Dependence, addiction and overdose risk

Cannabis does have mild addictive properties. Also, people who use it regularly might develop dependency on the drug because they are used to functioning and performing certain behaviours under the influence of cannabis.

A person who suddenly withdraws from cannabis use might suffer from some physical symptoms for about a week, including anxiety, appetite loss and upset stomach. Their sleep might be disturbed for a few weeks.

It is virtually impossible to overdose on cannabis. It has been estimated that a lethal dose of cannabis is 40,000 times that which is needed to intoxicate a person. In comparison, the lethal dose ratio of alcohol is between 4:1 and 10:1.