Marijuana Rehab Cost: What Treatment Costs With & Without Insurance
Cannabis use disorder affects approximately 4 million Americans according to NIDA estimates, making it one of the most common substance use disorders after alcohol and nicotine. While marijuana is less addictive than many other substances, the significant increase in THC potency over the past two decades — from an average of 4% THC in 1995 to over 15% in commercial products today, and 80-99% in concentrates — has increased both use disorder prevalence and treatment need.
What Does Marijuana Rehab Actually Cost?
The cost of marijuana treatment is typically lower than treatment for substances requiring intensive medical detox, as cannabis withdrawal is not medically dangerous. However, comprehensive behavioral therapy and residential support remain essential for individuals with cannabis use disorder, particularly those who have been unable to quit on their own.
With Insurance (PPO)
With a PPO insurance plan, your estimated out-of-pocket costs for a 30-day inpatient marijuana rehab program range from $4,500 to $15,000. This includes initial stabilization (3-7 days), residential treatment, and evidence-based behavioral therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement therapy, and contingency management.
PPO plans offer the most flexibility in facility selection. Historically, some insurers were reluctant to cover cannabis treatment, but the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act now requires equal coverage for all substance use disorders, including cannabis.
Without Insurance
Without insurance, the same 30-day program costs between $11,000 and $35,000. Initial stabilization during the acute withdrawal phase — while not medically dangerous — adds $800 to $2,500 for medical monitoring and symptom management that improves comfort and reduces early dropout.
Under the Affordable Care Act, all marketplace health insurance plans must cover cannabis use disorder treatment as an essential health benefit. A PPO plan with comprehensive addiction coverage typically costs $350-$700 monthly.
Marijuana Withdrawal and Stabilization
Marijuana withdrawal is not medically dangerous like alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal, but it produces real symptoms that can be uncomfortable and contribute to relapse without support. Withdrawal severity correlates with frequency of use, duration, and potency of products used.
| Stabilization Component | Without Insurance | With PPO Insurance |
|---|---|---|
| Medical monitoring & support | $250 – $350/day | $150 – $275/day |
| Typical duration | 3 – 7 days | 3 – 7 days |
| Total stabilization cost | $800 – $2,500 | $450 – $1,925 |
| Symptom management | Included | Included |
| Sleep support | Included | Included |
Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
Cannabis withdrawal symptoms typically begin 1-2 days after last use and peak around days 2-6:
Physical symptoms:
- Sleep difficulties (insomnia, vivid dreams, night sweats)
- Decreased appetite
- Headaches
- Stomach discomfort, nausea
- Sweating and chills
Psychological symptoms:
- Irritability and anger
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Restlessness
- Depression and mood changes
- Cravings
These symptoms typically resolve within 1-2 weeks, though some individuals experience lingering sleep disturbances and mood effects for several weeks.
Evidence-Based Treatment for Cannabis Use Disorder
Without FDA-approved medications for cannabis use disorder, treatment focuses on evidence-based behavioral therapies. Research from NIDA and SAMHSA identifies several approaches with strong effectiveness:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT for cannabis use disorder helps individuals identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and address thought patterns that support continued use despite negative consequences.
Key components:
- Functional analysis of cannabis use (when, where, why, with whom)
- Identifying high-risk situations and developing avoidance strategies
- Coping skills training for managing cravings and urges
- Addressing cognitive distortions (“I need it to sleep,” “It helps me relax”)
- Problem-solving training for life situations that previously triggered use
Evidence: Multiple randomized controlled trials show CBT produces significant improvements in abstinence rates for cannabis use disorder.
Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
MET is a brief (typically 2-4 sessions), client-centered approach that helps individuals resolve ambivalence about quitting and develop internal motivation for change.
Approach: Instead of confrontation, MET uses empathy and collaborative exploration to help individuals identify their own reasons for change. Particularly effective for individuals who are uncertain about quitting.
Evidence: Research shows MET is especially effective when combined with CBT. The combination is often more effective than either approach alone.
Contingency Management (CM)
Contingency management provides tangible rewards (vouchers, prizes) for verified abstinence through urine drug testing. While most studied for stimulants and opioids, research shows CM is also effective for cannabis use disorder.
How it works: Frequent drug testing (2-3 times per week) with rewards for THC-negative results. Reward values often escalate with consecutive negative tests.
Evidence: Studies show CM improves both treatment retention and abstinence rates when added to other behavioral therapies.
Family Therapy
For adolescents and young adults, family-based approaches show particular effectiveness. These include:
- Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT) — Addresses individual, family, and community factors
- Brief Strategic Family Therapy (BSFT) — Focuses on family interaction patterns
Choosing the Right Program Length
| Duration | Best For | Insured Cost Range | Uninsured Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 days | Daily users, first treatment attempt, strong support system | $4,500 – $15,000 | $11,000 – $35,000 |
| 60 days | Long-term daily use, co-occurring mental health conditions, prior failed attempts | $9,000 – $30,000 | $22,000 – $70,000 |
| 90 days | Severe cannabis use disorder, multiple prior treatments, complex co-occurring conditions | $13,500 – $45,000 | $33,000 – $105,000 |
Research shows that longer treatment duration is associated with better outcomes. The appropriate length depends on severity of use, co-occurring conditions, and individual progress in treatment.
