For Professionals

Marijuana addiction is much less socially visible than alcoholism or heroin addiction, in which one can easily witness problems such as driving under the influence or development of serious infections like HIV or hepatitis. The other drugs tend to cause more obvious problems when addiction takes hold.

Studies show that about 9% of those who use marijuana become addicted to it. The unfortunate truth is that the lack of serious, early consequences to marijuana addiction allow for a long, slow decline, often without recognition, resulting in later-stage addiction before the problem is confronted.

An individual may wake up years into this chronic illness, without a reasonable understanding of how their life got so far off track. Often one has no major medical or legal problems, no sudden tragedy that drives the search for an answer. However, isolation from friends and family, loss of interest and lack of participation in those activities that used to bring joy, and the crushing weight of missed opportunities add up.

Marvin D. Seppala, MD
Chief Medical Officer, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

[Life with Hope, 3rd Ed.]
From https://marijuana-anonymous.org/pamphlets/a-doctors-opinion-about-marijuana-addiction/

The highly potent THC levels in today’s marijuana products are linked to serious health concerns, including cannabis-induced psychosis and Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), a condition affecting an estimated 2.75 million people in the U.S. annually.

Marijuana Anonymous is a 12-Step program modelled after Alcoholics Anonymous, offering a supportive community and proven framework for recovery. For members who have struggled with marijuana dependency, MA provides the tools needed to live fulfilling lives, free from the compulsion to use marijuana.

Despite references to "God" and "Higher Power" in the program, MA is not affiliated with any religion, making it inclusive for people of all beliefs, including atheists and agnostics. (The Overlooked Danger of Marijuana Dependency)