Why Am I Here? Should I Even Quit?
We say it pretty often because it’s one of our core beliefs as a group: Leaves is a pot-positive community. We believe that no one should be arrested for smoking, we believe that adults should be allowed to smoke if they choose, and the only problem we have with weed is that it’s not right for us.
The other reason that we have never been in the business of convincing people to quit is that making the decision to stop smoking cannabis is an intensely personal one. It requires a level of introspection and self-honesty that can be a challenge. But knowing what is right for you, and not living a life driven by compulsions, habits, or addictions, is not only empowering, but also fundamental to leading a fulfilled and balanced life.
The key to understanding whether your cannabis use has become problematic is to define dependency in a practical way. The definition we often use is "continued use despite negative consequences." In simpler terms, if you're facing negative effects from your smoking habit, you've tried to quit but haven't managed to, it's time to take a good, hard look at what’s right for you.
Understanding Negative Consequences
The best part of that process is that you get to decide what constitutes a negative consequence in your life. This can vary greatly from one person to another. It might be as subtle as reduced motivation or as severe as a strained relationship, financial issues, or deteriorating physical health.
Here are some questions to help you evaluate the potential negative consequences:
Have you noticed a decrease in your productivity or motivation since you started using cannabis?
Have you received feedback about changes in your behavior or personality that could be attributed to your cannabis use?
Is your cannabis use causing conflict or tension in your relationships?
Are you facing financial strain due to the cost of maintaining your cannabis habit?
Have you noticed any health issues that could be linked to your cannabis use?
Be Honest with the Person in the Mirror
Minimizing or rationalizing your use can be easy when you're evaluating your own behavior. Although we can often be our own harshest critic, we can also quietly push aside things that are difficult to fix. It's crucial to push past this tendency and honestly assess if your cannabis use is causing more harm than good.
Keep in mind that weed can have different effects on different people. Just because a friend or family member can smoke without apparent negative effects doesn't mean it's the right choice for you. You are the best judge of your situation.
The Effects on People You Care About
Another important consideration is the effect of your cannabis use on people around you. Listen and consider what people have said to you about your smoking. If someone you trust has expressed concern about your behavior, it's worth considering their point of view.
Remember, these observations are not criticisms of you as a person, but expressions of concern about changes they've noticed.
Making the Decision
After an honest appraisal, if you find that cannabis is causing more problems than it's solving, there is a new life waiting for you when you stop. That life may be hard to imagine right now, but know that you're not alone. Leaves has over 300,000 members — 300,000 people who know what you are going through and are ready to help.
This self-reflection journey can be tough, but it's also the beginning of understanding yourself better and making choices that lead to a healthier, happier life. If that new life is right for you, then please join us.