Can marijuana really be addictive? Despite decades of popular belief to the contrary, addiction specialists warn that the answer is yes and the risk is rising as cannabis products become more potent and widely available.

Dr. Smita Das often hears the same myth: You can’t get hooked on pot. And the misconception has become more widespread as a growing number of states legalize marijuana. Around half now allow recreational use for adults and 40 states allow medical use.