{"id":3770,"date":"2021-12-12T17:29:00","date_gmt":"2021-12-12T22:29:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/?page_id=3770"},"modified":"2022-09-22T14:30:10","modified_gmt":"2022-09-22T18:30:10","slug":"marijuana-gateway-drug","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.therecoveryvillage.com\/marijuana-addiction\/marijuana-gateway-drug\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Marijuana a Gateway Drug?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Marijuana<\/a>, also known as cannabis, is one of the most common and one of the most widely used drugs in the world. It can be smoked or ingested to induce a relaxing high. Though seen as a \u201cnatural\u201d or \u201corganic\u201d drug, marijuana can still be very harmful and may lead to risky behaviors, including the use of other dangerous substances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Is Marijuana Addictive?<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Of those who use marijuana, 1 in 11 will struggle with addiction or marijuana use disorder, a physical and psychological dependence on the drug. Marijuana can act as a stimulant, providing a brief burst of energy and confidence. It can also act as a depressant, which makes it a top choice for those struggling with anxiety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marijuana users struggling with mental illnesses or other issues may rely on the drug for calmness, temporarily escaping from their problems, which only leaves them to resurface later. However, once the brain has developed a tolerance to the drug, someone using the drug will have to use stronger versions or higher doses of marijuana to achieve the same high. This leads to a dependence that could result in addiction or overdose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though cannabis may provide temporary relief and calm, continued use can result in a number of side effects and may worsen symptoms of mental illness. Some of the most common side effects from frequent marijuana use include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n