Cannabis Use Disorder
Structured treatment for problematic cannabis use — especially with today's high-potency THC products.
Overview
What it is.
Medically reviewed by Peter Scheid, MD
Medical Director, SILC Health
Clinically reviewed by Alexandra Truman, LMFT
Clinical Director, Substance Use Services — SILC Health
Last reviewed: June 16, 2026
Cannabis use disorder is the most common drug use disorder in the United States — affecting more than 20 million Americans according to recent SAMHSA data. The clinical picture has changed significantly in the last decade. Today's cannabis products (high-potency flower, concentrates, edibles) contain THC concentrations many times higher than what was available 20 years ago, and rates of dependence, withdrawal, and cannabis-induced psychosis have risen alongside that potency.
Cannabis use disorder doesn't fit the cultural stereotype of "hard drug" addiction, which is partly why it's so underdiagnosed. People can be dependent without ever using anything but cannabis — losing motivation, sleep, focus, and emotional regulation while convinced it's "just weed." The diagnostic criteria are the same as for any other substance: impaired control, social impairment, risky use, and pharmacological dependence.
Signs
What it looks like.
Recognizing the pattern is often the hardest part. None of these alone confirms a diagnosis — but a cluster of them is worth taking seriously.
- Using more cannabis, or for longer, than intended
- Cravings between uses
- Withdrawal when stopping (irritability, insomnia, anxiety, appetite changes)
- Tolerance — needing more to feel the effects
- Failed attempts to cut back
- Loss of motivation, focus, or interest in previously enjoyable activities
- Continuing use despite impact on work, school, or relationships
- Daily use that started as occasional
Our Approach
How SILC treats it.
SILC Health treats cannabis use disorder across multiple levels of care, matched to severity. For most adults, IOP or traditional outpatient is the right starting point. For young adults whose use has derailed school, work, or development — or when cannabis use is paired with anxiety, depression, or psychosis — residential or PHP provides the deeper container needed for change.
Treatment is built on cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement, and contingency management — the modalities with the strongest evidence for cannabis use disorder. There are no FDA-approved medications for cannabis dependence, so behavioral treatment is the standard of care. We pay particular attention to co-occurring anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and (especially in young adults) early psychotic symptoms that high-potency THC can trigger.
If SILC isn't the right fit, our admissions team will help you find a trusted partner facility that is.
Therapies & Modalities
FAQ
Common questions.
Is cannabis really addictive?
Yes — about 1 in 10 people who use cannabis develop cannabis use disorder, and the rate is higher for those who start in adolescence or use high-potency products daily. Withdrawal is real (irritability, insomnia, anxiety, appetite changes) and meets clinical diagnostic criteria.
What's different about today's cannabis vs. what was available 20 years ago?
Average THC concentration in cannabis flower has roughly tripled since the early 2000s, and concentrates and dabs can run 70–90% THC. Higher potency drives faster tolerance, more severe withdrawal, and significantly higher rates of cannabis-induced anxiety and psychotic symptoms — especially in adolescents and young adults whose brains are still developing.
Does treatment require residential care?
Not always. Many adults with cannabis use disorder do well with outpatient or IOP-level care. Residential is appropriate when use is severe, when there are co-occurring mental health conditions that need intensive support, or when home life makes outpatient treatment unsustainable.
What if I'm using cannabis for a medical reason?
Medical cannabis is a separate conversation from cannabis use disorder. If use has crossed into impaired control, withdrawal, or significant life impact regardless of the original reason for using, that's worth a clinical conversation. Treatment respects the underlying condition while addressing the dependence pattern.
Does insurance cover cannabis treatment?
Most major insurance plans cover medically necessary substance use treatment under federal parity laws. Our admissions team verifies benefits before you commit to anything.
Related
You may also be looking for
Alcohol Use Disorder
Medically supervised detox and structured treatment for alcohol dependence.
Stimulant Use Disorder
Structured treatment for cocaine, methamphetamine, and prescription stimulant dependence.
Anxiety Disorders
Structured, evidence-based treatment for generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety, and related conditions.
Co-Occurring Disorders (Dual Diagnosis)
Integrated treatment for substance use and mental health conditions — treated together, not one at a time.
Talk to admissions
One conversation can change the trajectory.
Whether SILC is the right fit or not, we'll listen and help you find a path forward.