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American Addiction Centers National Rehabs Directory

Marijuana Addiction Treatment Programs & Rehabs

Marijuana is the term for the dried leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds of the Cannabis plant.1 Marijuana is a psychoactive substance that contains the mind-altering chemical THC and other chemical compounds.1

Although marijuana is now legal in some states, it still can pose risks to the user. If marijuana is misused or used excessively, it can lead to addiction and may have short- and long-term adverse effects.1 In 2021, 5.8% of Americans ages 12 and older (16.3 million people) were diagnosed with a marijuana use disorder, the term used by medical professionals to describe addiction.2 Higher THC levels in cultivated marijuana strains as well as marijuana products like vapes or edibles can pose greater dangers including a greater risk for dependence and addiction.1,3

If you believe that you or someone you know may have a problem with marijuana use, help is available. Read on to find out more about:

  • What marijuana does to the brain and body.
  • The effects of marijuana use in the short and long terms.
  • Treatment options for marijuana use.
  • How to find the right marijuana addiction treatment for you.

Marijuana Use, Misuse, and Addiction

Marijuana is the most commonly used drugs besides tobacco or alcohol.1 It is typically used by smoking, either in the form of hand-rolled cigarettes called joints, in emptied-out cigars called blunts, or in pipes or water pipes called bongs.1 These devices work by pulling the active ingredients from marijuana, including THC, into a smoke which is then inhaled.1 Marijuana may also be inhaled using a vape pen or other type of vaporizer, and can also be consumed by mixing it with food, called “edibles,” or brewing it as tea.1

People typically use marijuana for its intoxicating effects. You will feel these effects within 30 to 60 minutes after smoking, though it may be longer if you have ingested marijuana in the form of an edible.1

It is worth noting that the amount of THC found in marijuana has been increasing in recent years, leading to a higher chance of negative consequences from using it.1 Higher doses of THC are more likely to produce anxiety, agitation, paranoia, and psychosis and may also pose greater risk of addiction, especially if you are repeatedly using large amounts of marijuana over time.1,3

When used, the effects of marijuana may include:1

  • Altered senses, such as seeing brighter colors.
  • Altered sense of time passing.
  • Changes in mood, either positive or negative.
  • Impaired motor function or body movement.
  • Difficulty thinking clearly or solving problems.
  • Difficulty remembering things.

When taken in high doses, which means a higher level of THC:1

  • Increased risk of experiencing hallucinations or delusions.
  • Increased risk of psychosis.

Treatment for Marijuana Addiction

If you or someone you know is misusing marijuana, help is available. Treatment options can vary in duration, intensity, and setting, as well as other factors. It is important to remember that no single marijuana addiction treatment center is right for everyone, and treatment should be individualized to meet your needs to be most helpful.4

Treatment can take place across different settings but is often provided through outpatient behavioral treatment or residential (inpatient) treatment. Outpatient rehab programs involve visiting a behavioral health professional on a regular schedule for individual or group therapy appointments, while living at home.4 Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) involve attending multiple sessions per week, and over time, transitioning to fewer sessions that are shorter in length.4 IOP treatment is a fairly common approach to marijuana addiction.

In addition, inpatient treatment can be very effective for people with severe marijuana addictions or who are addicted to additional substances.4 Residents in an inpatient facility stay at their program 24/7 and are dedicated to living a drug-free lifestyle by following a more structured routine.4

Are you questioning if you have a problem or need help? Take our marijuana addiction quiz for information.

Finding the Right Marijuana Addiction Treatment

Finding the right treatment for marijuana addiction is an essential part of ensuring your long-term recovery. People who use marijuana can be at higher risk of negative health consequences, such as difficulty with attention, memory, and learning.3 Furthermore, people who start using marijuana in youth or adolescence, or those who use marijuana more frequently, particularly at higher doses, are at an elevated risk of developing marijuana use disorder.3 If you are concerned about your marijuana use, it is important to get help sooner rather than later.

Taking the first step into treatment can be daunting. It is always a good idea to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider about your marijuana addiction to receive a thorough assessment of your medical, psychological, and other needs. They will provide you with a level of care recommendation in terms of what setting, frequency, and intensity of treatment would best suit your personal needs as you look for marijuana addiction help.

From there, you will have a number of factors to consider when choosing a marijuana addiction treatment program. For example, does the marijuana rehab accept your insurance coverage? What level or levels of care does the marijuana rehab center provide? What do reviews from other people like you say about their experience with rehab for marijuana? There is a lot to think about, but you are not alone.

If you or a loved one need help for cannabis use disorder treatment, contact American Addiction Centers at to learn more about treatment options for those struggling with marijuana use and addiction.

Help is available today through a free, private phone consultation. Our helpful admissions navigators can help you to verify your insurance benefits and find the treatment option that meets your unique needs. You can also easily and quickly check if your insurance is in-network by filling out the form below.

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