Becoming a marijuana addict is the consequence of habitual marijuana use. It can be described as chronically making the decision to quit using marijuana followed shortly by a relapse due to overwhelming cravings for it. Marijuana is one of the most widely abused illicit substances known to man. It has been used for everything from curing ailments to being part of religious ceremonies.

In the present day, marijuana is considered a Schedule 1 controlled substance in the United States. This means that in its smoked form it has no commonly accepted medical use. Many users of marijuana do not consider themselves a marijuana addict, but they would not want to stop using it if given the option. Marijuana addiction is just like any other addiction. This user eventually feels they "need" the drug, finding they are unable to quit using it for fear of withdrawal symptoms.

Not everyone who uses marijuana becomes addicted. When a user begins to seek out and take the drug compulsively, that person is said to be dependent on the drug or addicted to it. In 2002, over 280,000 people entering drug treatment programs reported marijuana as their primary drug of abuse, showing they needed help to stop using.

Marijuana is considered to be both mentally and emotionally addictive. When someone is a marijuana addict, they tend to gravitate to others who share their common interest in the drug. They also tend to lose interest in activities that once meant a lot to them such as going out with friends and participating in sports.

What is the difference between a “casual user” and a marijuana addict? There are many different levels of marijuana problems. Marijuana use becomes abuse when it adversely interferes with their life. At this point, people are often considered a “problem smoker.” A marijuana addict is somebody who uses marijuana excessively and/or frequently despite awareness of associated negative consequences directly or indirectly related to its use.