Evaluating Our Cannabis Use In the New Year
Introduction
Now that the new year is here, it can be a good idea to evaluate our routines and make changes that benefit us for the future. It might also be a good idea for us cannabis users to take a step back and reexamine our connection with how we use the plant.
Reason for Cannabis Use: Medical or Recreational
First, we can think about our cannabis use. Are we using it to manage a particular illness or symptom, or are we using it for recreational purposes? What are our goals for using it? We can assess whether our cannabis use is in alignment with our objectives by being aware of our reasons for consuming it.
If we use cannabis for medical reasons, we should think about whether it's the best course of action for our illness. Cannabis is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, but it can be very helpful in controlling some illnesses. If you're not getting better, or if you're having bad side effects, it may be worthwhile to seek alternate treatment options with your doctor.
Assessing Effectiveness and Potential Risks
On the other hand, if we use cannabis recreationally, we should think about if our use is having any negative side effects on our lives. Are we using it in ways that endanger our health or safety, or that have a detrimental effect on our relationships or our obligations?
If we’re unsure, it can be beneficial to get the outside opinion of a dependable friend or relative. If they see something we don’t, then it may be helpful to integrate their feedback and to potentially adjust our current use.
Legal Considerations of Cannabis Use
It's important to take into account any potential legal repercussions of cannabis use, especially if you live somewhere where it is still illegal. While attitudes about cannabis are evolving, it's still crucial to consume it carefully and to be aware of local regulations. For example, just because you may be able to legally purchase cannabis, doesn’t mean you’re legally allowed to smoke it outside in public. Take a look at your use and see if it’s aligned with what’s beneficial for you, as well as your community.
Strategies for Changing Cannabis Use
There are a few strategies that can be used if we decide we want to change how we use cannabis. We can try multiple strains or consumption techniques to see if one works better for us if we’ve been taking cannabis medicinally but aren't feeling any better.
For example, we can stop smoking cannabis, but still ingest edibles such as RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) to gain all of the plant’s benefits without the negative effects and residue of smoking it.
We also might want to try restricting our usage or establishing boundaries for ourselves if we use cannabis recreationally and are worried about its negative effects. We might, for instance, limit how much we use each day or each week, or we may only use it at specific times or locations.
Learning About the Advantages and Disadvantages of Cannabis
We should also learn as much as we can about the advantages and disadvantages of cannabis use. There is evidence that cannabis can affect health in both favorable and unfavorable ways, despite the long-term cannabis effects studies. We may make wise judgments regarding our use by being aware of the potential risks in addition to just the advantages.
Seeking Help for Cannabis Use Issues
If you’re having trouble controlling your cannabis use, don't be hesitant to ask for assistance. Whether we’re looking for assistance cutting back on our usage, or therapy for a cannabis use problem, there are options available to support you.
These options include, speaking to your doctor, enrolling in a treatment program, finding a cannabis support group, or working with a counselor or therapist to address the underlying issues causing your cannabis dependence.
Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions About Cannabis Use
Reviewing our cannabis use can be a very useful step in ensuring that it's in line with our objectives and ideals. Let’s take the time during the beginning of this new year by thinking about our reasons for using cannabis, weighing the risks and benefits, and looking for any necessary resources.
What are your thoughts? Are you going to make any changes to how you use and consume cannabis? Let us know below!
