Marijuana Abuse: What Are the Signs?

Has a friend or family member recently started to act strangely? Have you started to suspect that they are abusing a substance, but you’re not sure if they actually are or what substance they might be abusing? Marijuana is the most commonly abused illicit substance in the United States, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Some people believe that marijuana is a gateway (or “starter”) drug that can lead to abuse of other substances. If you believe that someone you know is abusing a substance, the clues and information that are provided below can help you evaluate whether or not that person is abusing or addicted to marijuana or another illicit substance.

What is marijuana?

Marijuana comes from one of two plant species, and the active chemical (THC) may be present in a user’s system for months after the last use. Prolonged use can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. For more information on marijuana, its history, and the effects of its extended use, visit our marijuana page or read Then & Now: Past & Present Use of Marijuana.

Is there a difference between marijuana abuse and marijuana addiction?

In the medical community, addiction is a complicated concept that is grounded in the ideas of tolerance and dependence. Addiction is a chronic disease condition that is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. People who become addicted to a substance may need the substance in greater doses and/or with greater frequency to achieve the same effect, and they start to depend on it physically, psychologically, or both; a key sign of dependence is withdrawal symptoms when the substance is discontinued.

When a person abuses a substance, they use it in a way that is inappropriate for the situation they are in. Although it is possible for a person to abuse a substance without developing an addiction to it, abuse is often a step on the path toward addiction. In other words, if you notice a pattern of abuse, it may benefit your loved one to intervene on the chance that their behaviors could turn into addiction.

What are the signs of marijuana use?

Physical Clues

• Smells like marijuana (somewhat sweet, like burnt basil)
• Bloodshot eyes
• Dry mouth

(Although it is commonly believed that pupil size is an indicator of use, this is unlikely to be helpful in detecting marijuana use, specifically.)

Emotional Clues

• Silliness/giggling
• Stress- and anxiety-free
• Elevated mood that may seem inappropriate for the situation

Verbal Clues

• Slurred or delayed speech
• Comments about slowed time
• Comments about heightened sensory experiences (for example, “Wow, the color of this wall is so intense.”)
• Difficulty expressing themselves clearly

Behavioral Clues

• Feeling drowsy or tired
• Easily distracted
• Cravings and increased appetite
• Problems understanding/thinking/remembering
• Using eye drops
• Impaired or uncoordinated movements

Which of these signs is specific to marijuana use?<

Some of the above clues are commonly associated with other types of drug use/abuse. However, marijuana use, in particular, is associated with increased appetite, giggling, smelling like marijuana, and comments about sensory experiences.

What should I do if I suspect that my loved one is abusing or addicted to marijuana?<

Addiction often surprises family and friends of addicts because addicts become good at hiding or minimizing their problem. Often, by the time someone notices that something is wrong, the addiction is far advanced. If you find yourself in this situation, we encourage you to call eDrugRehab today. Our addiction and intervention specialists can help you determine if your loved one has a problem with marijuana and/or another substance, arrange an intervention, and select an appropriate rehab facility to meet their needs, if necessary. Visit the contact us page to speak with someone today.