How to Stop Smoking Weed

When it comes to smoking, it’s all risk and no reward. Yes, the head rush and body buzz can be exhilarating, but we’re talking about the impact smoking weed has on your health. Smoking affects almost every part of your body, from your eyes to your digestion, circulation, and lungs.

Not to mention, the habit can really do a number on your wallet and potentially hurt those around you with second-hand smoke. And not to be a complete killjoy, but lighting up can lead to some more serious side effects like:

• Respiratory issues
• Depression and anxiety disorders
• Increased risk of schizophrenia
• Reduced cognitive abilities
• Lung infections

For some, these effects are enough to give up smoking weed. For others, the lure of mental euphoria outweighs the health risks, especially if using cannabis to manage symptoms of anxiety, chronic pain, or sleep disorders. But over time, the downsides to smoking weed start to outnumber the benefits.

Aside from keeping more money in your pocket, whittling down your weed intake can deliver substantial benefits to your health and overall lifestyle. Some positive changes may happen right away, while others may take a weeks or months to kick in. Physical and mental benefits include:

• Healthier respiratory functions
• Improved focus
• Increased energy and motivation
• Better memory
• More balanced mood

It’s not uncommon for sleep disorders to take a little extra time to resolve. After figuring out how to stop smoking weed, a large percentage of former cannabis users report sleep disturbance issues lasting a few weeks or months after quitting.

Not everyone that Googles ‘how to quit smoking weed’ is looking to give up cannabis completely. For some people, marijuana is used for medical purposes to relieve symptoms of pain, seizures, glaucoma, arthritis, mood disorders, insomnia, and more. Thanks to the magical combination of legalization and the brilliant minds behind the budding cannabis industry, there are ways that you can still get your greens in without having to physically smoke it.

When you decide to stop smoking weed, it’s likely that you experience some withdrawal symptoms. Don’t panic—these side effects aren’t life threatening, but they can add a few speed bumps on the road to liberating your lungs.

Withdrawal symptoms will vary depending on how often and how long you have been smoking. Common withdrawal symptoms include:

• Cravings
• Irritability
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep issues
• Headaches

If your goal is to learn how to stop smoking weed fast, you will need to give yourself a little extra grace and time to experience and cope with these symptoms. Adding low intensity physical activity into your routine, like yoga, can help promote relaxation and combat the anxious feelings that come with taking control of your herbal habits. It’s also a good idea to avoid consuming caffeine in the afternoon to assist with any interference with your sleep. If you have been smoking weed for a long time, you can always consult your doctor to help create a personalized plan to navigate your way through how to stop smoking weed (forever or just for now).

Quitting weed is not one size fits all approach. What works for someone else may not work for you. Some people only need one approach to be successful, while others may need to dabble in multiple tactics to quit. It’s your life and only you know what’s going to work best, so don’t be afraid to do what you gotta do!

Out of sight, out of mind, right? Maybe not so much. If a craving hits but your best bud is stashed in the back of your closet, chances are you’re going to cave. Purging all your materials and paraphernalia will make it harder to slip up.

The more people you tell about your plans to quit smoking weed, the more people you will need to be accountable to. If you have a solid support system, it will be a lot easier to navigate through this transition.

We do everything else on our phones, so why not use that to your advantage and incorporate it into your quitting toolbox? There are countless apps for those looking to get sober. These resources will also introduce you to other people experiencing the same struggles as you.

There is strength in asking for help. If you have tried different techniques or are looking to enlist the help of a professional from the start, there are a variety of approaches that a therapist can assist you with.

Is there an activity or hobby you have been dying to try? This is the time to pick up the guitar collecting dust in the closet or start that blog you have been thinking about. Doing something you enjoy can take your mind off having a puff while you stock up on new skills.