Finding Balance: How To Create A Healthy Relationship with Cannabis
Photo by Kindel Media
Table of Contents
Introduction
The other day, I got into a terrible fight with my partner. After we had calmed down and were starting to repair, my partner said he wanted to smoke a joint to help with calming down, a habit that he’s used to. Or you can call it a ritual.
Normally, I’d be okay with this, but this time, it stopped me in my tracks. I’m all for using cannabis as a tool to help improve one’s physical and mental health. But I think there’s a fine line here, especially when cannabis is constantly the first or only solution to your problems.
Now, I want to caveat that this discussion is going to be authentic. It’s not meant for medical cannabis users. If you’re medically prescribed, this might not be relevant for you, nor should you take any advice from me because I’m not a medical professional.
But suppose you're someone who uses cannabis as a therapeutic tool and for recreational purposes, meaning that you have certain challenges in your life that you use cannabis to help address such as stress relief, insomnia, post-workout recovery, pre-workout, or more casual, less severe ailments. In that case, this episode is just for you. Today, I’m going to talk about why some people end up developing an unhealthy relationship with cannabis, why cannabis can eventually become a crutch in one’s life, how to know when you have an unhealthy relationship with cannabis, and how to either reduce your cannabis use or change the relationship in which you use the plant.
You mustn’t take what I say as gospel because everyone is unique, so just because I'm saying one thing doesn’t mean it applies to you. I also don’t want you to feel like I’m shaming you, because this isn’t what this episode is about. Today’s conversation is really about being honest with ourselves and reflecting on whether we use the plant as a compliment to our lives or if it’s holding us back from addressing underlying root causes of issues in our lives.
My Background with Cannabis
I have 10 years of experience using the plant on and off. In my earlier years, I wasn’t mindful. Over the last five years, I’ve changed my relationship with cannabis and I love the relationship I have with it now, where I use it as a tool and it’s not my go-to answer for everything.
Why People Use Cannabis
Medical Reasons
Medical cannabis users rely on the plant to manage serious health conditions like chronic pain, PTSD, and seizures, finding relief that traditional medications often can't provide.
Seizures
Cancer patients
Veterans with PTSD
Nausea and vomiting
Chronic pain
Arthritis
Photo by Aphiwat chuangchoem
Therapeutic Reasons
Sport recovery
Anxiety
Stress management
Insomnia and sleep
Period/menstrual cramps
Recreational Reasons
Enjoyment and relaxation
Social settings
Why Some People End Up Abusing Cannabis
Lack of education
Lack of self-control
Preference to be high than sober
Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship with Cannabis
Dependency, tolerance developing
Need more to feel effects, increasing dose
Constantly thinking about it
Negative effects when you don't use cannabis
Negatively impacting your life and obligations (work, school, etc.)
Unable to be sober
Increasing frequency of consumption
Friend or family member has brought up your consumption as a concern
Spending more on cannabis than you want to or can afford to
How to Change Your Relationship with Cannabis
Mindful consumption
Setting intentions, being aware
Pausing before you consume
Finding alternatives to cannabis and ensuring other aspects of your life are in check
Exercise
Nutrition
Relationships
Mental health
Track your consumption and document the experience/effects (I love using bullet journals like this one from Amazon)
Set boundaries and breaks (extended breaks or breaks throughout the week)
Hold yourself accountable
Journalling is a great way to track your intake and practice mindful consumption.
Photo by Karolina Kaboompics
Conclusion
You’re not alone. Your reasons for consuming are valid. To have a sustainable and healthy relationship with cannabis, it comes back to mindful consumption. Too much of anything can have negative effects, and even though cannabis has never caused a death in the history of cannabis itself, it can still have side effects when you abuse it or don’t use it responsibly.
Final Remarks
Free Tolerance Break Guide: Available for download here
30-Day Program To Create A Healthy Relationship With Cannabis: I’ll be launching a waitlist for my 30-day program on creating a healthier relationship with cannabis. Sign up for my newsletter to get onto the waitlist.
By focusing on mindful consumption and self-awareness, you can enjoy the benefits of cannabis without it taking over your life. Remember, it’s all about balance and finding what works best for you.
