The author describes starting cannabis use at 18, escalating to dealing and importing, and being imprisoned. After prison he stopped using and rebuilt his life. The article updates that cannabis use disorder is a recognized condition, lists modern behavioral treatments, notes no FDA-approved medications specifically for CUD as of 2025, and reminds readers that legalization does not erase addiction risk.

My story: a brief overview

I was enslaved by marijuana addiction from 18 to 38 - twenty years that cost me education, jobs, family trust and freedom. This is a short, honest account of how it started, how it escalated, and how I found a way out.

How it started

I grew up in a stable home. My father was a chartered accountant and my mother ran a small business. I had two younger brothers. Nobody in my family used drugs regularly.

At 18 we moved neighborhoods. I met friends who used cannabis and I started smoking. At first the highs seemed pleasant. I started university but kept using instead of studying. I failed my courses and got expelled. I lied to my parents because I was ashamed.

Escalation and consequences

I tried another university but repeated the same pattern and was expelled again. Unable to get more education, I took low-skilled work. I was often late or didn't show up because of my habit and eventually lost those jobs.

My use grew into dealing. I started small and, over a few years, became involved in importing and larger-scale distribution. That led to criminal charges; I was arrested and sentenced while carrying the consequences of my choices and my addiction. I say I was involved in importing from Central America and that the shipment was worth about 3,000; I also say I was sentenced to six years1. These are my recollections.

Recovery and what I learned

Prison forced a reckoning. I stopped using, did programs where possible, and decided to change. I have not returned to regular use. Recovery has been gradual: repairing family relationships, finding steady work, and building new routines.

What modern evidence and options say

Medical and psychiatric professionals now recognize that some people develop cannabis use disorder (CUD). CUD ranges from mild to severe and is diagnosed using criteria similar to other substance-use disorders.

Treatment options commonly used today include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, motivational interviewing and peer-support groups such as Marijuana Anonymous. As of 2025, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for cannabis use disorder, and research on pharmacologic treatments is ongoing.

Legal status has changed since 2006: many U.S. states now allow adult-use cannabis, but laws and enforcement still vary widely by jurisdiction. Legalization does not eliminate the risk of problematic use.

Final note

My core message is simple: regular cannabis use can become a disorder that harms education, work, relationships and legal standing. Help exists, and recovery is possible. If you or someone you care about is struggling, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider, counselor or local support group.
  1. Verify the claimed value of the shipment ("\u00163\u00..." / "5 million pounds worth") and correct amount/units as needed.
  2. Confirm the exact sentence length (six years) and legal record details to ensure accuracy.

FAQs about Marijuana Addictions

Can cannabis lead to addiction?
Yes. Some people develop cannabis use disorder (CUD), a diagnosable condition with a range of severity. CUD can interfere with work, school and relationships.
What treatments work for cannabis use disorder?
Evidence-based approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, contingency management and peer-support groups. There are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for CUD as of 2025.
Does legalization mean cannabis is harmless?
No. Legalization changes regulation and access but does not eliminate the risk of developing problematic or disordered use.
Is recovery possible after long-term use?
Yes. Many people recover with counseling, peer support and changes to their environment and routines. Recovery can include repairing relationships and rebuilding work life.
Where should I seek help?
Start with a primary care clinician, a licensed addiction counselor or local support groups. If legal issues are involved, consult a lawyer as well as treatment providers.

News about Marijuana Addictions

Vaping, Marijuana, and Other Drugs - National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (.gov) [Visit Site | Read More]

It's Possible to Get Addicted to Pot. Here's What to Know. - MedPage Today [Visit Site | Read More]

More people are addicted to marijuana, but fewer of them are seeking help, experts say - AP News [Visit Site | Read More]

Shocking simulation shows exactly what happens to your body when you smoke weed for 30 days - LADbible [Visit Site | Read More]

Purchasers seem to think so but new research says not so fast. - Psychology Today [Visit Site | Read More]

Vaping THC Oil: Everything You've Been Afraid to Ask - Verywell Mind [Visit Site | Read More]

Cannabis and older adults: Five things medical experts want you to know - Stanford Medicine [Visit Site | Read More]