The Sure Way to Quit Smoking Weed

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Marijuana Fast Facts For Teens

May03
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Wildoc82

What is Marijuana?

Marijuana is a mixture of the dried leaves and inflorescence of the plant cannabis sativa also called the Indian hemp. It may either be green, brown or gray.

What is the active ingredient of Marijuana?

The active main ingredient of marijuana is a substance called 9 THC. THC is a psychoactive substance and is responsible for most of the effects of smoking marijuana. Apart from THC, weed smoke contains over 400 chemical of which 66 belong to the cannabinoids family. The potency of the stuff is directly proportional to the proportion of THC. This value is constantly rising and presently on an average there is 10% THC in marijuana compared to 3-4% in 1970’s. On an average each reefer contains about .5-1 gm of marijuana.

What are the different forms of Marijuana?

Marijuana refers to the leaves and flowers of the cannabis plant which is smoked. The resin produced by the flowering tops contains about 10-25% of THC and oil based plant extract of cannabis plant called hash oil contains about 25-60% of THC. Smoking is the commonest method of consumption of cannabis.

How Many people smoke Marijuana?

Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in US and much of the world. In US it is estimated that 37% of teens have smoked at least one reefer in their lives. It is estimated that a further 5-10% of these individuals could abuse cannabis on a chronic basis. Cannabis use is widespread in south east and central Asia.

What Are the Short-Term Effects of Marijuana Use?

The immediate effects of marijuana are euphoria, disinhibition, a general feeling of goodness, altered sensory perceptions, inattention, insomnia, loss of memory and poor reflexes. The active ingredient THC crosses the blood brain barrier and stimulates specific receptors in a mid brain structure called nucleus accumbens. This leads to release of dopamine, a central exitogenic neurotransmitter. This activates the pleasure pathway comprising the hippocampus and limbic pathway. With constant use, the individual becomes psychologically addicted to marijuana.

The two physical effects of marijuana use are conjunctival injection and increased heart rate. The increase in heart rate stabilizes over time and a degree of tolerance develops to this effect of marijuana.

Marijuana like other drugs can affect judgment and enhance inappropriate behaviour. Hence there is increased risk of conditions like high risk sexual behaviour leading to HIV, pregnancy etc.

What Are the Long-Term Health Effects of Marijuana Use?

Chronic cannabis use has been associated with a variety of conditions. Some of the commen effects of long term cannabis use include:

  • Long term use of pot can cause memory problems. It can also lead to psychosis in patients of schizophrenia. Chronic use of cannabis like other drugs can reduce social interaction and lead to isolation of the individual thus impacting personal and work life. Apart from these problems cannabis use may also lead to increased rates of depression and anxiety, but concrete evidence is lacking.
  • Smoking Marijuana is the commonest method of consumption. Pot smokers usually inhale deep and retain smoke for a longer period of time in an effort to maximise absorption of THC. This can lead to chronic bronchial irritation. Although there is no direct evidence linking cannabis to cancer, tobacco use is usually concurrent and hence the rates of lung cancer are more.
  • Cannabis was traditionally considered a soft drug, a drug with low addiction potential. But due to the increasing use of cannabis and increase in potency of pot smoked over the years, the addiction potential of this drug are being realised.

Does Marijuana Use Lead to the Use of Other Drugs?

While most marijuana smokers do not go on to abuse other drugs, marijuana use puts them in contact with people who use or sell these drugs. Apart from this it is a fact that most user start smoking pot first before going to other hard drugs.

What are the medical uses of Marijuana?

Under US federal law Marijuana is a Schedule I drug. It means that marijuana has no known medical role. But many states have laws which permit medical use of marijuana. Synthetic analogues of THC are in common use in oncology and AIDS.

If you are serious about quitting weed, Cannabis Coach may be the right program for you. Developed by an ex pot smoker based on his fight with marijuana addiction, this audio program is a very potent asset in your fight against cannabis addiction. To download this program Click Here!

