Photo Credit BBC

A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog regarding the differences between addiction and dependence. I published it on social media and received some negative comments. That is what people on social media like to do but it got me thinking. They were accusing me of talking the talk but not walking the walk. In the article, I mentioned how quitting weed was not very hard for me and I do it every now and then just to be able to continue to prove that to myself. I thought I had offered a pretty decent article and I was encouraging anyone who did not think they could quit to just try it, to breathe, to drink green tea (because that has been helpful for me), and to exercise. I was attempting to convey to hardcore smokers that it may not be easy at first but they could do it if they really wanted to. Basically, the negative comments said I was talking down to you guys. So, you know what I did? I took a break on smoking weed this week, not for good, but just to do it for a bit. In addition to the negative comments I also decided to take a break because I had a very stressful and hectic week. Some negative things happened to me that will affect my life for years to come. I decided that while I was dealing with these events it would be best to take a break because I need a clear head. I do not want to distract myself with getting high while dealing with some very personal things. It might amplify my emotions to get high right now so I thought it would be a good idea to chill out.

Not smoking can be nice sometimes. Cannabis and I have a special relationship, something I am sure many of you also have. Cannabis has been there for me in times of pain and stress, in times of depression or anxiety. The thing that happens though is that cannabis does not make those problems go away, so if you continue to puff down when you are in a negative mood it really tends to only have a momentary effect. You feel better for the moment, well maybe a few hours, but it does not fix things permanently. It only puts those issues on the back burner for a bit. Getting yourself in a cycle like this can also lead to using cannabis as a crutch in those times, which also does not help those negative feelings and emotions. It is best to work through any issues you are having today rather than delay them until tomorrow.

So, I have not smoked weed now for five days, or one hundred and twenty hours and I feel alright. You know someone smokes a fair amount of weed when they can tell you exactly how long it has been since they smoked last. My appetite has dwindled a bit in that time and I have also slept a little less than usual, but I do not feel bad. My stomach has been rumbling quite a bit, my heart has been beating a little faster. I consider smoking, but I do not. I feel like any uncomfortable effects will be done in the next day or so, but they are not uncomfortable enough to make me feel like I should burn one down. I have made it this far right, why give up now?

Cannabis is like anything, it should be taken in moderation.The things that make cannabis great are what I am feeling a lack of in my body right now. Cannabis is an anti-nausea medication so obviously that is where my stomach issues are coming from. It is a reaction to not having my anti-nausea medication. I am a little bored here and there, but I am attempting to stay busy. I know that when I have nothing going on and I puff a little it just makes the mundane manageable. Exercise is a fantastic option when coming off anything that is a dependence because it takes your mind off things, and it focuses your attention elsewhere. When you are pedaling your bicycle up a steep hill you do not have any time to be thinking about weed. You are only thinking about the task at hand. Your mind is clear. Exercise is a good type of meditation, something that may come in very handy when you are trying to remove yourself from a dependence. Also remember that exercise offers a natural high, we have all heard of the “runner’s high” right? That buzz can be a nice supplement.

One thing I do not recommend you do is try to replace your cannabis dependence with another “drug”. Alcohol is not a good substitute for cannabis, and other substances are even worse. Remember that cannabis is a soft drug, so replacing it with hard drugs does no good and may leave you with a new dependence. Plus, let us not forget the best part of laying off weed for a little bit is lowering that tolerance for when you come back to puffing. Think about how high you will get when your body has been clean for a few days! Holy cow that will be nice, it will be like smoking for the first time again, who knows you may even get attacked by the giggles. Low tolerance is not something I am all that used to so having one can be nice.

I promise that I will not become one of those guys who gets on his high horse about quitting weed. I mean hell, I write a weed blog. I am going to have to keep you interested, it is not like I can turn this into a movie blog or cycling blog. Plus, I am going to a show at Red Rocks soon and I will definitely be chiefin some doobs with my pals there.

I love cannabis. I love the way it smells, I love the way it tastes, I love the way it makes me feel. If you love something you should set it free. I am doing that right now because I know when we meet again our passion for each other will not have dwindled one bit. It may have even made it stronger.

Lastly, if you are really having a hard time, I would always welcome you to contact me in the comments here and we can private message each other. It always helps to have someone to talk to when you feel like you are going through something alone. We got this homie, deep breaths.

Cannabis products are designed for adults 21 and older. Please consume responsibly.

Chris Fisher

Chris grew up in Dover, Delaware with his sights set on the wild west. Inspired by 80’s and 90’s- era ski movies Chris found his way to Gunnison, Colorado in 1999 to attend Western State College, now Western State University, and to ski Crested Butte. In this little mountain town in the heart of the Sangre de Cristo mountains Chris also found a lovely little plant called cannabis. Chris still lives in Colorado, having moved to Fort Collins after graduating to follow his love of skiing, mountain biking, and all things outdoors. Currently working as a budtender with 7 years experience in the cannabis industry Chris has a passion for cannabis, a desire to write, and a love for Colorado.