Indore, MP
Cannabis is often seen as harmless, but regular use can lead to dependence, withdrawal, and significant disruption to motivation, memory, and daily functioning. Help is available.
Recognising the Signs
If you experience any of the following, talk to a professional.
Many people believe that cannabis is not addictive because it is less harmful than alcohol or opioids. This is not accurate. Approximately 9% of users develop dependence, and withdrawal causes real symptoms. The perception of harmlessness is one of the biggest barriers to treatment. If you are struggling to quit despite wanting to, that is dependence, and it is treatable.
Understanding the difference
| Feature | Casual Use | Cannabis Use Disorder |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Occasional, social or recreational | Daily or near-daily use |
| Control | Can easily skip or limit use | Repeated attempts to cut down have failed |
| Withdrawal | No withdrawal symptoms when not using | Irritability, anxiety, insomnia, cravings when stopping |
| Impact | No significant effect on daily functioning | Impaired motivation, memory, work, or relationships |
| Coping | Used for recreation, not to manage emotions | Used to manage stress, anxiety, boredom, or sleep |
About this Condition
Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) involves problematic use of cannabis, including marijuana (ganja), hashish (charas), hash oil, and bhang, leading to significant impairment and distress. While cannabis is increasingly legalised and normalised globally, it remains a controlled substance in India, and its addictive potential is real.
In India, cannabis use is widespread. Bhang, a cannabis preparation, is culturally consumed during Holi in many states. Ganja and charas are commonly used recreationally, particularly among young adults. The perception that cannabis is not addictive is one of the biggest barriers to treatment-seeking. Studies show that approximately 9% of people who use cannabis will develop dependence, rising to 17% for those who start in adolescence.
Cannabis affects the brain by binding to endocannabinoid receptors, altering dopamine release, and impairing the prefrontal cortex (responsible for decision-making, attention, and memory). Chronic use leads to tolerance (needing more for the same effect) and withdrawal symptoms when use stops.
Cannabis withdrawal is real and well-documented. Symptoms include irritability, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, decreased appetite, cravings, and depressed mood. While not life-threatening like alcohol withdrawal, cannabis withdrawal is uncomfortable enough to drive relapse in many people.
Regular cannabis use has documented effects on cognition, memory, motivation, and mental health. Heavy use, particularly when started in adolescence, is associated with impaired memory, reduced motivation, poor academic and work performance, and an increased risk of developing or worsening psychiatric conditions including depression, anxiety, and psychosis in vulnerable individuals.
Cannabis is not physically addictive in the same way as opioids or alcohol, but psychological dependence can be strong. Many people use cannabis daily for years, believing they can stop anytime, only to find that withdrawal symptoms and habitual patterns make quitting difficult without support.
Understanding the roots
Cannabis binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, altering dopamine release and impairing the prefrontal cortex. Over time, the brain reduces its own endocannabinoid production, creating dependence.
Daily cannabis use becomes deeply embedded in routines, morning joint, evening smoke, before bed. These habits create powerful conditioned cravings that persist even after physical dependence resolves.
Many people use cannabis to manage stress, anxiety, boredom, or sleep difficulties. Without developing alternative coping strategies, quitting feels impossible because the substance is being used as an emotional regulation tool.
The belief that cannabis is not addictive prevents many people from seeking help. This perception delays treatment and allows dependence to deepen over months or years.
Clinical Profile
These are the most commonly reported signs.
By the numbers
Dependence Risk
~9%
of cannabis users develop dependence (17% if started in adolescence)
Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
India Cannabis Users
~30M
estimated regular cannabis users in India
Source: UNODC World Drug Report
Treatment Response
50 to 70%
of patients improve significantly with CBT-based treatment
Source: Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment
Outcomes
Before Your Visit
Knowing what to expect can ease the anxiety of your first appointment.
The Process
How we deliver treatment in Indore
A thorough evaluation of your cannabis use, type, quantity, frequency, duration, and impact on daily life. Co-occurring conditions are screened for. Quitting goals are discussed.
CBT helps identify triggers and develop alternative coping strategies. MET addresses ambivalence about change. Withdrawal management strategies are provided.
Weekly sessions focus on building skills, managing cravings, and addressing the psychological patterns maintaining use. Homework and practice between sessions are essential.
Once cannabis-free, the focus shifts to maintaining gains, managing triggers, and preventing relapse. Co-occurring conditions are monitored and treated.
Questions
Yes. Approximately 9% of cannabis users develop dependence, rising to 17% for those who start in adolescence. Cannabis withdrawal is well-documented, causing irritability, anxiety, insomnia, cravings, and depressed mood. While not as severe as alcohol or opioid withdrawal, it is uncomfortable enough to drive relapse in many people.
Cannabis withdrawal typically begins within 1 to 2 days of stopping regular use, peaks within 1 to 2 weeks, and subsides within 4 to 6 weeks. Symptoms include irritability, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, decreased appetite, cravings, and depressed mood. While not life-threatening, it is uncomfortable and is a common reason for relapse.
Regular cannabis use can worsen or trigger depression, anxiety, and in vulnerable individuals (those with genetic risk), psychosis. Heavy use starting in adolescence is associated with an increased risk of psychotic disorders. Treating cannabis use often improves these co-occurring conditions.
Most people benefit from 8 to 16 sessions of CBT-based therapy. Withdrawal symptoms typically resolve within 4 to 6 weeks. Some people benefit from longer-term support, particularly if co-occurring conditions are present. I give you a realistic timeline after the first evaluation.
Bhang contains the same active compounds (THC) as ganja, though the onset and duration of effects differ due to oral consumption. Regular bhang use can cause the same dependence, withdrawal, and cognitive effects as other forms of cannabis. All forms of regular cannabis use carry similar risks.
While some people use cannabis to manage anxiety, regular use typically worsens anxiety over time. Cannabis can cause acute anxiety and paranoia, especially at high doses, and withdrawal causes significant anxiety. For most people with anxiety disorders, cannabis is counterproductive and evidence-based treatments (CBT, medication) are more effective and safer.
Amotivational syndrome refers to reduced drive, ambition, and engagement with daily life that can develop with chronic cannabis use. It involves apathy, poor concentration, reduced goal-directed behaviour, and social withdrawal. It is often mistaken for laziness but is a real neurological effect of chronic cannabis use on the prefrontal cortex.
Both substances carry risks, and the comparison depends on how they are used. Occasional cannabis use is generally less harmful than heavy alcohol use. However, chronic daily cannabis use carries significant risks to memory, motivation, mental health, and lung health (if smoked). Neither is risk-free.
Your Doctor
I provide evidence-based treatment for cannabis use disorder, combining CBT with motivational enhancement therapy and withdrawal support. I address co-occurring conditions that frequently accompany cannabis dependence. My clinic is based in Indore and sees patients from across Madhya Pradesh.
Learn more about Dr RajvardhanExplore
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