 

Posted in Marijuana Basics

How to Quit Smoking Marijuana Today

May02
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Wildoc82

Here is a short quiz for you to take. It will tell you if you have a problem with marijuana use. There is no specific time limit to answer these questions, but answer them in the shortest possible time. You need to answer these questions in simple yes or no.

 

  • Do you smoke alone?
  • Do you smoke more than four joints every day?
  • Is your day modelled around grass?
  • Do you choose friends based on their use of marijuana?
  • Have you been chided or scolded by friends and family members due to you cannabis use?
  • Have you ever skipped work or left work early to smoke weed?
  • Is weed affecting your financial, social and personal life?

If you answered yes to many of these questions, then you have a problem with marijuana and it is high time you think of quitting pot. Studies have shown that pot is not as addictive as other drugs like cocaine and heroin, nevertheless quitting pot can be very difficult because of the psychological addiction it provokes. As a result withdrawal of cannabis may lead to some unpleasant side effects. The common symptoms observed after quitting pot include insomnia, anxiety, tremors, and restlessness, loss of appetite, mood swings, fatigue and anhedonia. Many of these symptoms are mild and transient. However some like depression tend to persist for a few weeks after quitting smoking pot.

Therefore here are a few tips to help smokers quit pot:-

  • Get rid of all marijuana supplies. Dump the stock of grass, pipes, bongs, vaporisers and other paraphernalia in the garbage.
  • Avoid all places that remind you of marijuana.
  • Avoid events and occasions that remind you of marijuana, college reunions and get together with friends who smoke pot are a strict no.
  • Channelize your energy and time is some creative pursuit.
  • Exercise regularly. Join a gym and workout for 1-2 hours each day. This will not only improve fitness, it will also help combat depression and insomnia seen in the initial few days after quitting pot. Exercise also causes increases secretion of endogenous cannabinoids- cannabis like substances produced by the body itself. This can also reduce the withdrawal symptoms
  • Eat a balanced diet. Snack on healthy foods like low fat salads and fruits. Drink plenty of water. Water will help flush out the toxins form the body. Avoid snacking on high salt items like chips and wafers

If you are serious about quitting weed, Cannabis Coach may be the right program for you. Developed by an ex pot smoker based on his fight with marijuana addiction, this audio program is a very potent asset in your fight against cannabis addiction. To download this program Click Here!

 

Posted in How To Quit Smoking Weed?

Important Side effects of Quitting Weed

May01
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Wildoc82

Chronic weed use has been associated with many documented and undocumented effects on the human body. Smoking is the commonest way of marijuana consumption and since marijuana smoke is usually inhaled deep and retained for a significant amount of time, this can lead to chronic bronchial irritation. Apart from this feature the marijuana smoke contains over 400 different chemicals, some of which may be carcinogenic although concrete evidence linking marijuana use to cancer is lacking.

Apart from this marijuana use has been associated with memory loss, inability concentration, loss of motivation, infertility and cardiac problems. People with cardiac diseases should strictly avoid cannabis containing compounds.

Apart from this cannabis has also been associated with increased risk of psychosis in schizophrenics. Therefore quitting weed is definitely beneficial in the long run.

However quitting weed is complicated by the psychological dependence and withdrawal symptoms which one suffers from after quitting weed. Although these symptoms are usually mild and resolve within a few days, they can be better handles if people are aware about them. Therefore here are a few common withdrawal symptoms seen after quitting marijuana.

