if needed

Peak Path Health provides medically supervised detox services at facilities in Hollywood Hills and Woodland Hills. The clinical team monitors symptoms throughout the detox process and adjusts support as needed.

Residential treatment for marijuana addiction provides 24/7 support in a structured environment removed from triggers and stressors. The immersive nature of residential care allows individuals to focus entirely on recovery without the distractions and pressures of daily life.

Peak Path Health’s luxury residential facilities maintain high staff-to-client ratios that enable personalized attention throughout treatment. The serene Hollywood Hills and Woodland Hills locations provide outdoor spaces for yoga, physical activity, and experiential therapies.

Therapy plays a central role in treating marijuana addiction by helping individuals understand the psychological, emotional, and behavioral patterns that drive their cannabis use. Evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) teach clients how to manage cravings, cope with triggers, and replace maladaptive habits with healthier responses. Therapy also addresses underlying issues, such as anxiety disorders, depression, trauma, or stress, that often contribute to cannabis dependency.

When combined with a supportive treatment environment, therapy provides a comprehensive foundation for long-term recovery from marijuana addiction. Through structured sessions, clients learn practical skills to regulate emotions, rebuild motivation, and strengthen their ability to maintain sobriety.

The work does not end upon leaving residential treatment. Continued support often becomes a

The continuum of care includes addiction counseling and ongoing support to maintain recovery after leaving the residential program. Aftercare services help clients transition back to daily life while maintaining the skills and strategies learned during treatment. Aftercare also helps reduce the risk of relapse and helps individuals apply skills learned during intensive treatment to real-world situations. Available options include:

  • Intensive outpatient programs (IOP): Structured therapy while living at home
  • Counseling: Individual therapy, group therapy, and family therapy sessions
  • Sober living homes: Transitional housing with peer support
  • Aftercare planning: Ongoing support and relapse prevention

California’s high prevalence of marijuana use creates unique challenges for maintaining recovery. Continued care addresses these location-specific challenges and helps individuals develop strategies for navigating environments where cannabis is readily available.

Marijuana addiction often co-occurs with mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, and bipolar disorder. Peak Path Health provides integrated dual diagnosis treatment in Los Angeles. This approach ensures that underlying mental health challenges are treated alongside substance use, reducing relapse risk and supporting long-term stability.

We offer a retreat-style atmosphere with luxury amenities. Chef-prepared meals, outdoor activities, yoga, and access to nature help restore physical well-being and emotional balance. This serene, supportive environment allows clients to disconnect from triggers and engage deeply in their recovery journey.

Recover From Drug Addiction at Peak Path Health

Marijuana addiction can impact daily functioning, relationships, and mental health. Professional treatment provides support for detox, behavior therapy, and lifestyle changes, improving the chances of long-term recovery. Peak Path Health offers compassionate, evidence-based care for cannabis use disorder at its Hollywood Hills and Woodland Hills locations.

If marijuana use has begun affecting work performance, relationships, or daily functioning, professional treatment can provide the support needed for recovery. Contact Peak Path Health to learn more about the marijuana treatment center services available at the Hollywood Hills and Woodland Hills locations.

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Marijuana Addiction Treatment in Los Angeles, CA


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