Are you one of the 52.5 million people in the United States who uses weed? That’s about 19 percent of the population, according to the CDC. In fact, marijuana is very popular among teenagers and young adults. According to an article on PubMed Central entitled “Marijuana Motives: Young Adults’ Reasons for Using Marijuana,” 46 percent of high school seniors report using marijuana at some point in their lives. Fifty-three percent of young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 self-reported that they’ve used marijuana. The individuals’ reasons for using marijuana were varied. Slightly more than 52 percent used marijuana to get high, relax or have fun. Nearly 43 percent reported that they used marijuana to fit in or because of peer pressure, and 41 percent said they were experimenting with the drug or curious about it. The truth is that using cannabis and marijuana can help people feel relaxed or happy. It’s been used as an appetite stimulant and to help alleviate nausea. Cannabis is also losing its stigma. Many states have legalized marijuana, and a few of those states include Alaska, California, Maine, Michigan, Kansas and New Jersey. However, using cannabis or marijuana can lead to use disorders, which can negatively affect a person’s quality of life. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of quitting weed, including the physical, mental and emotional improvements that most people experience after they stop smoking marijuana.
Why People Choose to Quit Weed
Weed is often thought of as being less harmful than other substances, like alcohol and tobacco. However, using weed regularly can negatively impact a person’s mental, physical and emotional health, and it’s those concerns that prompt people to quit smoking marijuana. Individuals who choose to quit using weed are often worried about increasingly severe symptoms of depression, anxiety and paranoia. They may want to improve their lung function so that they can increase their activity levels, and they may simply want to clear their brain fog so that they can think clearly and improve their concentration levels for work or school.
Physical Benefits of Quitting Weed
When individuals use weed regularly over a long period of time, they may start to feel sluggish. They may cough and have trouble breathing due to the effects of the marijuana smoke in their lungs. They may have trouble controlling how much and how often they eat, which could lead to weight gain. The good news is that quitting weed may result in better physical health, including:
- Improved Lung Health – Stopping the smoking of weed may result in better breathing and less coughing.
- Higher Energy Levels – Individuals who stop using weed often report feeling more alert or awake with fewer instances of feeling sluggish.
- Improved Sleep – Individuals who quit using weed may notice fewer sleep disturbances at night, and they may feel more rested in the morning.
- Better Appetite Control – Individuals who stop smoking weed are typically better able to control when and how much they eat.
Mental and Emotional Benefits of Quitting Weed
When individuals use weed on a regular basis for an extended period of time, they may start to experience some unwanted mental and emotional side effects. Some commonly reported issues include difficulty concentrating, worsened symptoms of depression and anxiety, and paranoia or psychosis. Thankfully, ceasing the use of weed may help improve mental and emotional health.
- Improved Clarity – Ceasing the use of weed may help improve cognitive function, memory and focus.
- Fewer Symptoms of Anxiety – Individuals who stop smoking marijuana may experience fewer symptoms of anxiety and paranoia, which can help them feel more emotionally stable.
- Renewed Motivation – Individuals may find that they are more motivated to start and finish tasks so that they can meet their goals.
- Improved Emotional Regulation – Individuals who stop using weed often report that they are better able to manage stress and control their emotions.
Social and Financial Benefits of Quitting Weed
Some people start using weed because their friends are using weed, and they think that if they also use weed, they’ll all be better friends. The truth is that stopping the use of marijuana can actually improve your relationships with your friends, family and coworkers.
- Stronger Personal Relationships – When an individual stops using weed, they often report having stronger and more meaningful relationships with their family members and friends.
- Improved Work Performance – Individuals who stop using marijuana often notice that their work performance increases, and they have better professional relationships with their coworkers.
- Improved School Performance – Individuals who stop using weed often report achieving better grades because they attend their classes and are better able to study and pay attention in class.
- Improved Financial Situation – Individuals who stop smoking marijuana often notice that they have more money because they’re not spending it on weed.
Side Effects of Marijuana Use
1. Impaired Short-term Memory
Marijuana can negatively impact short-term memory, affecting recall and learning processes.
2. Reduced Decision-Making Ability
Use of marijuana may hinder decision-making, potentially leading to impaired judgment and slower reaction times.
3. Altered Sleep Patterns
Regular marijuana use can disrupt normal sleep patterns and reduce overall sleep quality, contributing to insomnia or disrupted sleep cycles.
4. Increased Heart Rate
Marijuana use, particularly due to THC content, can elevate heart rate, potentially increasing the risk of a heart attack in vulnerable individuals.
