Marijuana is a popular substance that produces pleasurable effects. Those who smoke or ingest weed may feel calmer, happier, more relaxed, and less grounded in their reality. Once you try marijuana for the first time, it’s easy to want to keep smoking to experience the effects over again. Yet, how much marijuana do you have to use, and how often to be considered a chronic weed user? It is possible to become dependent on cannabis. However, cannabis addiction occurs over time, not after only one or two uses. So, when does weed use become a problem?
Heavy marijuana use, often referred to as smoking cannabis in large amounts over a prolonged period, can lead to significant negative consequences for both mental and physical health. Studies from the National Institute on Drug Abuse highlight that heavy cannabis use is associated with cognitive impairments, particularly affecting executive function and memory.
The negative impact of heavy cannabis use extends beyond cognitive health, influencing overall health and well-being. As cannabis becomes more widely used for both medical and recreational purposes, it’s important to recognize the risks associated with heavy usage, including the potential for marijuana addiction and the long-term effects of cannabis on physical health and cognitive development.
What Is Considered a Chronic User of Weed?
A chronic weed user is a person who uses marijuana daily or near daily for an extended period of time. This could be months up to years. The longer someone uses weed, the more dependent they will become on the substance. Thus, someone who is a chronic, long-term weed user will have a more challenging time quitting than someone who is casual in their use. If you’re a chronic weed user, you may be dependent on cannabis. In this case, you’ll find it incredibly difficult to quit on your own.
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Occasional vs Regular vs Chronic Marijuana Use
Occasional marijuana users are people who sometimes smoke or ingest weed, such as when they’re at an event. They have used marijuana or cannabis products before but don’t regularly use them or have them on hand. Contrarily, regular weed users smoke or use cannabis often but not necessarily consistently. When they run out of supply, they will likely purchase more because weed plays some kind of regular role in their life. From here, it’s possible to develop chronic marijuana use. This last stage is defined as ongoing, consistent marijuana use, up to daily.
How Long Will Weed Stay in the System of a Chronic User?
How long weed stays in your system depends on a few factors, including how much you use and how often. Thus, chronic weed users will have marijuana remain in their bodies for longer than occasional users. In their blood, marijuana may be traceable for up to 25 days. Similarly, weed traces may stay in their saliva for 24-48 hours, in their urine for up to 30 days, and in their hair for 3 months. However, if a person is a chronic user, their blood, urine, and saliva will always detect weed because they’re using it almost daily.
Signs of Chronic Marijuana Use
You might be a chronic user if you can’t stop using weed on your own, often crave more, and spend a lot of time thinking about your next hit. In the same way, you might find your life revolving around weed. For example, you may cancel plans where you won’t be able to smoke.
What Does Chronic Marijuana Use Do to the Brain?
Research has discovered that long-term, regular weed use can damage your brain cognition and functioning. For instance, potential consequences include lower I.Q., slower processing, and difficulties with memory and attention. Studies show the brain’s neurochemistry adapts over time in response to marijuana. This results in greater negative effects the longer you remain a chronic user.
Does Eating Weed Gummies Make You a Chronic User?
Regardless of the way you consume weed, you can become a chronic user. Thus, the form of marijuana matters less than how frequently you use weed when it comes to your relationship with cannabis. If you are using weed daily, or near daily, you’re on the path to chronic use over time. The best way to overcome cannabis addiction is with professional treatment.
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