Is cannabis addictive?

Yes, but significantly less than nicotine, alcohol or opioids. About 9 % of cannabis users develop Cannabis Use Disorder. With daily use and early initiation (< 18 years), the risk climbs to 17–25 %.

Key facts

  • ~9 % of all users (CUD)
  • Nicotine: ~32 %, alcohol: ~15 %
  • Daily/early: 17–25 % risk
  • Behavioural therapy effective

Detailed answer

Studies (NIDA, Anthony et al.) show a cannabis dependence risk of ~9 % across all users — vs nicotine ~32 %, heroin ~23 %, alcohol ~15 %. Daily use raises risk to 25 %; onset before 18 to 17 %. Symptoms: loss of control, tolerance, withdrawal (irritability, sleep problems, appetite loss) on stopping. Treatment: behavioural therapy is evidence-based effective. Important: addiction ≠ illness for everyone — only when DSM-5 criteria are met.