Marijuana is the most commonly used illicit drug in the United States, and its use has increased significantly in recent years. According to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) by SAMHSA:

• Past-year marijuana use: Approximately 61.8 million Americans aged 12 or older, or 21.8% of the population, reported using marijuana in the past year—a substantial increase from 43.5 million reported in earlier surveys.

• Past-month marijuana use: About 43.6 million Americans, or 15.4% of the population, reported using marijuana in the past month.

• Marijuana use disorder: Roughly 19.2 million Americans aged 12 or older experienced a marijuana use disorder in the past year.

Use is most common among young adults aged 18–25, but marijuana affects all age groups. While legalization in many states has expanded access, this trend reflects a broader increase in use nationwide, not solely due to legal changes.

Because marijuana use can affect brain development, decision-making, and family dynamics—especially when it becomes habitual or leads to a marijuana use disorder—early recognition and intervention are critical. Teens or adults with problematic use can benefit from professional interventions, counseling, and treatment programs designed to support long-term recovery.

Source: 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), SAMHSA.

Short answer. Yes. Because marijuana is legal in many states, families may overlook problematic use. Legal doesn’t mean harmless—if marijuana is controlling someone’s life, intervention may be necessary.

If you are concerned about your loved one’s marijuana use, there some physical and psychological signs you can search for.  Some of the initial signs include bloodshot eyes, increased appetite, lack of motivation, weight gain, nervous or paranoid behavior, impaired coordination, and slowed reaction time.  Other symptoms from marijuana use include anxiety, impaired judgment, distorted perception, relaxed state, sleepiness, feeling high or euphoria, and delayed or poor coordination.  The prolonged use of marijuana can create some psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, motivational issues, and cognitive difficulties.  This is seen more when marijuana use is started at a young age with a developing brain.  The short-term side effects of marijuana are not life-threatening, but there is potential for danger.  Many states saw increased numbers in emergency room visits because of synthetic marijuana and marijuana that was cut with other drugs such as opioids.

Some of the immediate side effects of marijuana use include paranoia, elevated heart rate, overeating, impaired motor functions, anxiety, and impaired cognition.  The long-term effects of marijuana use are not as severe as other drugs.  However, long-term effects can become severe if marijuana use is chronic among adolescents and young adults before full brain development.  Some of the possible side effects of chronic marijuana use at a young age include mood swings, reduced ability to learn, lung infections, inhibited mental development, panic attacks, and memory loss.  Adolescents see the most significant impact of marijuana use because their brain is still in early development.  Recognizing a marijuana addiction is the first step in being able to help someone who is addicted to the drug.  One of the most significant signs of marijuana use is the urge to use marijuana.  For example, someone who is a chronic marijuana user will use the drug at work, at social gatherings, and anywhere they feel the urge to use.

Treatment for marijuana addiction is essential, and it is not uncommon for the family to perform an intervention to help a loved one addicted to marijuana.  If the use of marijuana is hindering a productive life for someone, you care about, staging an intervention will help them.  People who have become addicted to marijuana do not always feel there is a problem with their marijuana use.  An intervention is a perfect opportunity to present them with the fact about marijuana being addictive and how it has negatively impacted his or her life.

In many cases, yes. Families often struggle to reach a loved one who denies or minimizes their marijuana use. A structured intervention, led by a professional, provides a safe space for honest conversation and a clear plan for recovery.

Intervention is often necessary with any addiction because most people do not recognize the extent of their problem. Professional intervention works because it helps families regain control, set boundaries, and stop enabling behaviors.

Although marijuana is legal and socially accepted in many states, that does not make it harmless. In fact, it is common for more than one family member to be using, which can make it harder to convince someone to get help. Certified interventionists are trained to guide families through this process, address co-dependency, and educate loved ones about marijuana addiction and treatment options.

An intervention for marijuana addiction should happen as early as possible. If family or friends notice changes in mood, behavior, or health, it’s time to step in. A good first step is having a private, honest, and loving conversation. If that doesn’t lead to change, a structured family intervention may be needed.

Marijuana is often seen as harmless because it’s legal and socially accepted, but it can still be addictive and damaging. Families sometimes face barriers like enabling, co-dependency, or even multiple family members using together. A professional interventionist helps navigate these challenges, keeping the process calm, focused, and supportive.

During an intervention, emotions can run high. That’s why having a trained professional is so important—they guide the conversation, ensure the message is clear, and help the family set boundaries with love. When successful, the interventionist also helps the loved one enter treatment and continues supporting the family throughout recovery.

Yes, marijuana addiction often requires professional treatment. Like any mind-altering drug, long-term marijuana use can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Many people experience withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and difficulty quitting on their own.

Rehabilitation provides structure, therapy, and support that help someone stop using and stay sober. Depending on the severity of the addiction, treatment may include outpatient counseling or a residential rehab program. Detox is usually the first step, even though marijuana withdrawal is not as severe as with other drugs—it still helps ease the transition into recovery.

An addiction assessment can determine the best type of treatment. Some people may benefit from outpatient care if they’re still managing work or family life, while others need the focus and accountability of residential rehab. Either way, professional treatment gives the best chance at lasting recovery.

Family intervention can also play an important role in helping a loved one accept treatment, especially since marijuana is often seen as harmless because it’s legal and widely accepted. With the right support, recovery is possible.

The best treatment for marijuana addiction depends on how severe the addiction is and how much it affects daily life. For many people, the first step is an addiction assessment. This helps determine whether outpatient counseling or residential rehab is the best fit.

Detox is usually the starting point, even though marijuana withdrawal is not as severe as with other drugs. Detox helps manage cravings and prepares someone for the next stage of treatment. From there, options include:

• Residential rehab – provides structure, therapy, and support for those with more severe addiction or relapse history.

• Outpatient programs – allow people to live at home while attending therapy, best for those with strong family support and daily responsibilities.

• Aftercare support – such as 12-step meetings, counseling, or sober living, helps maintain recovery after treatment.

Because marijuana is often seen as harmless, many people delay seeking help. Family intervention can be an important step to encourage a loved one to accept treatment and connect with the right program. Speaking with a professional interventionist or treatment expert is the best way to explore options and make an informed decision.

It’s normal for a loved one to resist help, even after a carefully planned intervention. Addiction can make people defensive or fearful of change, but refusal doesn’t mean the intervention failed. Families still have the power to take meaningful action—setting firm boundaries, stopping enabling behaviors, and holding consistent consequences.

A professional interventionist can guide your family through this process, ensuring everyone stays united and communicates clearly and compassionately. Even if your loved one initially says no, a consistent, supportive approach can increase the chances they’ll seek help later. Meanwhile, family members can benefit from counseling, support groups, or coaching to manage stress and maintain strength.

Take Action Now: Don’t wait until the situation escalates. Contact Newman Intervention and Recovery Solutions today for guidance from experienced intervention professionals. For step-by-step strategies, check out our 25 Tips for a Successful Intervention — your roadmap to planning, preparing, and executing an intervention that works. Every step you take today brings your loved one closer to recovery.