Marijuana Use Disorder Is Real. And It's Treatable.
Outpatient treatment for adults with marijuana / cannabis use disorder. Evidence-based behavioral therapy across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Same-day appointments. No judgment — even when others don't take it seriously.
Behavioral Therapy
Evidence-based approaches
Outpatient Care
Live your life while you recover
No Judgment
Same-day appointments
Telehealth Available
Across TN & VA
⚠️ Today's Marijuana Isn't What It Used to Be
The cannabis available today is dramatically more potent than even a decade ago. According to NIDA research, average THC content has roughly tripled since the 1990s. Concentrates and "dabs" can be 80%+ THC. Edibles, vapes, and concentrates produce much stronger effects than traditional flower — and significantly higher risk of dependence, cannabis-induced psychosis, and cannabis hyperemesis syndrome.
The marijuana use disorder we treat today isn't the casual use of decades past. Patients are using multiple times daily, often with high-THC concentrates, and many can't function without it. If you can't get through a day without cannabis, this page is for you.
"It's Just Weed" — Except When It's Running Your Life. We Take This Seriously.
You've probably been told marijuana isn't really addictive. Maybe friends, family, or even doctors have dismissed your concerns. The science tells a different story. Cannabis use disorder is a real, recognized medical condition in the DSM-5, with documented physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and significant life impact. According to the CDC, approximately 3 in 10 people who use cannabis develop a cannabis use disorder.
Maybe you started using occasionally, recreationally, or for legitimate reasons — pain, anxiety, sleep, appetite. Maybe it worked at first. Maybe daily use crept up gradually. Maybe you can't sleep without it. Maybe you can't eat. Maybe you've tried to quit and the withdrawal was worse than you expected — irritability, insomnia, lack of appetite, anxiety, cravings. Maybe you've been hospitalized for cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (cyclic vomiting) and the doctors told you the only cure is to stop. Maybe you're spending more on cannabis than you can afford.
At Emmaus, we take marijuana use disorder seriously — even when the culture around you doesn't. While there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for cannabis use disorder, evidence-based behavioral therapy works well. We address the underlying anxiety, depression, or insomnia that may have started your use, and help you build life without daily cannabis dependence.
Signs of Marijuana Use Disorder
If you recognize these signs in yourself or someone you love, it's time to consider getting help. Treatment works — and the earlier you start, the better the outcomes.
- Using marijuana daily, often multiple times per day
- Needing higher doses or stronger products to get the same effect
- Withdrawal symptoms when you stop (irritability, insomnia, anxiety)
- Can't sleep without cannabis
- Can't relax or "feel normal" without it
- Strong cravings between uses
- Spending significant money on cannabis
- Cannabis hyperemesis syndrome (cyclic vomiting episodes)
- Memory problems, concentration issues, brain fog
- Loss of motivation, missed work, declining performance
- Switching to concentrates, dabs, or high-THC products
- Failed attempts to quit or cut back
What Marijuana Withdrawal Feels Like
Marijuana withdrawal is real — and often surprises people who didn't expect it. Cannabis withdrawal symptoms can last 1-2 weeks and significantly impact quality of life during that period.
Cannabis withdrawal typically begins 1-3 days after the last use, peaks at 2-6 days, and the worst symptoms subside over 1-2 weeks. Sleep disruption and irritability can persist longer. This isn't life-threatening like alcohol or benzo withdrawal, but it is very uncomfortable — and often drives people back to using because they didn't expect it to be this bad. With proper support and behavioral coping strategies, the withdrawal period is manageable.
😴 Insomnia
The most common and persistent symptom. Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, vivid disturbing dreams. Can last several weeks.
😡 Irritability
Increased anger, frustration, mood swings. People often describe feeling "on edge" for the first 1-2 weeks.
🍽️ Loss of Appetite
Significant decrease in appetite, especially for the first week. Weight loss is common during early withdrawal.
