Legalization doesn’t mean you can’t quit, if that’s what you want to do
The recent legalization of cannabis in Canada comes with a certain amount of hesitancy for some. While many cannabis users claim it is not addictive and more habitual, it is worth mentioning that depending on several factors, specifically your genetics and life experiences, you can be more prone to addiction whether it be cannabis or something else. If you find yourself not being able to control your consumption, here are some practical ways to quit smoking cannabis.
1. Find support
Tell someone who will support you in your endeavour of quitting, preferably someone who does not smoke. Plan your process. While you receive support, quitting will ultimately be your responsibility; it takes a lot of discipline and determination to quit smoking. Do not blame anyone through this process and do not quit for anyone but yourself.
2. No tobacco
Avoid mixing cannabis with tobacco. Tobacco has been proven to cause cancer and is extremely addictive, especially with tailor-made cigarettes that have additives and other chemicals.
3. New schedule and alternatives
If you’re finding yourself dependent on cannabis around the clock, eliminate your morning tokes. Consider moving to edibles in the evening to wean yourself off, especially if you are a regular smoker. If you choose to opt for edibles, consider how much you weigh and how many milligrams of THC are in the edible. Do your research before consuming them. It is wiser to take smaller amounts and build from that.
4. Stay busy
Find something to do that you enjoy during the time you would usually spend smoking. In my personal experience, I found listening to music and writing in my journal helped me through my process of quitting both cannabis and tobacco.
5. Exercise
We all need physical activity in some form. We need our lungs to be healthy in order to function, and smoking is proven to harm our lungs, whether it’s cannabis, tobacco, or something else. Go to the gym or go for a walk in the evening rather than smoking and move out of your comfort zone. It is worth it, not only to release endorphins, but to relieve tension and frustration.
6. Tidy up
There is evidence that cleanliness and removing clutter from your living space improves your mental clarity. Quitting is difficult, and temptation will rear its ugly head. Throw out your smoking paraphernalia. It will be much easier to resist temptation when your living space is orderly and you don’t have reminders of smoking.
7. Treat yourself
This is a journey and it is taxing. When you reach a planned milestone, do something nice for yourself! Go out for dinner, buy a new book or do something stimulating that isn’t smoking cannabis. Reward your behaviour — celebrating your hard reduction is extremely important and improves the gratitude you have for yourself and for those around you, who have supported you through this process.
Keep in mind that your choices today have an impact not only on your future self, but also on your family, the community, and future generations. Be wise and be safe while you consume cannabis.