Characteristics of Recreational Marijuana Use

Many people who use marijuana describe themselves as recreational marijuana users, to indicate that although they use marijuana, they are not addicted, and they don't have other problems associated with drug use. Non-problematic or recreational marijuana use is generally understood to be the use of marijuana without any negative consequences for the user or for other people. Characteristics of recreational marijuana use include:

• Marijuana use is very occasional, and is not a regular or frequent way of spending one’s time — more time is spent on other activities that are considered more important.
• The marijuana user is easily able to decide to use or not use marijuana when it is available and freely offered — there is no particular compulsion to use.
• The marijuana user is easily able to use only a small amount of marijuana with a mild effect, with no particular desire to "get stoned."
• The use of marijuana is purely recreational, and only happens in social situations — it is not "needed" to help the person relax or to get through their day. They don't need to use marijuana to do things like stimulate their appetite, get in the mood for sex, or have a bowel movement.
• Excessive amounts of money are not spent on marijuana, and other essential purchases, such as food, household bills, and clothing, are not sacrificed in favor of marijuana.
• Marijuana is not used in a way that can cause short- or long-term negative health effects.

This final point can only really be achieved if marijuana is eaten rather than smoked, as smoke inhalation is always harmful.

Use of medical marijuana according to prescribed protocols would also be categorized as unproblematic marijuana use (although not recreational marijuana use), rather than abuse or addiction, even though daily use may be required, there may be long-term negative health effects, and use may appear compulsive. This is because the purpose of marijuana use for medicinal reasons is to alleviate the symptoms of a more debilitating condition, rather than to get high.

Although it is possible for some people to occasionally use marijuana without developing marijuana problems, marijuana users should be aware that unproblematic recreational marijuana use can quickly and unpredictably become problematic. This is particularly true if marijuana use coincides with difficult life events, triggers mental health problems, or becomes a maladaptive way of coping.

If you or someone you know crosses from recreational marijuana use to cannabis use disorder, you should seek help as soon as possible.

The same is true if you are a marijuana user who has experienced negative effects of marijuana, particularly extreme changes in mood, perception (the way you see and hear things), and ideas about yourself or other people — especially significant changes in the way you see yourself or thoughts that others are watching you.

There are many myths about marijuana. Despite what you may have heard, marijuana is not a harmless drug and can be a trigger for mental illness — but getting help quickly will also increase the likelihood that treatment will be effective and long-lasting.