Cannabis Use Disorder Statistics
According to NIDA, SAMHSA, and research studies:
- 4 million Americans meet criteria for cannabis use disorder (NIDA)
- 9% of cannabis users develop cannabis use disorder
- 17% of adolescent-onset users develop cannabis use disorder
- 16.5% average THC potency in commercial marijuana (up from 4% in 1995)
- 80-99% THC in concentrates (wax, shatter, dabs)
- 3 million people sought treatment for cannabis use disorder (SAMHSA 2023)
The dramatic increase in THC potency over the past 20 years has likely contributed to increased rates of cannabis use disorder. High-potency products increase tolerance more rapidly and produce more severe withdrawal symptoms.
High-Potency Cannabis and Concentrates
Today’s cannabis products are dramatically different from marijuana of previous decades:
Flower/Bud: Now averages 15-20% THC (vs. 4% in 1995)
Concentrates/Dabs: Range from 60-99% THC
Edibles: Often contain 10-100mg THC per serving
Vaping products: Typically 70-90% THC
This increase in potency has several implications:
- Faster development of tolerance
- More severe withdrawal symptoms
- Increased risk of cannabis use disorder
- Higher rates of cannabis-induced psychosis
- Greater difficulty quitting without support
Co-Occurring Mental Health Conditions
Cannabis use disorder frequently co-occurs with mental health conditions that require integrated treatment:
- Anxiety disorders — Both self-medication and cannabis-induced anxiety
- Depression — Common comorbidity; cannabis can worsen symptoms
- ADHD — Some individuals use cannabis for self-medication
- Psychotic disorders — Cannabis use can trigger or worsen psychosis in vulnerable individuals
- Other substance use disorders — Particularly alcohol and nicotine
Quality treatment programs provide integrated care for both the cannabis use disorder and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. This dual diagnosis treatment is covered by insurance under mental health parity laws.
Adolescent and Young Adult Considerations
Cannabis use disorder disproportionately affects adolescents and young adults:
- Earlier onset of use increases risk of cannabis use disorder (17% vs. 9%)
- Developing brains are more vulnerable to cannabis effects
- Academic and social functioning are often impaired
- Family involvement in treatment improves outcomes significantly
For individuals under 25, family-based treatment approaches often show superior outcomes compared to individual-only treatment.
Don’t Have Insurance?
If you’re currently uninsured and struggling with cannabis use disorder, getting covered may be more accessible than you think. All ACA-compliant plans cover substance use disorder treatment as an essential health benefit. Despite historical stigma around marijuana treatment, federal law now requires equal coverage for cannabis use disorder. A licensed insurance specialist can help you find coverage that includes the behavioral therapy and residential treatment you need.
Sources
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “Marijuana Research Report.” 2024.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “Treatment Episode Data Set (TEDS).” 2024.
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). “Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment.” 2024.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). “Cannabis and Public Health: An Update.” 2024.
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. “The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids.” 2017.
You May Qualify for Coverage That Pays for marijuana rehab
Under the Affordable Care Act, all marketplace health insurance plans must cover addiction treatment as an essential health benefit. Monthly premiums for a PPO plan that covers rehab typically range from $350 to $700 — a fraction of the cost of paying out of pocket.
A licensed insurance specialist can help you find the right plan, check for qualifying life events, and get covered — often within days.
Talk to an Insurance Specialist — Free & ConfidentialFrequently Asked Questions
How much does marijuana rehab cost without insurance?
Without insurance, a 30-day inpatient marijuana treatment program typically costs between $11,000 and $35,000. Medical stabilization during the initial withdrawal phase adds $800 to $2,500 for the 3-7 day period when symptoms are most intense. Marijuana withdrawal is not medically dangerous, but symptoms can be uncomfortable and can contribute to early treatment dropout without support.
Does insurance cover marijuana rehab?
Yes. Under the Affordable Care Act and the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, all marketplace health insurance plans must cover cannabis use disorder treatment as an essential health benefit. This includes residential treatment, outpatient programs, and behavioral therapies. Many insurers previously denied coverage for marijuana treatment, but federal parity enforcement has expanded coverage significantly.
Is marijuana addictive?
Yes. Approximately 9% of people who use marijuana will develop cannabis use disorder, rising to 17% for those who start using in adolescence. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates that 4 million Americans meet criteria for cannabis use disorder. While marijuana is less addictive than substances like opioids or methamphetamine, dependence and withdrawal are real phenomena, particularly with today's high-THC products.
How long does marijuana withdrawal last?
Marijuana withdrawal symptoms typically last 1-2 weeks, with peak symptoms occurring around days 2-6. Common symptoms include irritability, anxiety, sleep difficulties, decreased appetite, restlessness, and cravings. Some individuals experience lingering sleep disturbances and mood changes for several weeks. Withdrawal severity increases with duration of use, daily use patterns, and THC potency.
What is the treatment for marijuana addiction?
Treatment for cannabis use disorder focuses on evidence-based behavioral therapies, as there are currently no FDA-approved medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational enhancement therapy (MET), and contingency management (CM) all show effectiveness for cannabis use disorder. Many programs use a combination of these approaches along with group therapy and relapse prevention training.
Is treatment necessary for marijuana addiction?
For individuals meeting criteria for cannabis use disorder — continued use despite negative consequences, unsuccessful attempts to quit, withdrawal symptoms, tolerance requiring more to achieve effects — professional treatment significantly improves outcomes. Research shows that structured treatment with behavioral therapy produces higher abstinence rates than attempting to quit without support, particularly for daily users and those with co-occurring mental health conditions.