5. Respiratory Issues
Smoking marijuana regularly is associated with reduced respiratory health, including coughing, wheezing, and increased risk of chronic bronchitis.
6. Mental Health Concerns
Frequent marijuana users may experience anxiety, paranoia, or even depressive symptoms, especially at higher dosages or with long-term use.
7. Withdrawal Symptoms
Individuals who frequently use marijuana and then stop suddenly may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, restlessness, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
8. Decreased Physical Activity
Marijuana use is associated with decreased motivation, often reducing physical activity levels, which can negatively affect overall health.
9. Cardiovascular Risks
Regular marijuana use can affect the cardiovascular system, increasing the potential for longer-term cardiovascular health issues.
These side effects highlight the importance of understanding the potential risks associated with marijuana consumption, particularly for frequent users or those with existing health conditions.
Potential Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms and How to Cope
Stopping the use of weed can cause some withdrawal symptoms in individuals who are dependent on the substance and regular users. Withdrawal symptoms usually begin within one to two days after the last dose. The most common symptoms of weed cessation were sleep disturbances, mood swings, irritability, depressed mood and loss of appetite. Individuals also reported cravings or the desire to start using weed again. A few of the less common symptoms of weed withdrawal included headaches, stomach pain, sweating and chills.
Ways to Manage Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms
If the symptoms become uncomfortable, there are ways to manage them. The first way to manage the symptoms is to focus on staying hydrated and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet. Eating healthy can help ensure that the individual’s body has the nutrients it needs to heal and recover.
Individuals are also encouraged to exercise, stay busy and practice being mindful. Exercise is known to help reduce levels of stress and improve moods, which can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression. It also offers an outlet for frustration, anger and irritation.
Performing some mindfulness activities can also help alleviate some symptoms of weed withdrawal, like irritation and anxiety. Mindfulness activities include yoga, single-tasking and meditation. Yoga involves performing stretches while paying attention to your breathing and meditating. It’s helpful for fascinating feelings of relaxation and calmness.
Single-tasking involves working on a single task. In other words, it’s the opposite of multitasking. In this exercise, the individual shows up to do the task and works on just that task. While they work on the task, they can also practice mindful breathing or meditate.
Meditation involves clearing one’s mind. Individuals who are meditating may repeat a sound, word or mantra in an effort to clear their brain of all thoughts. Some people may focus on the feel of certain parts of their bodies or the sensations of where their bodies connect with the furniture. It can also involve contemplating a question. Meditation helps alleviate feelings of anxiety and stress while improving focus and mental clarity.
Seek Support from Peer Groups and/or Professionals
Individuals who are trying to quit smoking weed can join peer groups or seek help from a professional. Some groups that help provide support to individuals who are trying to quit using cannabis include Marijuana Anonymous, Weedless.org and Recreate Life Counseling. It’s important to note that there are no specific medications to treat weed withdrawal. However, group counseling, peer support and individual counseling can help individuals overcome their dependency.
When to Seek Help for Marijuana Dependence
In some cases, individuals may want to enroll in a treatment program to help them stop smoking marijuana. This is particularly true when the individual has tried to stop using on their own and failed. Not being able to control the usage of marijuana or stop smoking is a symptom of cannabis use disorder, which is also referred to as marijuana use disorder. This condition can often co-occur with mental health disorders.
Individuals who are dependent on weed may smoke larger joints or more frequently in order to achieve the desired effects. Efforts to cut back or stop have failed, and the individual may be experiencing financial difficulties due to spending a lot of money on weed. School and work performance may also be negatively affected. These struggles can significantly impact their overall well-being.
When an individual’s marijuana use is negatively affecting their personal and professional lives, it’s time to seek help at Recreate Life Counseling in South Florida. We offer detox and addiction treatment for marijuana dependence. Individuals can choose inpatient or residential treatment or outpatient treatment. Residential treatment works well for individuals who are worried about being triggered or tempted to use again while in the initial stages of recovery. Outpatient works well for individuals who are determined to quit and have a strong support system at home. Both treatment types can come with mental health care, addressing potential mental health issues, often referred to as dual-diagnosis, as well as counseling, therapy and holistic services. Our holistic or alternative therapies include art therapy, acupuncture, yoga, chiropractic care, adventure therapy and massage therapy. A comprehensive treatment center will also offer evidence-based therapies.
If you’re concerned about a loved one and their marijuana dependency, or if you yourself are ready to get help for your weed dependency, give us a call today.
Published on: 2025-03-04
Updated on: 2025-03-24