😰 Anxiety
Increased anxiety, restlessness, sometimes panic. Particularly notable for patients who used cannabis to manage anxiety.
🎯 Strong Cravings
Intense urges to use, especially in environments where you typically used. Cravings can persist for months after acute withdrawal.
🤢 Cannabis Hyperemesis
Some chronic users experience cyclic vomiting (CHS). The only treatment is complete cessation — symptoms usually resolve within weeks.
How We Treat Marijuana Use Disorder
Our approach combines FDA-approved medications with counseling and ongoing support — all in an outpatient setting so you can rebuild your life while you recover.
Comprehensive Assessment
We evaluate your use history, current dose, health, and goals to determine the right starting point — including whether you need supervised detox first or can start with us directly.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
FDA-approved medications dramatically reduce cravings and eliminate most withdrawal symptoms. This is the most effective evidence-based treatment for opioid use disorder.
Counseling & Behavioral Therapy
Medication alone isn't enough. Individual and group counseling help you address the why, build coping skills, repair relationships, and create a sustainable recovery.
Long-Term Support
Opioid recovery isn't a 30-day fix. We stay with you for as long as you need — months, years, however long supports your stability.
📋 An Honest Note About Marijuana Treatment
There are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for cannabis use disorder. Anyone telling you otherwise is misinformed. Treatment is primarily behavioral — but that doesn't mean it's not effective. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement, contingency management, and ongoing counseling are all evidence-based approaches with strong research support.
If you have co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or insomnia (very common with cannabis use disorder), we treat those medically alongside behavioral treatment for the cannabis use. Many patients find that addressing the underlying conditions makes stopping cannabis significantly easier.
💚 Our Counseling Services
Because cannabis treatment is primarily counseling-based, our therapists become your primary treatment team. We provide individual and group counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and ongoing support. Learn more about Emmaus Counseling →
We're not just treating "marijuana use" — we're treating the underlying patterns that made cannabis feel necessary, building skills for managing without it, and supporting your long-term wellness.
Who We Help
Marijuana use disorder affects every demographic. Here are the most common patient situations we see.
🌿 Daily Heavy Users
Using multiple times daily, can't get through a day without it. Tolerance has built up significantly. You've crossed from recreational use to dependence.
😰 Self-Medicating Anxiety/Insomnia
Using cannabis to cope with anxiety, depression, insomnia, or chronic pain. We treat the underlying condition alongside addressing the cannabis use.
🤢 Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome
You've been hospitalized for cyclic vomiting. The ER doctors told you to stop. We can help you do it — and address why cannabis is hard to quit.
👨👩👧 Family Members Calling for Loved Ones
Many of our calls come from parents worried about an adult child whose cannabis use has become problematic. We can help figure out next steps.
Why Choose Emmaus for Marijuana Recovery?
Our outpatient approach combines proven medical care with the kind of relationship that helps people actually stick with recovery.
⚡ Same-Day Appointments
The window of "I'm ready" can be short. We don't make you wait. Most patients can start within 24 hours of reaching out.
🏠 Outpatient Means Real Life
Keep your job, your home, your family, your privacy. No 30-day residential stay. Rebuild your life while you recover.
🤝 No Judgment, Ever
You won't be lectured or shamed. We've treated thousands of patients — there's nothing you can tell us that we haven't heard before.
🧠 Co-Occurring Mental Health
Most marijuana patients have underlying anxiety, depression, or insomnia. We treat both at once — because that's how recovery actually sticks.
💳 Affordable Care
Medicare, Medicaid, TennCare, and most major insurance accepted. Free benefits verification available.
💻 Telehealth Available
Don't live near our clinics? Virtual visits across TN and VA — same care, no driving.
What Our Patients Say
Real stories from real patients walking the road of recovery with Emmaus.
By far the best place I've been to in 10 years. Emmaus has been a positive change for me. I'm treated like I matter — everyone here is nice and caring. I love that it's a non-judgmental place.
