Our Mission — Compassionate, Evidence-Based Support

Why This Site Exists

Cannabis helps many people. It also creates real problems for some people. Both of those things are true, and this site exists because a trustworthy cannabis education platform has a responsibility to address both sides honestly.

CannabisDependence.org was created as a companion to TryCannabis.org, which provides comprehensive, research-backed cannabis education. As that site was being developed, it became clear that honest cannabis education cannot ignore the reality that a significant number of users develop cannabis use disorder — a recognized clinical condition affecting approximately 19.2 million Americans.

Rather than bury that reality in a footnote, we built an entire site around it. Because the people who are struggling deserve more than a disclaimer. They deserve a dedicated, compassionate, evidence-based resource that takes their experience seriously.

If you are reading this, something about your cannabis use may be concerning you. That takes courage to acknowledge. You are in the right place.

What We Are

Evidence-based. Every claim on this site is grounded in peer-reviewed research, meta-analyses, and clinical guidelines. We cite our sources. When the evidence is strong, we say so. When it is limited or mixed, we say that too.
Compassionate. We understand that questioning your cannabis use can feel isolating, confusing, and even shameful — especially in a culture that increasingly normalizes cannabis. We are here without judgment.
Honest. We will not exaggerate risks to scare you, and we will not minimize them to make you feel comfortable. We will give you the best available information and trust you to make your own decisions.
Free. This site is completely free to use. No subscriptions, no products, no paywalls. Information about recovery should not cost money.
A companion to TryCannabis.org. We exist alongside a site that provides honest cannabis education — not in opposition to it. Understanding cannabis science helps people make informed choices, and acknowledging CUD builds credibility for cannabis education.

What We Are Not

Being clear about what we are not is just as important as being clear about what we are:

We are not anti-cannabis. Cannabis is a complex plant with genuine medical applications and recreational value for many people. Acknowledging that some people develop problems with cannabis is not the same as condemning cannabis itself.
We are not a 12-step program. We respect programs like Marijuana Anonymous and SMART Recovery, and we link to them as resources. But this site is not affiliated with any recovery program and does not promote any single approach.
We are not professional treatment. Nothing on this site replaces the care of a qualified healthcare provider. We provide education, peer support resources, and evidence-based information — not therapy, diagnosis, or medical advice.
We are not a moral judgment. Cannabis use disorder is a clinical condition with neurobiological underpinnings. It is not a character flaw, not a sign of weakness, and not a moral failing. We will never treat it as one.
We do not sell anything. No products, no supplements, no courses, no affiliate links. We have no financial incentive to push you in any direction.

Our Approach

We believe that people make the best decisions when they have access to accurate information presented without an agenda. Our approach is built on several principles:

Meet People Where They Are

Not everyone who visits this site wants to quit. Some are questioning. Some want to cut back. Some are looking for information for a loved one. All of those reasons are valid, and our content reflects that range.

Reduce Shame

Shame is one of the biggest barriers to seeking help. We write with the understanding that admitting a problem with cannabis — particularly in a culture that says "it's just weed" — can feel isolating. Everything on this site is designed to normalize the experience and reduce that isolation.

Respect Autonomy

This is your life and your decision. We provide information, tools, and resources. We do not tell you what to do. Whether you decide to quit entirely, cut back, seek treatment, or just keep thinking about it — that is your choice, and we respect it.

Center the Science

Cannabis culture is full of myths in both directions — "cannabis is completely harmless" and "cannabis will ruin your life." The truth, as usual, is more nuanced. We go where the evidence leads, even when it complicates the narrative.

You do not have to have all the answers right now. You do not have to be ready to quit. You do not have to be sure about anything. You just have to be willing to learn — and the fact that you are reading this suggests you already are.