Let's talk about marijuana

One plant can make a world of difference. Marijuana has been present since 500 BC. Originally it was not used as a method to get high. Marijuana is something that is growing more present in our current times. More and more people - especially teens - are using. Many people I know are users. Some use it for depression or anxiety, others for recreational usage.
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Before we talk about how it affects people and the laws around it, I should mention a few things. For one, I live in Canada. It is illegal to use without a perscription at the moment but by October 2018 it will be legal for anyone over a certain age to smoke marijuana without a prescription. Second, marijuana can be dangerous. Though it is extremely difficult to OD on it, marijuana can affect your judgement or be laced with dangerous substances. Third, if you feel you need marijuana for medicinal purposes, talk to your doctor. Not only is it illegal most places to buy off the streets, it's also extremely dangerous.


The history behind this drug starts in Asia. It was originally used for rope and healing purposes, but that later changed when the levels of THC (the chemical in charge of mind altering) was increased. At this point, marijuana became illegal. Though the laws around marijuana have been changing recently, the effects have not changed. In fact, over the last 50 years THC levels have dramatically increased.


These days, people are using it for more than just healing. The increased levels of THC make it possible for people to get high off this drug. 
I know many people, including myself, who use marijuana. Some of us for recreation, others for mental health reasons. Today, i am going to talk about why my friend uses vs why I use.


My friend, let's call them X, started using a long time ago. I am not sure why they started as it was before we met. But they own a variety of ways to use. They smoke for the fun of it. Whenever they're in the mood for some fun, they break out the bong and gets smoking. This may seem like a fun night, but it's become an addiction. These days, X can’t go a day without using or they get irritable, angry, and easily upset. It's also negatively affected their memory. They've ended up spending over $1000 CND out of their college funds on marijuana in the last couple months. It is no longer only used for fun, it's become something much worse.

I use marijuana for my anxiety and depression. Growing up, nothing could really stop me from being anxious. I was always worried, nervous, or scared. I would have daily panic attacks and I was having a really hard time. Two years ago, a friend of mine who had the same problems I had been struggling with gave me marijuana. That day was the first day I had gone without at least one panic attack. After that, I didn't get a chance to do it again. 10 months ago, I finally had the chance again. It was the same way I remembered. I was anxiety free. Then once again, opportunities were less again. But finally three months ago, I had the chance again. I didn't lose the chance this time. I've now gone a few months without having a panic attack. 

Obviously these will not be the cases with everyone. Everyone is different. But before you make the choice to try marijuana, ask yourself a few questions.
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• Why are you doing it? If you are doing it to fit in with friends, then don’t do it. It is a choice you may regret making at some point. If you have mental illnesses and your doctor recommended it, then go ahead. Doctors know best. Always talk to them before doing marijuana especially if you're on medication.
• If you’re under 18, would your parents be okay with it? If they wouldn't be, than it is probably not a good plan. It would mean hiding things from your parents and it could damage your relationship with them.
• How would you do it? If you’re going to do it, you should have a plan. Try to make sure a friend or trusted adult knows what you’re planning to do and find someone you trust to be with you. You never really know if what you got is safe. Also think of a where. Somewhere familiar is best since you'll likely be disoriented.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us or take a look at other articles. I highly recommend also talking to your doctor about the effects and signs of marijuana abuse. 

Joey