Am I Addicted to Weed? Take the Free Self-Assessment

If you’re asking this question, you’ve already noticed something. Maybe you’ve tried to cut back and it was harder than expected. Maybe you’re using more than you used to. Maybe cannabis has shifted from something you choose to do to something you feel like you need to do.

The word “addicted” carries a lot of weight — and a lot of stigma. So let’s set it aside for a moment and look at what’s actually happening with your use.

What the quiz measures

The self-assessment below is based on the CUDIT-R (Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test — Revised), a validated clinical screening tool developed by Adamson et al. (2010). It’s been adapted into plain language with a harm-reduction lens — no judgment, no scare tactics, just an honest look at your patterns.

It asks 8 questions about frequency, control, tolerance, withdrawal, coping, and consequences. Your score falls into one of three ranges: low concern, moderate concern, or patterns consistent with dependence.

This is a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It can’t tell you definitively whether you have cannabis use disorder — only a clinical assessment can do that. But it can tell you whether your patterns are worth paying closer attention to.

Take the self-assessment

The quiz takes about 2 minutes. Answer based on your experience over the past 6 months. Be honest — nobody sees your results but you.

Take the Cannabis Dependency Quiz →

Cannabis use disorder: what it actually means

Cannabis use disorder (CUD) is a clinical term defined in the DSM-5. It’s not the same as “being an addict” — it’s a spectrum. The DSM-5 identifies 11 criteria and classifies CUD as mild (2-3 criteria), moderate (4-5), or severe (6+).

The criteria include things like using more than intended, unsuccessful attempts to cut down, spending a lot of time obtaining or using cannabis, cravings, continued use despite problems, tolerance (needing more for the same effect), and withdrawal symptoms when stopping.

About 30% of current cannabis users meet criteria for some degree of CUD, according to SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2023). The majority fall in the mild range. The prevalence is highest among daily users and among people who began using before age 18.

Importantly, CUD is not a moral judgment. It’s a description of a pattern — a pattern that many people change once they recognise it.

What the scores mean

Low (0-7): Your relationship with cannabis appears manageable. Your use doesn’t show the escalation, withdrawal, or control difficulties associated with dependence. This doesn’t mean you should ignore your patterns — but it suggests they’re currently within a healthy range.

Moderate (8-15): Your responses suggest some patterns worth examining. You may be noticing tolerance building, difficulty cutting back, or reliance on cannabis for emotional regulation. Many people in this range benefit from setting deliberate limits, tracking their use, or taking a tolerance break to test their relationship.

High (16-32): Your responses indicate patterns consistent with cannabis dependence — tolerance, withdrawal, difficulty cutting back despite wanting to, and negative effects on your life. This is not a sentence. It’s information. And knowing it puts you in a position to make informed decisions about what to do next.

What to do with your score

If your score is low, awareness is your best tool. Keep an eye on your tolerance and consumption patterns. Consider using a tracker to maintain that awareness over time.

If your score is moderate, this is an ideal time to make changes — before the patterns deepen. Set specific limits, try a tolerance break, or start tracking your use to understand your triggers. The complete guide to quitting weed covers practical strategies for both quitting and cutting back.

If your score is high, you don’t have to figure this out alone. A therapist experienced with substance use can help you understand your patterns and build a plan. SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) provides free, confidential referrals. And tools like Turn the Leaf can help you track your progress, understand your triggers, and see your improvement over time.

Is this quiz a clinical diagnosis?

No. This is a screening tool based on the CUDIT-R framework. It can indicate whether your patterns are worth examining further, but it cannot diagnose cannabis use disorder. A clinical diagnosis requires assessment by a qualified healthcare professional who can evaluate your full history and context.

What is cannabis use disorder (CUD)?

CUD is a clinical condition defined in the DSM-5, characterised by problematic patterns of cannabis use that cause significant impairment or distress. It’s classified on a spectrum: mild (2-3 criteria met), moderate (4-5), or severe (6+). About 30% of current cannabis users meet criteria for some degree of CUD, with the majority in the mild range.

Can you be dependent on weed without being “addicted”?

Yes — and this distinction matters. Physical dependence (tolerance and withdrawal) can develop with regular use without necessarily meeting the full criteria for a substance use disorder. Many daily users experience withdrawal symptoms if they stop but don’t have other hallmarks of problematic use (loss of control, continued use despite consequences). Dependence is one component of CUD, not the whole picture.

What if my score is higher than I expected?

A higher score isn’t a judgment — it’s data. Many people score higher than they expect because the signs of problematic use develop gradually. The score gives you a starting point for reflection: are you comfortable with your current relationship with cannabis, or do you want to change it? Both are valid responses.

How often should I retake this quiz?

If you’re actively working on changing your cannabis use (quitting, cutting back, or taking a break), retaking the quiz after 30 days can help you see whether your patterns have shifted. It’s also useful to take it after any significant change in your use — resuming after a break, increasing frequency, or starting to use for new reasons (e.g., managing anxiety).