Table 1.

Frequently observed DSM-5 cannabis use disorder criteria among QuitCannabis post authors (N = 91)

DSM-5 diagnostic criteria	# of posts	Examples
Physical and/or psychological problem from cannabis use	42	• I feel that I’ve not only lost a lot of who I was, but that I’ve also lost control of my own mind. • I feel as though my sleep quality has been very poor because of smoking. I feel exhausted all the time. • After smoking I experienced psychosis, depression, anxiety, I just felt like shit. I was slurring my words, talking too fast, saying weird things, it just wasnt fun.
Persistent desire or unsuccessful attempts to cut down/control use	40	• I’ve relapsed recently, probably 3 days ago. I was trying to ween myself off of my antidepressants and it was proving difficult. So naturally I smoked, because it’s not like I know how to do anything else. • I’m here because I am addicted. I need help. I’ve tried quitting on my own and I can’t do it.
Withdrawal symptoms	33	• If I don’t smoke I am very irritable, my head aches, I cannot sleep, and I cannot eat. • When I don’t smoke for a few hours, I feel my temper start to rise and I get a tension headache and chest tightness and get angry at stupid things.
Cravings or strong desire to use	29	• It seems like I am constantly thinking about getting high, and this day has dragggggged on for what seems like forever. • It is now 9am and i’m struggling to not just text my dealer and go get high in the sun.
Consuming cannabis in large amounts	24	• I used to smoke pot all [day] everyday, my life sort of revolved around it. I would wake up and go smoke and go home to sleep, then repeat. • I was 16 years old and I was smoking once a day. Then twice. Then four times. I would never come down. I was always happy.
Cannabis use causes/makes worse social or interpersonal problems	21	• My girlfriend will break up with me and she is the only thing I really care about. I’m fucking terrified. • i’ve stolen, lied, and swore my allegiance to this plant.
Gives up or reduces important social, occupational or recreational activities	18	• Marijuana makes me complacent with just sitting and doing nothing. Sitting and being lonely. Sitting and avoiding my hobbies. Sitting and watching TV. • Weed made me more reclusive and over time it’s replaced huge portions of my life - mainly my social life and all interests and activities I used to enjoy.
Spending lots of time trying to get or use cannabis	18	• stoned was the only way i knew how to navigate the world. • all I remember doing this past year has been chasing a high anywhere and everywhere I could.