Pete is becoming irritable when he doesn't smoke pot; what is he likely experiencing?

The situation described indicates that Pete feels irritable when he does not smoke pot, which suggests he is experiencing effects associated with a diminished ability to function without the substance. Dependence is characterized by a compulsion to use a substance to prevent physical and psychological distress when it is not available. In this case, Pete's irritability is a sign that his body has adapted to the presence of marijuana, leading to discomfort when it's absent.

Dependence typically involves the development of certain psychological and physiological symptoms that necessitate continued use of the drug. While addiction and withdrawal are closely related concepts, they focus more on compulsive behaviors and physical symptoms, respectively. Tolerance refers to needing more of a substance to achieve the same effect but does not directly correlate with the irritability Pete is experiencing when not using marijuana. Therefore, dependence on marijuana aptly explains Pete’s situation and the emotional response he is exhibiting.