This guide on how to quit smoking weed outlines the strategies to quit, with or without the help of CBD methods, and whether to reduce instead.
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Cannabis addiction really does exist
Often, users only notice when they restrict smoking that it is not that easy. Because cannabis can be addictive. Some cannot imagine it or do not want to admit it.
Of course, this does not affect all cannabis users. Most of them have no problem stopping smoking weed when circumstances call for it. Often, smoking weed becomes less important because other things come to the fore. However, some people do not want to forego the feeling that they get when smoking weed.
Many long-time smokers initially only consumed cannabis among friends. Over time, however, they smoke more and more often on their own and withdraw into their own four walls. As the fun factor decreases, smoking weed takes on more and more of the function of dealing with unpleasant feelings such as fear, difficulty falling asleep or other problems. But at some point it dawns on most of those affected that it cannot go on like this.
How to quit smoking weed: 1. Reduce or exit?
Once the decision has been made to want to change something, a goal must be defined that begins with the question: stop completely or reduce? For some consumers, reducing appears to be a good compromise in order to reduce the negative effects of consumption without having to forego the pleasant effects entirely. That can also work – if the appropriate self-control is in place.
Especially with long-term stoners, self-control is such a thing. Every consumption bears the risk of falling back into the old pattern of consumption.
As paradoxical as it sounds, when you consider how to quit smoking weed, getting out is often easier than reducing. Going down takes more willpower and discipline than stopping smoking altogether. Because the decision to stop smoking weed is only made once. When reducing, the decision to consume yes or no has to be made over and over again.
If you still want to reduce, you should set yourself a clear and measurable goal. The goal “I want to smoke less” doesn’t help. How much is less Self-deception is preprogrammed. “I only want to smoke weed on special occasions,” is also too vague. Because if it is not clearly defined what a special occasion is, then every situation could become a special occasion. A goal, however, can be clearly measured, for example: “I only want to smoke a maximum of one joint on Fridays and Saturdays.” The day and amount are clearly defined. So you can be proud if you’ve managed it for a week.
How to quit smoking weed: 2. Prepare for difficult situations
Once the goal has been defined, consumers should not rely on their willpower alone. You should be aware that changes in behavior rarely happen overnight. It takes at least a couple of weeks for old habits to be pushed aside and new ones to take their place. And even then, former stoners always have to be careful.
Before taking action and stopping or reducing consumption, you should take your time and deal thoroughly with your personal risk situations : In which situations and under which circumstances do I smoke pot? What motives do I associate with smoking weed? When do I find it particularly difficult to give up smoking pot? You should clarify these questions for yourself in advance. The best thing is to write everything down.
The next step is to come up with control strategies. These are alternative actions or thoughts that could help overcome difficult situations. If you usually smoke weed in the evening before going to sleep, you should get other sleep rituals. Relaxation techniques help some people, while others can put themselves into slumber with a book. There are no patent remedies here. It is important to find the tricks that are useful for you – without resorting to drugs or medication – and to endure it for a while if it does not work out immediately to fall asleep.
Despite good preparation, the risk of a relapse can still be high, especially in the first few weeks. It is not uncommon for those affected to experience withdrawal symptoms at the beginning. However, relapses are normal and should never be used as an opportunity to give up your personal goal completely. Rather, relapses also offer an opportunity to learn for the future and to refine one’s control strategies .
How to quit smoking weed: 3. Find alternatives
For the success of the exit or the reduction, not only strategies for risky situations are important in how to quit smoking weed. Those wanting to quit should also think about the structure of their everyday life. Because years of smoking weed has usually taken up a large part of the everyday life of consumers. It has to be refilled.
Alternative activities should require as much attention as possible to distract people from thinking about smoking weed. Exercise is particularly suitable. Those who do sport during the day are more balanced and can fall asleep better in the evening. The effectiveness of exercise in cannabis withdrawal has even been scientifically proven . But there are also less sweaty activities that are suitable to distract from smoking weed. Perhaps there are hobbies that you have neglected because of smoking weed and can resume. Or you specifically look for a new activity that you enjoy and that fulfills you.
When should you stop smoking weed?
There are different groups of cannabis users. Some people smoke you every now and then in the evening, others do it every evening and yet another group consumes cannabis throughout the day, every day. Most likely you belong to the latter group mentioned if you want to quit.
The use of conventional cannabis is widely considered to perfectly fine if you do it every now and then or for medical reasons. However, there are a few “risk groups” that we recommend that you stop smoking weed.
Do you smoke to relieve stress or problems?
Many users smoke because weed is an effective way of relieving psychological problems or emotional stress. This is also a good, effective thing every now and then. But it should definitely not be done every day.
After smoking all problems have faded into the background and we are either euphoric or deeply relaxed. If you do this every day and actually need it , you should stop smoking weed.
