Marijuana contains a mind-altering chemical called tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC. Heavy use of marijuana, according to a 2003 study by Harrison Pope, published in the journal "Drug and Alcohol Dependence," can impair a young person's ability to concentrate and retain information. The National Institutes of Health reports that marijuana is an addictive drug. In laboratory testing, animals forced to withdraw from cannabis addiction show an increase in stress-response hormones. If somebody you know uses pot often, is harming herself or others and experiencing negative effects in social functioning, there's a possibility that she could be addicted to marijuana.
Step 1
Organize a drug intervention. Invite people who are affected by your friend's marijuana addiction and care to see him get better, explains Orchid, a drug and alcohol rehab in South Florida. Intervention participants will read a personal statement explaining how the user is worthwhile then list specific incidences in which they were hurt by the addict's behavior because of marijuana.
Step 2
Initiate boundaries that put your well being first, says life coach Cheryl Richardson. If your friend is in your car and she has marijuana, you could get arrested. If your friend is driving while high, she could get into an accident. So let her know that while she is using marijuana, you cannot be together. You can also draw boundaries where your time and energy is disrespected, for example, if your friend calls you to complain about problems caused by her drug use or if her emailing or texting constantly jeopardizes your job or gets you in trouble at home or school.
Step 3
Call, or threaten to call, the police if your friend continues to come to your home or drive in your car when he's using. In Colorado, for instance, holding 1 oz. of marijuana or less is considered a petty offense with a $100 fine. Carrying one to 8-oz. of marijuana is a misdemeanor that could result in six to 18 months incarceration and a fine. For more information on marijuana laws, NORML.org has a database of marijuana laws in each state.
Tips and Warnings
- While calling the police is serious, in some jurisdictions a non-violent drug offense could result in mandatory drug rehab.
- You are at risk of getting arrested just for being with a person carrying illegal narcotics. Mixing marijuana with other prescription and illicit drugs changes the brain chemistry and can be potentially dangerous.
