Marijuana can be addictive, especially for those who start using it in their teens. About 1 in 10 marijuana users will become addicted; this increases to about 1 in 6 for those who begin using before the age of 18.

Marijuana users who are dependent on the drug experience withdrawal symptoms when not using the drug. Withdrawal symptoms incude: irritability, mood and sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, cravings, and restlessness.

Marijuana users who are addicted cannot stop using the drug even when it's causing health and social problems in their life.

If you or a loved one is struggling with marijuana use, the resources below can help.

Newton Health and Human Services Department:
617-796-1420
(M-F, 8:30-5) Available for consults to find resources

MA Substance Use Helpline
800-327-5050 | helplinema.org
Referrals to public & private treatment programs

Interface Referral Service
888-244-6843
(M-F, 9-5) Consults and personalized referrals for outpatient treatment

Allies in Recovery
alliesinrecovery.net
Online learning platform for family members struggling with a loved one's addiction

A fatal overdose is unlikely. However, using high concentrations of THC can lead to poisoning, injuries, and accidents. The symptoms of using too much marijuana are similar to the typical effects of using marijuana, but more severe. These symptoms may include: extreme confusion, anxiety, paranoia, panic, fast heart rate, delusions or hallucinations, increased blood pressure and severe nausea/vomiting. If someone has used marijuana and is having trouble breathing, has pale skin, or is unresponsive, call 911.

It is illegal and dangerous to drive while under the influence of marijuana. Marijuana negatively affects the skills you need to drive safely and can double the risk of a motor vehicle crash.

Because marijuana contains THC, there are health risks associated with using marijuana regardless of how it is used. However, some risks may differ by the way it is used. Smoke from marijuana contains many of the same toxins, irritants, and carcinogens as tobacco smoke. Smoking marijuana can lead to a greater risk of bronchitis, cough, and phlegm production.

Edibles take longer to produce an effect. People who are expecting quick results (as with smoking marijuana) may believe the initial dose wasn't enough to have an effect and consume additional doses. This can lead to people consuming very high doses and result in negative effects like anxiety, paranoia, and, in rare cases, an extreme psychotic reaction (e.g., delusions, hallucination, talking incoherently, and agitation). If you decide to try edibles, follow these tips:

1. Edibles can take up to 4 hours to take effect - start low and go slow. Start with one serving (or less) and wait several hours to see how it affects you before taking more.
2. Edibles can cause effects that last longer than expected. How they affect you depends on your age, your metabolism, the amount you eat, and medications or alcohol used at the same time.
3. Carefully read the product label, which will tell you serving size and amount of THC in each serving size (in Massachusetts, an individual serving size of any marijuana product cannot contain more than 5 mg of THC), cannabinoid profile, and directions for use.
4. Kids and pets (and unsuspecting adults) can mistake marijuana products for regular food or candy. Store your products safely and securely and out of reach of children and pets.

You cannot smoke adult use marijuana in a place where you are prohibited from smoking tobacco and you cannot consume adult use marijuana in a public place.

Employers can restrict the consumption of marijuana in the workplace and may require drug testing for marijuana.

It is legal to have marijuana anywhere in MA as long as it was purchased from a licensed store. Remember, it is only legal to have up to one ounce of marijuana with you at a time and it should be stored out of reach when driving. It is illegal to cross state lines with marijuana.

CBD (cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid derived from hemp. Unlike THC, current research suggests it is non-addictive and non-psychoactive (does not make you high). Some research suggests CBD is effective in treating seizures. There has only been limited research on the efficacy of CBD for treating all other health conditions. Non-prescription CBD products are currently unregulated and not approved by the FDA.

Synthetic marijuana, commonly called Spice, K2, or Herbal Incense consists of plant material containing illegal synthetic cannabinoids (not made from the marijuana plant). Synthetic marijuana is not the same as marijuana and it is dangerous and unpredictable. A range of chemicals are in different products, so it is hard to know what the effects will be. Although they act on the same parts of the brain as THC, synthetic marijuana's powerful chemicals can trigger stronger, more severe reactions such as mental breaks (psychoses) and even death. Other side effects reported from the use of synthetic marijuana are: Increased heart rate, breathing problems, kidney damage, vomiting, and violent or suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Learn more.

In Massachusetts, marijuana can be purchased at any state-licensed dispensary. Buying marijuana anywhere else is illegal.