Yes, you can develop a physical dependence on Cannabis. There is a binding site in the brain (called the cannabinoid receptor) and if there’s a place for a substance to bind, there can be an addiction with withdrawal. Up until the late 1980s, nobody knew about this cannabinoid receptor, so anyone looking for information up until then easily could have concluded it was not physically addictive.

Not all use is dependence. Just as with (legal) alcohol, if smoking is daily or is taking the place of other activities, you may have a problem. Regular cannabis smoking does lower concentration, motivation, and energy level. In teenagers, regular use does affect brain development that can carry through life.

If cannabis seems to be the only thing that helps your anxiety, mood, sleep or concentration, there is likely something else going on in the mental health arena that may be worth exploring. There is a difference between treating a condition and covering it over. Dr. Felgus specializes in evaluations to diagnose what exactly is going on and will give you his recommendations in a respectful, supportive manner.