Marijuana Abuse
It’s Different For Everyone
Understanding When Recreational Marijuana Use Becomes Problematic
Problematic use of recreational marijuana doesn’t look the same for everyone. While addictions professionals have formal criteria for diagnosing cannabis use disorder, most people first notice a quieter shift in their relationship with weed.
For some, it’s using more often than they intended or realizing their monthly spending on cannabis is creeping beyond their budget. Others notice they’re thinking about getting high after work more frequently, or that their social circle is gradually shifting toward people who also use. Some individuals describe craving the feeling of being high and planning ahead for when they can use next.
These are just a few examples—there are many ways marijuana use can begin to feel less like a choice and more like a pattern that’s hard to interrupt.
The key is understanding what problematic use looks like for you.
The Health → Unhealthy Spectrum of Use
Recreational marijuana use exists on a spectrum. The further someone moves along that spectrum, the harder it becomes to regulate their consumption—and the more likely they are to experience consequences in their daily life.
Healthy → Moderate → Risky → Problematic
This framework helps clarify that cannabis use isn’t simply “fine” or “not fine.” It’s about noticing where your own patterns fall, how they’re shifting over time, and whether your use still aligns with the life you want to live.
