Can I smoke weed without being addicted?

Yes, it’s possible to smoke weed without becoming addicted. Weed is just like any other substance or behavior. It feels good, but can become a problem if we use it too often or more than what we want.

There are many people who have tried weed without becoming addicted. About one in eight American adults smoke marijuana, and almost half have tried it once. [1] And with many states legalizing and decriminalizing marijuana, it’s becoming more available for both medical and recreational use.

What healthy marijuana use looks like

People smoke weed for a variety of reasons. For some people, it is prescribed by a medical professional to help with conditions like anxiety, chronic pain, treating nausea from cancer treatment, and many other reasons. [2] For others, they smoke socially to just have a good time and relax.

Here are some examples of healthy marijuana use:

• Smoking occasionally and in moderation
• Using weed as prescribed by a medical professional
• Not exceeding your limits or smoking more than you want to
• Limiting your weed use to certain times and not crossing boundaries you set for yourself
• Being honest with yourself and others about your marijuana use
• Smoking with people and in places where you feel safe

How do I know if smoking weed is a problem for me?

Like any potentially addictive substance or behavior, there is a risk for your use to become a problem. One of the worst things you can do is to not think about your use at all. Especially if you smoke weed or use marijuana regularly. Reflecting on our use is how we keep ourselves safe.

Here are some examples of unhealthy marijuana use:

• Smoking weed feels good, but is also starting to feel bad
• Feeling like you can’t quit or stop when you want to
• Using marijuana just because it’s a habit and not thinking about why you do it
• Smoking doesn’t feel good to you anymore, but you keep doing it.
• Lying about your marijuana use
• Making bad, risky, or unsafe decisions while smoking – like driving while using or smoking at work or school
• Fighting with others about your marijuana use
• Not showing up for responsibilities like at school, work, relationships, etc.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like increased anxiety, depressed mood, trouble sleeping, headaches, irritability, and more when you stop smoking [2]

If you can say yes to any of the experiences above, it is a good indicator that smoking has become more of a problem than you might have thought.

Knowing yourself and setting boundaries

If you smoke weed, it’s worth it to make sure that you are doing it in a way that is physically and mentally safe. Also, making sure that you are not using smoking weed as a coping skill. And if you are smoking with others, then you are smoking around people who make you feel safe, comfortable, and who you trust. You can use the lists above as a starting point for exploring your healthy and unhealthy behaviors. Start to set limits with yourself and see whether or not you’re able to follow through.

If you still aren’t sure and want to explore additional questions, take our addiction test. While it’s not an official diagnosis, it can help you decide what your steps will be going forward.

If you are reading this article, and feel that your weed use is a problem, know that there is support. You are not alone. You can call SAMHSA’s National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357), find treatment or a support group near you, or reach out to friends or loved ones. Or if you are ready, can you find a mental health professional who can help you.

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