Does Medicinal Cannabis Cause Addiction? The Science Behind Dependency

Cannabis often sparks big debates – some people swear it’s completely safe, while others worry about dependency. But where does medicinal cannabis actually fit in? Can you get addicted to it? And how does it compare to other prescribed medications?

At Cannabis Clinic, we’re all about education and breaking stigma. So, let’s dive into what the research really says about cannabis, addiction, and the role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in all of this.

First, What Is Addiction?

Before we talk about cannabis, let’s define addiction.

Addiction isn’t just using something regularly. It’s when a substance hijacks the brain’s reward system, making a person compulsively seek it out – even when it causes harm.

Common signs of addiction include:

• Loss of control over use
• Continued use despite negative consequences
• Cravings and withdrawal symptoms

Not all substances cause addiction in the same way. Opioids, nicotine, and alcohol, for example, have a much higher addiction potential than cannabis. But does that mean cannabis is completely risk-free? Not quite – so let’s break it down.

Understanding Medicinal Cannabis & the Endocannabinoid System

Unlike many addictive substances, cannabis works by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) – a natural system designed to help regulate mood, pain, sleep, and immune function¹.

The ECS is made up of cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), which are found throughout the body. Your body already makes its own cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) to help keep things balanced.

Medicinal cannabis contains phytocannabinoids (plant-based cannabinoids) like:

THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) – the psychoactive compound that binds to CB1 receptors in the brain
CBD (Cannabidiol) – a non-intoxicating compound that influences the ECS without producing a high

The ECS is already a natural part of your body, however, THC can cause dependence in certain situations – so let’s look at when that happens.

Is Medicinal Cannabis Addictive?

The short answer: It depends.

Let’s break it down into two key areas: THC vs. CBD.

THC & Dependence

THC interacts directly with CB1 receptors in the brain – producing effects like relaxation, pain relief, and euphoria. In higher doses or long-term use, THC can cause withdrawal symptoms when stopped, such as:

• Irritability
• Sleep disturbances
• Decreased appetite

This is called Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD), which is estimated to affect about 9% of cannabis users overall, but rates are much lower in medicinal users compared to recreational users³.

However, compared to alcohol (15%) and nicotine (32%), cannabis has a much lower risk of addiction⁴.

CBD & Dependence

CBD, on the other hand, does not produce a high and has no known addictive properties. In fact, research suggests that CBD may actually reduce cravings in people with substance use disorders, including opioid addiction⁵.

This is why many medicinal cannabis products are CBD-dominant, making them a safer option for long-term use.

How Does Cannabis Compare to Other Medications?

One of the biggest reasons patients turn to medicinal cannabis is because traditional medications come with risks too.

Here’s how medicinal cannabis stacks up against some common alternatives:

Substance	Addiction Risk	Withdrawal Symptoms	Overdose Risk
Opioids (e.g., morphine, oxycodone)	High (up to 30%)⁶	Severe	High
Benzodiazepines (e.g., Valium, Xanax)	High	Severe	High
Alcohol	High	Severe	High
Nicotine	Very High	Moderate	Low
Medicinal Cannabis (THC-heavy)	Low to Moderate	Mild	None
CBD-dominant Medicinal Cannabis	None	None	None

The biggest takeaway? Cannabis carries a significantly lower risk of addiction than many prescription medications, and there is no recorded instance of a fatal cannabis overdose⁷.

Dependence vs. Addiction: What’s the Difference?

A common misconception is that dependence and addiction are the same thing – they’re not.

• Dependence = Dependence is characterised by the symptoms of tolerance and withdrawal. Your body adjusts to regular cannabis use, and you might feel withdrawal symptoms if you stop suddenly.
• Addiction = A compulsive, uncontrollable need to use cannabis, even when it’s harming your life.

Most medicinal cannabis users do not develop addiction – especially when using low doses, CBD-dominant formulas, and medical guidance.

How to Reduce the Risk of Dependence

If you’re using medicinal cannabis, there are simple ways to minimise any risk of dependency:

Follow medical advice – Stick to your prescribed dose and schedule
Use CBD-dominant products – CBD helps balance THC’s effects
Take breaks if needed – Short “tolerance breaks” can keep THC effective
Monitor your use – Keep track of how you feel to ensure it remains helpful

If you ever feel like you’re relying on medicinal cannabis in an unhealthy way, talk to your doctor – they can help adjust your treatment plan.

Breaking the Stigma: Understanding the Reality of Medicinal Cannabis

While cannabis can certainly be addictive in some cases, this risk is warped by stigma and misinformation. For decades, cannabis was lumped in with highly addictive drugs, despite research proving otherwise.

At Cannabis Clinic, we’re committed to education, advocacy, and better patient access. If you want to dive deeper into this conversation, check out:

Separating Fact from Fiction: Debunking 10 Medical Cannabis Myths
Understanding Medicinal Cannabis: How It Interacts with Your Body

Final Thoughts: A Balanced Approach

So, does medicinal cannabis cause addiction?

For most patients, the answer is no – especially when used responsibly under medical supervision. THC can lead to mild dependence, but CBD does not, and cannabis has a much lower addiction risk than many prescription medications.

If you have any concerns, the best thing you can do is talk to a professional. Our team at Cannabis Clinic is here to help.

Book a consultation today to get personalised advice about medicinal cannabis and your health.

References (Peer-Reviewed Studies & Resources)

1. Lu, H. C., & Mackie, K. (2016). An Introduction to the Endocannabinoid System. Biochemical Pharmacology, 113, 1-7.
2. Russo, E. B. (2019). The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9, 1969.
3. Hasin, D. S. (2018). US Epidemiology of Cannabis Use and Associated Problems. Neuropsychopharmacology, 43(1), 195-212.
4. Volkow, N. D., et al. (2014). Adverse Health Effects of Marijuana Use. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(23), 2219-2227.
5. Hurd, Y. L. (2019). Cannabidiol for the Reduction of Cue-Induced Craving and Anxiety. The American Journal of Psychiatry, 176(11), 911-922.
6. Vowles, K. E., et al. (2015). Rates of Opioid Misuse in Chronic Pain. Pain, 156(4), 569-576.
7. Galli, J. A., et al. (2019). Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome. The Journal of Emergency Medicine, 57(5), 674-684.