My husband had tried two other programs. What's different about Emmaus is that they didn't give up when he relapsed. They just adjusted the plan. He's been stable for over a year now.
This place is a true life saver. Their professional advice has even saved me from myself. The staff will do anything they can for you, and the doctor and entire team sincerely cares about making your quality of life the best.
Marijuana Treatment Across the Tri-Cities Region
Our marijuana use disorder treatment is available at all three Emmaus clinic locations and via virtual telehealth — covering communities across East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia.
📍 Johnson City, TN
Marijuana use disorder treatment available at our Johnson City clinic on Old Gray Station Road.
📍 Kingsport, TN
Most Kingsport patients access marijuana treatment at our Weber City clinic across the state line.
📍 Bristol, TN/VA
Bristol residents have two convenient options for marijuana treatment based on travel preference.
📍 Elizabethton, TN
Carter County residents access marijuana treatment through our Johnson City clinic.
📍 Greeneville, TN
Greene County residents use our Bulls Gap clinic on Highway 11E for marijuana care.
📍 Morristown, TN
Our Bulls Gap location serves many Hamblen County residents seeking marijuana recovery.
📍 Erwin, TN
Unicoi County residents access marijuana treatment through our Johnson City clinic.
📍 Gray, TN
Gray is one of our closest service areas — just minutes from our Johnson City clinic.
📍 Jonesborough, TN
Tennessee's oldest town is just minutes from our Johnson City marijuana treatment services.
📍 Rogersville, TN
Hawkins County residents in Rogersville find our Bulls Gap clinic conveniently located.
📍 Mosheim, TN
Mosheim residents have one of the shortest commutes to marijuana treatment in our area.
📍 Bloomingdale, TN
Sullivan County's Bloomingdale community is well-served by our Weber City clinic.
📍 Mt. Carmel, TN
Mt. Carmel patients have convenient access to our Weber City clinic for marijuana care.
📍 Weber City, VA
The heart of our Southwest Virginia marijuana treatment services — centrally located.
📍 Gate City, VA
Scott County residents in Gate City are minutes from our Weber City marijuana clinic.
📍 Big Stone Gap, VA
Wise County patients often combine in-person visits with telehealth for ongoing marijuana care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marijuana Treatment
If you don't see your question here, just contact us — we're happy to talk through anything.
Is marijuana actually addictive?
What is marijuana use disorder?
Do you use medication to treat cannabis dependence?
What is cannabis hyperemesis syndrome?
How long does marijuana withdrawal last?
Is marijuana withdrawal dangerous?
What if I use marijuana for medical reasons?
I have anxiety. How can I quit if cannabis helps?
What about high-THC concentrates and dabs?
Will my insurance cover marijuana treatment?
How much does treatment cost without insurance?
How quickly can I start?
Authoritative Resources on Marijuana Use Disorder
For deeper research from federal agencies and professional medical organizations, these are the trusted sources we reference in our clinical practice.
Marijuana Research
National Institute on Drug Abuse research on cannabis effects, addiction, and treatment.
Cannabis Addiction
Centers for Disease Control data on cannabis use disorder prevalence and effects.
Substance Use Disorders
Federal substance abuse authority on substance use disorder treatment and recovery.
Marijuana Facts
Drug Enforcement Administration fact sheet on marijuana, its uses, and current status.
Addiction Medicine
American Society of Addiction Medicine — clinical guidelines our practice follows.
Crisis Support
If you're in crisis, call or text 988 anytime. Free, confidential, 24/7.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Whether you're seeking help for yourself or someone you love, we'll listen. No pressure, no judgment, no obligation.
You're Still Here. That Matters.
If you've made it to this page, something in you is fighting for a different future. That's enough. You don't need to figure it all out — just reach out. We'll take it from there, one step at a time.
Confidential • Evidence-Based • Outpatient • Since 2006