When Weed Use
Becomes Too Much
Improve your cannabis knowledge to inform your use
When Weed Use
1 in 10 Mainers
show signs of a dependence on weed
1 in 10 Mainers
show signs of a dependence on weed
Signs of dependence are hard to see. What starts as using more often or trying a stronger strain can turn into dependence and lead to Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD).
This happens when your weed use starts to negatively impact your life—from your relationships to your physical health.
This happens when your weed use starts to negatively impact your life—from your relationships to your physical health.
Know When to Check Your Use
6 ways to know you may need to cut back or stop
Spending more money
than you would like
than you would like
Getting frustrated or feeling anxious without weed
Choosing to get high over
seeing friends or family
seeing friends or family
Being high at the
wrong times, like at work
or while driving
wrong times, like at work
or while driving
Using weed instead of
being productive, like going to the gym or adulting
being productive, like going to the gym or adulting
Feeling guilty or
wishing to not use as much
wishing to not use as much
How to Cut Back
Ask why you
want weed
want weed
Is it for stress or to escape what’s going on in your life? Knowing the times, feelings, and situations that make you want to get high can help you cut back.
Watch how much
you’re using
you’re using
Track your cannabis intake for the week. If it’s gone up more than you want, try taking more days off and reducing your weekly amount by a quarter.
Keep your weed
out of sight
out of sight
Store your supply out of the way so it’s not top of mind. Try putting items in different places (lighter in the kitchen, bowl in a drawer, etc.) to make it less of an easy reach. Plus, it helps keep your weed away from pets or kids.
Stay busy with
other activities
other activities
Choose “not high” activities. Feeling bored may make you think about using, even when you otherwise wouldn’t. For example, exercise is a great way to feel good and get a natural high from the endorphins.
Tell others you’re cutting back
Let your friends and family know you’re trying to limit your weed intake. It might seem awkward at first, but sharing your reasons why will help you make the change.
How THC Can
Affect Your Brain
Tolerance
The CB1 brain receptors in the
endocannabinoid system become less sensitive to THC from long periods of regular use. This means your brain needs more and more THC to achieve the same “high” effect. 1,2
endocannabinoid system become less sensitive to THC from long periods of regular use. This means your brain needs more and more THC to achieve the same “high” effect. 1,2
Stress Levels
You’re more likely to develop a dependence if you have weed on a regular basis to deal with the stress and anxiety in your life. 3,4
Brain Development
Even though it’s legal in Maine, using before age 25 can affect the amygdala—the part of the brain responsible for processing anxiety, fear, and stress. This can make it harder to manage stress and anxiety in the long-term. 5,6
Mental Health
It’s possible the symptoms you’re trying to treat or mask with THC can return more when you stop. 7,8
