Tranquility Woods
The Rise of Cannabis Use Disorder in the Era of Legalization
The legalization of marijuana has sparked what many consider a modern-day gold rush. Across the country, cannabis dispensaries, grow operations, and research institutions are fueling a booming industry. But beneath the surface of this growth lies a growing public health concern: Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD).
As with any substance that alters mood and perception, marijuana carries a risk of misuse—especially when used frequently or at high potencies. Today’s cannabis products are vastly different from those of the past. Just 30 years ago, average THC levels in marijuana rarely exceeded 15–20%. Now, it’s not uncommon to see concentrates and extracts testing at 60–99% THC. This sharp increase in potency has real consequences, especially for vulnerable individuals.
The Psychological Toll: Anxiety, Paranoia, and Psychosis
High-potency THC products are associated with strong psychoactive effects that can trigger anxiety, paranoia, and in some cases, full-blown psychosis. Emergency rooms and psychiatric facilities across the country are reporting a steady increase in THC-induced psychosis, particularly in adolescents and young adults.
Packaging That Targets Developing Brains
Despite state regulations, marijuana marketing often features bright colors, cartoon imagery, and candy-like packaging—elements that can be especially appealing to children and teenagers. These tactics raise serious concerns about how cannabis products are being positioned in the market, particularly for those whose brains are still developing.
The Rise of Unregulated THC Variants
The black market for THC variants such as Delta-8, Delta-10, THC-O, and even synthetic cannabinoids is thriving. These products are often sold online or in smoke shops under the guise of legality, exploiting regulatory loopholes. Because they aren’t subject to the same scrutiny as regulated cannabis, users often have no idea what they’re consuming—and the risks are significant.
Unregulated cannabinoids can exacerbate underlying mental health conditions or trigger them for the first time, especially in genetically predisposed individuals. This is particularly troubling as more young people are being diagnosed with co-occurring disorders involving both substance use and mental illness.
The Urgent Need for Dual Diagnosis Treatment
At our facility, we recognize that treating Cannabis Use Disorder isn’t just about stopping marijuana use—it’s about addressing the underlying mental health challenges that often fuel it. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, trauma, or early signs of a thought disorder, comprehensive dual diagnosis care is essential.
We believe in providing individualized treatment plans that combine psychiatric care, therapeutic support, and relapse prevention strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation. As the cannabis landscape continues to evolve, so too must our clinical approach to those struggling with its misuse.
One of our Licensed Mental Health Therapists Traci Brautigan explains the importance of dual diagnosis therapy.
Why do People Misuse Marijuana?
People may misuse marijuana for various reasons, including its ability to provide temporary relief from stress, anxiety, or depression. Some individuals use marijuana to escape from emotional or psychological challenges, to enhance social experiences, or to induce relaxation and euphoria. Others may misuse it for its perceived ability to increase creativity or focus. Over time, regular misuse can lead to dependence, where users feel the need to consume marijuana to function normally, despite potential negative impacts on their mental and physical health.
Our Approach to Marijuana Use Disorder
With marijuana use disorder, insurance coverage for our Phase One residential program can be challenging. This is because insurance companies often base authorization on medical necessity. Since marijuana withdrawal is not considered life-threatening, higher levels of care like residential treatment may not be approved. Instead, lower levels of care, such as Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), are frequently recommended for treating marijuana use, focusing on therapy and recovery support without requiring medical withdrawal management.
When outpatient therapy doesn't work
Outpatient therapy for marijuana use disorder can be less effective due to gaps between sessions, during which cravings or triggers may occur. Additionally, if marijuana is still present in the system, it can hinder the effectiveness of therapy, as the mind and body need time to clear the substance before fully engaging in treatment. This can limit the impact of individual and mental health therapy, making it harder to achieve lasting recovery without more intensive or residential care.
We recommend our Phase Two Extended Care
Phase Two provides 24/7 supervision at our extended care facility in Arnold, Maryland, along with approximately 25 hours of group counseling each week. Clients can continue working or attending school virtually, as long as they fully participate in our therapeutic program, which runs Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2 pm.
Extended Care Overview
Breaking free from marijuana dependency requires a combination of commitment, self-awareness, and support.
This is often due to the downtime in-between outpatient therapy sessions, or not having the marijuana out of the system long enough for individual and mental health therapy to have a lasting impact.
Key steps include
Why Choose Tranquility Woods?
Tranquility Woods offers a comprehensive, multi-phase treatment program tailored to help individuals recover from marijuana dependency. Our Phase One Residential Program provides 24/7 care in a serene environment, followed by PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program), which offers structured treatment during the day. IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) allows for flexible scheduling around work or school. However, our standout Phase Two Extended Care Program offers 24/7 supervision, around 25 hours of weekly group counseling, and the flexibility for clients to work or attend school virtually, ensuring continued support in early recovery.