While some might argue that there is nothing like ‘too much’ when it comes to weed, there is a section of people who are ‘addicted’ to it and cannot get off this dependency. If you are one of these, here is how you can cut down on rolling those joints.

Is weed addictive?

In contrast to other opioids, marijuana is not considered to be as addictive. However, experts beg to differ. Irene Little, PsyD, a psychotherapist with Access Counseling Group, tells WebMD “Many people believe marijuana is not addictive because they or people they know used it without any consequences, and without becoming addicted. But weed can be just as addictive as any other drug. Many people have physical symptoms when they stop using marijuana. Physical withdrawal from marijuana can include irritability, difficulty sleeping, change in appetite, headaches, lack of focus, and more.”

The rate of addiction also depends upon the age at which a person begins to use the drug. In addition to this, too much cannabis could have an adverse effects.

What is the impact of weed on you?

While there have been several claims that weed is great for therapeutic purposes, and as a pain reliever, there is no doubt that too much of it could have the opposite effect. THC which is the psychoactive ingredient in weed is responsible for the ‘high’ that a person gets once they vape or smoke it. When one smokes weed, the THC affects the part of the brain that usually responds to pleasure, releasing dopamine in the process, and making the person feel good.

However, in large amounts, it could cause clinical depression in people and high doses could even cause paranoia.

Experts also say that in very high doses, marijuana could lead to heightened senses of colour etc. thus distorting your thinking in the process and affecting your motor skills.

So how do you stop? Here are some things that may help.

Know ‘why’ you want to stop smoking weed

Knowing the reason why you wish to stop smoking so much weed, will help you decide how to then follow a plan. Do you wish to stop because you are totally dependent on the weed and get into mood swings when you can’t have it? Or do you just wish to stop since you want to cut down on expenses? Is it an addiction for you, or is it simply the availability of it that compels you to smoke? Answering these questions will give you clarity about why stopping is essential.

Get help

Whenever you decide to quit something, it is best done with help. So also in the case of weed. You could reach out to a therapist or a doctor or simply a friend to who you will be accountable during the quitting process.

Decide your strategy

For many people when it comes to quitting a habit, there are different ways they might adopt. While someone may find that gradually cutting down helps them, others prefer to stop all of a sudden and never go back to the addiction in question. If you are resorting to the former, set limits for yourself and stick to them. If it is the latter, remain committed to your resolve.

Accept that you will have to cut down on other things too

There are many aspects of your day that are mingled with one another and thus, if you decide to stop a certain habit there will be other accompanying changes that you also need to adopt. Taylor Draughn, a psychotherapist in Louisiana says to Mic “Try to avoid smoking in situations where it's easy to get carried away, like at parties or when you're hanging out with friends who also smoke.”

Have other distractions

Now what to do with all the free time you have on hand? Instead of being idle and reminding yourself about weed and how you could spend this time rolling joints, fill it up with other distractions such as a walk or meeting up with friends or reading a book or anything that you enjoy.

The aim is to not allow your mind to wander as this would compel you to go ahead and smoke.