You are probably in a psychological dependency , which usually progresses in phases. In the long run, smoking weed has a negative effect on memory performance and concentration. Long- term consumption can very rarely lead to migraine attacks or cardiovascular problems .
More often psychological consequences come as depression or anxiety. These are not caused directly by marijuana or THC, but rather by the already burdened and suppressed psyche.
Not to be underestimated: tobacco & nicotine
One of the main problems with persistent use: Not only are you a marijuana user, you are also a smoker. There is hardly any need to provide information about the health consequences of this.
Are you aware of the risks of smoking weed and would you like to stop using it as gently and without side effects ? Then the next section will interest you.
THC withdrawal usually also means nicotine withdrawal
If you are just vaping or smoking your cannabis straight, ignore this part. Nevertheless, it is important to mention that a long-term user usually not only goes through cannabis withdrawal, but also quits smoking in the classic way. Quasi-cannabis and nicotine withdrawal at the same time.
After all, every joint is made with tobacco. So it is not easy to quit smoking weed when you have to quit two related substances. But it is feasible – and you too will make it.
CBD is a potent helper
In section below, we will explain, among other things, how cannabidiol can help you quit smoking weed. The vast majority of people associate the hemp plant solely with drug use. What the masses don’t know, however, is that hemp does not only contain THC, which is addictive and the actual drug. A large and important component of the hemp plant is CBD, also called cannabidiol. This has numerous positive effects on the human body.
The highlight, however, is that you only consume the CBD in isolation and omit the THC part.
Of course you are then no longer high, etc., but you have an extremely powerful helper in withdrawal. Because you evade a substance less because you continue to take the cannabidiol.
CBD attaches to the same receptors as THC – your advantage:
Imagine that your CB1 and CB2 receptors are getting food every day and from one day to the next there is nothing left. Do yourself a favor and take CBD while you quit. It attaches to the same receptors as any other cannabinoid. Because no THC “blocks” the receptors, significantly more cannabidiol can dock and develop its effect.
Significantly minimized withdrawal symptoms
This is the crux of the matter: Similar to how the nicotine patch makes withdrawal easier for smokers, this potent cannabinoid could do the same for you. In particular, the psychological phenomena when getting used to it can often be compensated very well with CBD.
It can just as easily have a calming and sleep-inducing effect, combat discomfort and also alleviate inner restlessness. The psychological component is therefore very well supported.
CBD in the withdrawal phase – 3 tips for people who want to stop smoking weed
- Stop immediately!
Set a date on which you want to stop smoking and then stop consuming weed. Do not try to gradually reduce your consumption . As a result, you keep adding THC to your body over and over again and intensify your withdrawal through the unusually lower dose. In the end, it takes longer.
- Replace the weed!
Instead of simply stopping, you should find an alternative, especially with ritualized processes in which smoking weed was a component . You can easily replace the joint before bed, for example, with a yoga session or a few minutes of meditation. As a result, your ritual remains in a modified state and you do not have to do without it.
If you don’t feel like the typical yoga nonsense and you haven’t mastered it either: Search for “Yoga Nidra” on YouTube. All you have to do is lie, listen and feel. Keeps me falling asleep! Alternatively, meditation also has its health benefits and: Skillfully, it also has mind-expanding effects.
- Do not resort to harmful alternatives!
You should replace your grass consumption with meaningful activities , but under no circumstances should you resort to other intoxicants. For example, if you have suppressed your everyday problems by smoking weed, it is of no use to drown them in alcohol now. This will take you off the weed, but will create a new, probably even bigger problem for you .
Caution: After the phase of physical addiction has been overcome, the psychological withdrawal usually continues. During this time you may feel the need to have a smoke in between, because you are actually over the mountain.
Don’t let your addiction trick you: as soon as you take the first move, you are back in the addiction and all the effort was in vain. So stay strong and don’t give in to your addiction.
I strongly recommend supporting the withdrawal phase by taking CBD oil, because you can relieve yourself of some suffering with it.
Quitting smoking weed – what can you expect in terms of your quality of life?
I will first refer to my own experiences when I more or less forced my ex-girlfriend at the time to stop smoking weed. She started at 14 and smoked until she was 20. After all, until the end of love, I experienced her clean for 4 months, during which she sometimes did herself right:
- She laughed a lot more & talked to people
. Suddenly it was no longer a question of where and with whom people smoke today. She became much more cheerful and talked to people a lot more. My family had known her for 1 year and asked me what was wrong with Mary-Jane (name changed), she would talk a lot more. - She pursued her real interests
Many days used to be more stoned than high, and you can’t get anything on those days. That has changed: She has finally applied for universities & has studied for the last Abitur exams without wasting half the day. - The sex became much more intense.
