Addicted to Marijuana- that’s not possible, it’s natural!

Understanding Cannabis in Oregon: Balance in a Changing Landscape

Oregon's evolving cannabis laws have brought both relief and new challenges. While legalization has eased many concerns, some find that cannabis has shifted from an occasional choice to a constant companion, affecting how they experience joy and handle emotions.

Today's cannabis is strikingly different from its natural form. While traditional cannabis contains around 2% THC, modern strains reach 20-30% – levels our brains weren't designed to process. Even more potent are concentrates like dabs and vape oils, approaching 90% THC.

As noted in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics:

"Chronic cannabis users typically experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms when use is discontinued. These symptoms are much less severe than those associated with withdrawal from chronic opioid or depressant use, but aversive enough to encourage continued cannabis use and interfere with cessation attempts in some individuals."

Many use cannabis to manage underlying conditions like depression, ADHD, or anxiety. When trying to reduce use, they may experience temperature regulation issues, disrupted appetite, severe insomnia, and heightened anxiety. These withdrawal effects can create a cycle that reinforces continued use.

The good news? Your brain has its own endocannabinoid system, capable of producing natural rewards through healthy activities like exercise, creative pursuits, meaningful social connections, and good nutrition. While there's no FDA-approved medication specifically for cannabis dependency, psychiatric care can help address the underlying mental health conditions that often lead to self-medication.