Is it really “Just Marijuana?”

Are you concerned about your teen’s marijuana use?

Do you worry that their marijuana use will interfere with their life?

Many people say, “I don’t do hard drugs; I just smoke marijuana.”

But is a regular marijuana habit is part of a healthy and productive lifestyle?

Recreational use of marijuana is now legalized in 15 states. Another 16 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands have decriminalized it.  

With this legalization, marijuana has become more accessible to our adolescent children. I hear from parents who are concerned because their teens smoke marijuana every day. The adolescents see nothing wrong with it. 

Studies on medical marijuana show it can be helpful in certain circumstances. Without thorough available research, it can be a controversial and confusing issue for parents. 

It is easy to be in denial that marijuana is damaging your life. Cannabis may not appear to be as harmful to your health, yet it can be damaging when not managed. 

When people struggle with alcohol, they talk about the things they have done, such as getting a DUI or out of control anger.

When someone consumes marijuana to the point where it has taken over their life, what seems to become clear is what they haven’t done.

They may get up in the morning, go to work or school, and appear functioning.  But are they able to pursue their goals, or much less have any goals?  Reaching your full potential may no longer be an option.

Some marijuana users may fool themselves into thinking they are in control. When they take a look at their life, there may be many tentative plans.  The lack of self-esteem and depression may set in as they watch those around them accomplish their goals. For some vague reason, they are not able to do the same.

Smoking marijuana can be an insidious habit, which can last for decades.

It’s not as easy as you might think to curb a marijuana problem. First, you need to be willing to admit that your marijuana habit is holding you back. You then need to make up for the years that you have lost. Also, understanding the psychological attachment to the drug is crucial. 

Road safety is also an issue. Many people claim that there is little or no risk when operating a motor vehicle.  Studies show that this is not true. A friend’s partner was killed while jogging by someone under the influence of marijuana a few years ago. He was given a sentence of thirteen years in jail.

Not every person who uses marijuana, or any drug for that matter, will develop an addiction. It’s a misconception to argue that a drug isn’t addictive because not everyone becomes hooked.  Marijuana addiction may be less severe, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less addictive.

Your health and well-being are two reasons to quit, but there are many more.

Here are some great reasons to quit marijuana:

• Increased lung capacity.
• Decreased risk of lung cancer.
• Better mental health and clarity.
• Better social life.
• Increased motivation.
• Self-respect.
• Money saved.
• More energy.
• Whiter teeth.
• More color in your skin.
• More confidence.
• Tidier house / flat / room.
• More restful and regular sleep.
• Increased motivation.
• Ability to be more honest.
• Ability to have a more open life.
• No more unattractive five-minute gagging in the morning.
• Not coughing up shit all the time.
• Time to do more worthwhile things besides just sitting around and getting high.
• Instead of saying you’ll do stuff, you will actually do them when you quit.
• How much pot you smoke, own, sell, or buy will no longer become the center of your pride.
• Friends will befriend you for who you are, not how much weed you supply.
• You may find yourself a soul mate and be able to keep them.
• Increase happiness and peace that comes from within.
• Improved memory and cognitive abilities.
• Less paranoia.
• Ability to dream again.
• Not having to worry about when you are going to have your next hit ~ not having to rush off to take it.
• You don’t have to wait around while picking up your pot.
• Not living in fear of the law.
• Driving always without ever being under the influence.
• Not been viewed as a druggy.
• Not having to live a secret life.
• Ability to travel more easily.
• Feeling in control of your life again.
• Being yourself again.
• Real happiness.
• Stronger willpower. 
• Remembering what you said and why.
• Order in your life.
• Being able to look people straight in the eye (nothing to hide).
• No munchies, thinner body, healthier eating habits. 
• Waking up early and feeling rested.
• Caring for your personal appearance.
• No burnt clothes or sofas because of the lighted debris of pot. 
• Increased productivity. 
• Faster mental capacity. 
• Being able to stay focused. 
• You won’t feel so robotic. 
• You’ll have more money.
• Your kids might respect you more. 
• You will read books again. 
• You will get out of the house occasionally.
• Perhaps you’ll be able to get a job.
• No more coughing. 
• Better memory. 
• You’ll rediscover yourself instead of being numb and high all the time. 
• Emotions and other things will surface. You will have the opportunity to through them and like life again. 
• You’ll be able to attract worthwhile life partners and friends that won’t drag you down by also being stoners. 
• Your memory will return, and you’ll not forget things so easily.

What are your reasons for quitting marijuana, or your thoughts about the topic?  Let us know in the comments.

Photo by Rick Proctor on Unsplash

Thank you for reading. I know you have many options on content. Don’t forget to sign up for my free training filled with information and inspiration. Sign up now.

And consider getting access to my online course, Regain Your Hope, an online course that gives you an action plan to help your child. Know that your child can change. Love, Cathy