That struck me personally very much. You too, of course. The sex became much more emotionally intense for her and definitely better. A very nice motivation, I think.
Now from a purely medical point of view:
- Your lung function improves significantly
- Your cardiovascular system is stabilized
- Your feeling of hunger will regulate itself
- Your memory improves
- Your ability to concentrate increases
Enjoy these advantages all the more quickly:
The positives slowly creep in while your withdrawal symptoms slowly creep in. Basically a smooth transition, and you may get there faster with cannabidiol.
What is cannabidiol (CBD)?
Along with tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol is the main component of the hemp plant . However, these two raw materials differ significantly from each other. Probably the biggest difference is that CBD is neither physically nor psychologically dependent. It is also well-tolerated, has a wide range of positive effects on and is increasingly legally available in many states and countries.
There are various products with CBD content on the market:
- As a CBD oil
- CBD liquid for e-cigarettes
- CBD capsules
- CBD paste
- CBD chewing gum
- CBD spray
The required amount differs from person to person , which is why no precise information on the required amount can be given. The concentration of the CBD should also be explored depending on the clinical picture .
Benefits of CBD
- Cannabidiol is neither physically nor psychologically dependent and is generally well tolerated.
- It can be used as a replacement for joints and significantly reduces the symptoms of withdrawal .
- Ingestion regulates the feeling of satiety , which is why many people unconsciously and without starving, reach their old weight.
- Studies are currently underway which, according to previous knowledge, are researching the great healing properties of cannabidiol. Ingestion can successfully treat the symptoms of the following chronic diseases :
- diabetes
- cancer
- Arthritis and gout
- chronic pain and migraines
Research on CBD
For several years now, science has been studying the effects and risks of taking CBD-containing products. Tests on small mammals have so far had a very positive effect on their health and even chronic diseases have been curbed and cured .
Consider the positive effects of cannabidiol
In this case, you should acquire appropriate products. However, you should always make sure to order from trusted retailers to avoid nasty surprises. Although extensive controls are carried out in Germany , one should find out more about the providers of such sensitive products .
For this reason we have chosen a reputable and reliable dealer , because health is the most important good that must be protected.
So if you want to stop smoking weed permanently and go through the smoothest possible withdrawal without side effects , you should definitely take a look at our dealer recommendations – we will be happy to advise you!
Is there a physical or psychological addiction and if so, how does the withdrawal work?
We hardly need to explain to you, our welcome reader, that cannabis can be addictive. The potential for addiction may not be very high, but if you have fallen victim to it, then you have the salad (usually in a joint). The dependence is both physical and emotional and increases depending on the individual life situation and duration of consumption.
Kiffer opportunity and people who are satisfied with their lives, suffer this much less often from addiction. The situation is different with consumers who use weed to block out their reality. In addition to physical dependence, these people usually develop emotional dependency, which can be a difficult hurdle during withdrawal. CBD can be used successfully with both variants and makes it easier to exit.
The stages of withdrawal
You want to quit smoking weed and you must be perfectly clear: there will be withdrawal symptoms. I’m concentrating exclusively on cannabis here, leaving out tobacco. Particularly positive: marijuana is relatively easy to wean off compared to other drugs.
Withdrawal usually takes place in several phases , whereby the physical and then the psychological addiction must be overcome.
The physical withdrawal
Your body will be lacking THC for the first 14 days . Here to different symptoms occur – the a feel particularly fit and the others are lazy and unmotivated. What almost all dropouts have in common are the sleep problems that occur with THC withdrawal. It’s not surprising either, THC is an excellent sleeping aid.
The good news is, these symptoms usually go away within the first 2 weeks and don’t return. The better news is, with the help of products containing CBD, you can make this phase more bearable and make it easier to quit smoking weed. Just for sleep the cannabinoid is in fact very often used.
Mental withdrawal
Once you are emotionally dependent on smoking weed, it is difficult to stop using it. Especially when smoking weed was combined with rituals, these will remind you again and again of the consumption. For example, if you have been smoking weed from falling asleep or at the weekly meeting with friends for a longer period of time, this ritual is stored in your head.
So if you stop smoking weed, you may not be able to sleep at first or you may isolate yourself from your friends for 1-2 weeks . It may also be that you initially depression develop, but do not worry, normally disappear this relatively quickly . If the depressed mood or other psychological symptoms prove to be permanent, it is advisable to consult a doctor or therapist .
Don’t be afraid of psychotherapy
For you, of course, withdrawal can mean that you will then be confronted again with the psychological suffering that you previously made tolerable through cannabis. In this case, I really recommend starting psychotherapy. I’ve been in one myself for a few months, but for different reasons.
In any case, you don’t have to feel “crazy” or “disturbed” about it. Successful people recommend everyone to take part in psychotherapeutic treatments at least once in their life. It can only help you, it can’t hurt.
