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The positive impact of weed on mental health is a popular topic nowadays – more and more people are sharing their personal experiences with marijuana and praising this recreational drug for its beneficial effects for their physical and mental health. But what if the use of marijuana is too much for you to bear? And does quitting weed make you happier in the long run?
Let us take a look at the positive and negative effects of cannabis on a person’s mental health and learn what can be done to ensure your marijuana use does not harm you in the present or future.
Effects of Marijuana on Mental Health
The short-term effects of weed can be extremely positive – reduced anxiety, enhanced focus, and increased motivation are among the most common sensations an individual can experience after they take cannabis. Still, some people react differently – they are suddenly anxious, their thoughts are all over the place, they act paranoid, and it is nearly impossible for them to concentrate on a specific task or a conversation with someone.
We should not forget about the emotional stability the use of marijuana gives to people with chronic diseases of a physical nature – studies have confirmed that patients who have to cope with nausea, vomiting, epilepsy, and chronic pain can handle their physical symptoms much better if they are taking drugs that contain cannabinoids which in turn elevates their mood and lowers the likelihood of depression.
The Connection Between Weed and Mood Swings
In some cases, the effects of marijuana use are ambiguous – many individuals cannot give their opinion on how weed affected them if at first it uplifted their mood and then made them feel insecure, irritated, and scared. Even if there are no mental health issues you are aware of or underlying problems you may need to address in the future, you will be more agitated and angry from time to time, especially after taking a higher dose than usual or combining weed with prescription medication, alcohol, and other drugs.
If you have a mental health disorder that is characterized by regular mood swings such as bipolar disorder, you need to be particularly mindful when it comes to weed, just like you should stay away from alcohol and illicit drugs to have a clear mind.
Steps to Reducing Marijuana Use for a Happier Life
Considering all the side effects numerous individuals are forced to manage, the answer to the question “Does quitting weed make you happier?” is yes. If you are ready to remind yourself how it felt before you started using cannabis and see the benefits of improved mental health without marijuana, you should do the following things:
| Step | Description |
| Manage Your Expectations | Be realistic with yourself – not every person is able to quit right away and never touch weed again. If you can reduce the frequency of marijuana use, this is good enough for starters – see how you feel after a day or two without marijuana and write down the symptoms that may bother you |
| Create a Healthy Routine | A person who is accustomed to using cannabis daily – especially someone who wakes up and the first thing they do is smoke weed – may feel lost and confused as their regular routine is disrupted. Your short-term goal should be the establishment of a new schedule and routine – know in advance what you will do instead of using marijuana |
| Recognize Your Triggers | Some people experience intense cravings after dealing with stressful situations or interacting with people they do not like – figure out what makes you feel like you need to use weed and be prepared to refrain from familiar behaviors hours before the trigger occurs |
| Rely on Others | You should surround yourself with people who support your choice and can help you maintain a healthier lifestyle. This does not mean you will need to cut ties with individuals who continue to use weed recreationally or for medical purposes forever – as long as people around you are respectful and encourage you to keep going, this solid support network will hold you accountable during the new chapter of your life |
| Get Professional Help | This may be a difficult decision to make but if you really struggle without marijuana or you have smoked weed for years before quitting or lowering the dosage abruptly, the consequences for your physical and mental health may be too devastating, and the prevention of relapse should be your number one priority. Talk to a therapist who can help you find healthy coping mechanisms and guide you with motivational enhancement therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy |
Alternative Activities to Boost Happiness After Quitting Weed
Everyone has their own definition of happiness, and what works for other people and inspires them to move forward may be of no use to someone else. Still, there are certain activities you can try as you learn to live without weed:
| Advice | Description |
| Do the Things You Have Been Postponing | To deal with boredom after weed does not entertain you anymore, you should focus your attention on small tasks you have sidelined for any reason. Fix something that is broken in your house, clean a hard-to-reach spot, go to a cafe you have been walking by, and arrange a meeting with someone you have not seen in a while |
| Participate in Social Activities | When you interact with other people, collaborate on a specific project, and listen to their stories after sharing yours, it elevates your mood and triggers the release of oxytocin to make you feel happy and accomplished |
| Move Your Body | Select a physical activity that brings you joy – playing sports, working out, dancing, or doing yoga – and stick to it. Does quitting weed make you happier? Yes – and it also makes you more adventurous and ambitious as you go outside and do the things you have not tried before |
| Express Your Creativity | The medium you end up choosing does not matter as much as your dedication to the art you want to practice – you can devote yourself to music, painting, or learning the language. Remember that working with your hands does wonders for your brain so find a hobby that lets you create, build, and relax at the same time |
| Come Up With a Self-Care Routine | Find time to take care of your mental health and master self-soothing practices that can help you deal with anxiety and depression more effectively than marijuana would. For instance, guided meditation and yoga can result in better sleep quality and make you feel fresh and energetic in the morning |
Tips for Maintaining Happiness Without Marijuana at Pacific Coast Mental Health
Whether you are planning to quit marijuana in the nearest future or you already took this step which took a toll on your psyche, talking to a mental health professional who can guide you and help you navigate your emotional issues and find the right direction is the smartest solution.
Contact Pacific Coast Mental Health – we can discuss quitting marijuana benefits, talk about healthy coping strategies, and restore a sense of balance and focus you have been lacking.
FAQs
How can quitting cannabis lead to improved mood and emotional well-being?
If you depend on cannabis or it causes you to feel bad, scared, paranoid, and self-conscious, the right choice would be to give up on this drug and look for healthier ways to feel happy and fulfilled. The more time you spend away from weed, the higher your chances of staying productive, socialized, and relaxed.
What are the mental health benefits of overcoming marijuana addiction?
When you are addicted to cannabis and abuse marijuana to the detriment of your health, personal life, and career, leaving this harmful habit behind can make you feel more connected to your authentic self, confident, and free.
Can increased energy levels be a result of quitting weed, and how does this affect daily life?
Fatigue is a common consequence many people experience after they no longer use weed. While it is tempting to get back to unhealthy behaviors, stay strong and figure out how you can feel less exhausted every day whether it means more sleep, a healthier diet, abstinence from alcohol, or regular exercise.
What withdrawal symptoms might one experience when stopping cannabis use, and how can they be managed?
Mood fluctuations, excessive sweating, insomnia, chills, gastrointestinal problems, and headaches are almost inevitable when you quit smoking weed after prolonged use of this drug. The best way to manage these manifestations is to sign up for a detox program you can undergo under the supervision of medical professionals who can prevent further health complications and lessen the existing symptoms.
How does quitting weed potentially provide relief from depression and enhance mental clarity?
If weed affects your cognitive function or triggers depression, it is only natural that staying away from this drug will play a pivotal role in the improvement of your health. You can be more concentrated and less emotionally unstable which will allow you to pursue your goals and aspirations with confidence.
