The Clear Benefits of Quitting Weed

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What you will learn

• Weed, a popular drug derived from the cannabis plant, is used by approximately half of Americans.
• Consistent marijuana use poses various risks to physical and mental health, including addiction, cognitive impairment, mental health complications, respiratory issues, cardiovascular risks, negative work consequences, and social/legal ramifications.
• Quitting weed can lead to numerous benefits, such as improved respiratory health, enhanced cognitive function, better mental health, increased motivation, improved sleep, better physical fitness, financial savings, legal/social benefits, and increased self-esteem.
• Withdrawal symptoms from quitting weed may include intense cravings, irritability, anxiety, mood swings, depression, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and difficulty concentrating. However, symptoms typically peak within the first week of abstinence and gradually decrease over time.
• Various treatments, including behavioral therapies, support groups, medications, and counseling, are available to help individuals successfully quit using marijuana.

Weed, also known as marijuana or cannabis, is one of the most popular drugs there is. Approximately half of Americans, about 165 million people, have claimed to have used marijuana at some point in their lifetime.[1]

Weed is a psychoactive drug taken from the cannabis plant. This plant contains THC and CBD. Consuming these products can make you feel relaxed, alter your perceptions, and change your mood. These pleasurable outcomes can make it difficult to quit using the drug. A recent study shows that approximately 10-20% of regular cannabis users develop a marijuana use disorder.[2]

However, there are numerous benefits to quitting marijuana, and help is available if you need it.

The Risks Associated with Consistent Marijuana Use

Heavy or long-term use of weed may pose multiple risks to your physical as well as your mental health. Here are some of them.

• Addiction: Regular use of marijuana may lead to dependency, which means you feel a strong urge or have a craving to use the drug regularly. You may develop a marijuana addiction, which is characterized by compulsive drug-seeking behavior that often has negative consequences.
• Cognitive impairment: Heavy marijuana use, especially when started during adolescence, is associated with impairments in cognitive function, including memory and attention span. These effects may persist even after you stop using the drug.
• Mental health complications: Marijuana use is linked to an increased risk of mental health disorders like anxiety, depression, and psychosis.
• Respiratory issues: Smoking marijuana, like tobacco, can harm your lung health and lead to respiratory problems like chronic bronchitis and lung infections.
• Cardiovascular risks: Marijuana use can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which poses a risk for anyone with cardiovascular conditions. There is some evidence suggesting a link between marijuana use and an increased risk of heart attack, but the evidence for stroke is less clear.
• Negative work consequences: Marijuana use may negatively impact educational achievement, job performance, and satisfaction with your life. Additionally, it can interfere with the cognitive abilities needed for learning and decision-making.
• Social and legal consequences: Marijuana is still illegal in certain places, and using it can come with legal consequences. Even in areas where weed is legal, use can lead to social problems, including strained relationships and difficulties with employment.

The Benefits of Quitting Weed

Quitting weed may lead to positive changes in your life, including physical health, mental well-being, and quality of life. These are just a few of the potential benefits of quitting marijuana.

• Improved respiratory health: Quitting marijuana can improve lung function and reduce the risk of respiratory issues like chronic bronchitis.
• Enhanced cognitive function: Stopping using weed can improve your cognitive functions, such as memory and attention. This can improve performance in tasks requiring concentration, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Better mental health: If, when you smoke weed, you experience negative effects on your mental health, quitting can lead to massive improvements in mood, anxiety, and mental clarity. This improves emotional well-being and quality of life.
• Increased motivation: After quitting marijuana, you may feel more motivated, energized, and focused. This can increase your productivity in various areas of life.
• Improved sleep: Marijuana use may disrupt sleep patterns and contribute to difficulties falling asleep or staying asleep. Quitting may lead to better sleep quality.
• Better physical fitness: Quitting weed can improve physical fitness. Increased lung capacity and improved cardiovascular health can contribute to better performance in physical activities.
• Financial savings: Marijuana use is expensive. Quitting leads to financial savings.
• Legal and social benefits: In states where marijuana use is illegal, quitting eliminates the risk of legal consequences. Additionally, quitting marijuana can lead to improvements in relationships with family, friends, and colleagues, as well as reduced social stigma associated with drug use.
• Increased self-esteem: Quitting marijuana can boost self-confidence and self-esteem, as it demonstrates one’s ability to overcome challenges and make positive changes in life.

When Should You Consider Quitting or Avoiding Weed?

Deciding to quit or avoid marijuana is a big decision. Here are some times you might consider quitting or avoiding weed.

• For your health: If you’re experiencing negative health effects from marijuana use, such as respiratory issues, cognitive impairments, mental health problems like anxiety or depression, or difficulties managing chronic conditions, quitting can protect your well-being.
• To stop addiction: If you find yourself relying on marijuana to cope with life or if you’re experiencing cravings and withdrawal symptoms when you’re using weed, it may mean you are dependent. Quitting can help you regain control of your life.
• To prevent legal issues: If you’re concerned about legal consequences, quitting may be wise.
• To save money: Cannabis use is expensive, especially for young adults or frequent users. If you’re experiencing financial strain due to the cost of marijuana, quitting may be a good decision.
• Because you’re too young: Almost 53% of marijuana users 18 or older report first using marijuana between the ages of 12-17.[3] Studies show it’s better to wait until later in adulthood to use marijuana recreationally.

Get Help Quitting Weed If You Need It

The decision to quit weed should be catalyzed by your personal needs. If you feel unhappy with your level of marijuana use, tired of the downsides, or if you’re motivated to start making more positive changes in your life, quitting can be a step toward a healthier and more fulfilling lifestyle. Consider seeking support from healthcare professionals who can provide guidance and assistance tailored to your circumstances.