"Compared to other substances, marijuana is not very addicting. It is estimated that 32% of tobacco users will become addicted, 23% of heroin users, 17% of cocaine users, and 15% of alcohol users. Cocaine and heroin are more physically harmful and nicotine is much more addictive. It is much harder to quit smoking cigarettes than it is to quit smoking pot... It is estimated that 9% of people are addicted to marijuana."
While it is less addicting, the addiction rate of marijuana has increased dramatically in the last 20 years. There are a lot of theories as to why this is. But many believe that it is the increased THC contained within it. What is also disturbing is that old "wives tales" regarding addiction to marijuana have prevented people from getting the help that they need. Because the addiction rate is so much lower than other substances, people seem to believe the possibility of addiction doesn't exist. Completely untrue. One needs to understand that addictions are very biological. Meaning... there are certain people that are absolutely prone to be alcoholics. Why? They break down alcohol differently in their brains and their bodies. The same for marijuana. It matters little how it functions in most of the population (as most people can drink alcohol with no issues), but how it functions within the bodies of the addict. Marijuana, is, in fact, addicting.
And being well familiar with grr's H and situation... her H is addicted.
