Great thread starter! It seems as though many Nexians can relate to everyday cannabis use and its implications in health and well-being, especially if you're considering reducing consumption or slowing up and stopping, altogether.
I too am going through these similar changes but I wouldn't really know where to begin. Anyways, here it goes.
My journey with cannabis started at the age of 17yrs old up until my current age of 32yrs old. I smoked the herb daily, sometimes multiple times a day for the first 11yrs. I eventually eased off the herb for a number of weeks (almost a month) and switched to low dose edibles (daily). This lasted for 3 1/2yrs. That ended just over 4 months ago. I cannot even begin to describe the with-drawl effects of long-term, regular cannabis use. Endless sleepless nights, night terrors, bodily shaking, emotional issues, memory problems, uncontrollable stress, difficulties at work, difficulties with neighbors, and anxiety tied to all those effects.
My dream state was mostly in a dark place for over a decade. And now, it has never been more clearer and sharper. As if it has awaken from a long-awaited slumber. A process of healing has unfolded ever since I stopped smoking. Switching to edibles was the first step, and slowly tapering off of edibles was the second step. This took nearly a month to navigate, and fortunately, ended quite smoothly. My quality of sleep was really beginning to improve, amongst other things. I said farewell to my last 5mg edible before swallowing and life's been pretty good for the past few months. However, I am convinced that my heavy cannabis use altered how my melatonin functions. So, with the help of melatonin, L-theanine, 5-HTP, and skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) at nighttime, my quality of sleep and mental health has significantly improved, which has enhanced other areas of my life. Its been a real struggle but I believe I have successfully matured in a way where my mind no longer sees cannabis as a requirement but as a limited tool. When I smell or see others smoking the legal herb, it doesn't bother me, rather, reinforces my current understanding of my own struggles regarding the use of cannabis and where I see myself in the world.
I don't know where'd I be if it weren't for cannabis. The path that it has lead me down was of great significance and wisdom. Musically, creatively, intellectually, spiritually, socially, to me cannabis is a quintessential plant with multi-use applications. That being said, nothing seemingly good lasts forever. And parting ways was the only viable solution in order for me to see through the muddy waters and regain my health back. I have a lot of respect for the plant but when the body starts showing signs of pain it's time to reconsider what you regard as a plant ally and drive your mind forward. I know I did.
Cannabis has done enough for me and I plan to move forward without it. I hope everyone finds their own path of healing with cannabis.
i had to lay down in my bed , i've never been so high with such a low dose !