  • Insomnia is common in the first 48-72 hours after stopping marijuana use. This will usually settle and exercise is a good way to combat insomnia. One should not turn to other intoxicants like alcohol to help sleep during this period.
  • Anxiety and restlessness is very common in the first week after discontinuing chronic marijuana use. This usually manifests as mild tremors, frustration, irritation and increase heart rate. This also settles within the first week. Deep breathing, meditation and yoga can help deal with the anxiety and restlessness.
  • Loss of appetite, feeling low, lack of energy and low mood are other common symptoms of withdrawal from cannabis. Exercise, creative pursuits and a strong social support are essential for overcoming these obstacles.
  • Nightmares are also commonly seen in the immediate period after withdrawal from cannabis. The sleep is usually very disturbed and interrupted by these dreams and nightmares. The person may wake up feeling very tired.
  • Flight of ideas and inability to concentrate are another frequent symptom of cannabis withdrawal. Inattentiveness is particularly common. Once again channelling ones energies into some creative pursuit can help overcome this problem.
  • Yawning is a common symptom of cannabis withdrawal. Most chronic users of cannabis will have experienced this phenomenon where they start yawing a few hours after their last joint which is interpreted as sleepiness while it is actually a sign of cannabis withdrawal.

If you are serious about quitting weed, Cannabis Coach may be the right program for you. Developed by an ex pot smoker based on his fight with marijuana addiction, this audio program is a very potent asset in your fight against cannabis addiction. To download this program Click Here!

 

Posted in How To Quit Smoking Weed?, Marijuana Basics

Strategy of Smoking Cessation

Apr30
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Wildoc82

Nicotine is a chemical found in the tobacco plant and it is the chemical that provides the high when one smokes a cigarette. It is a potent chemical and few mg of it can paralyse and kill bugs. It acts on almost all parts of the body, but has major effects on the central nervous system and cardiovascular system.

Nicotine is a general stimulant of the CNS and acts on the reward centres in nucleus accumbens to produce a high. This chemical acts on the heart to increase heart rate and constricts the blood vessels to produce hypertension.

After absorption from the lung, nearly 70-80% of nicotine is rapidly metabolised by the liver and excreted by the kidneys. However since nicotine is lipid soluble significant quantities may accumulate in the body fat after prolonged smoking.

Nicotine has many deleterious effects on the health of an individual. In 1988 the US surgeon General’s report Titled “Nicotine Addiction” concluded that addiction to tobacco is similar in respect of its pharmacological and behavioural characteristics to addiction to other drugs like cocaine and heroin. In the summer of 2002, French scientists concluded from their study that smoking causes destruction of brain cells and causes memory loss and dementia. There are also many studies that link smoking with depression.

In view of the widespread health problems associated with smoking, many smokers think of quitting tobacco. However a minority of them succeed. There are many factors for this and one of the factors studied is the mode of quitting. There are two accepted methods to quit smoking. One is to quit cold turkey and the other is to gradually reduce the amount of tobacco consumed. The later method has been found to fail more often and it is akin to a dog chasing its own tail. A gradual reduction in the amount of nicotine consumed is likely to prolong the state of drug withdrawal and hence cause prolonged symptoms. On the other hand quitting cold turkey is likely to provoke severe withdrawal symptoms and can be very difficult to manage, but it is associated with a shorter period of withdrawal symptoms and is  more effective in quitting smoking.

It takes a lot of will power to quit smoking and this is the most important factor that differentiates successful quitters from those who failed to quit. Here are a few tips to  deal with cravings. Drink plenty of water, chew gum (Non nicotine, sugarless), snack on healthy foods like salads and fruits, eat a balanced diet, exercise of 1-2 hours every day and involve in a hobby or activity to keep oneself occupied.

If you are serious about quitting weed, Cannabis Coach may be the right program for you. Developed by an ex pot smoker based on his fight with marijuana addiction, this audio program is a very potent asset in your fight against cannabis addiction. To download this program Click Here!

Posted in Nicotine Addiction

Avoid addiction to Nicotine Gums

Apr29
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Wildoc82

Nicotine patches and gum are regularly sold over the counter as smoking cessation aids. Since they are freely available, they are also the most commonly used smoking cessation aid. However there is a growing body of evidence that these nicotine replacements therapies may themselves become an addiction.

Although formal data is lacking due to paucity of studies in this direction, it is entirely plausible and anecdotal data indicate that many people may simply be substituting cigarettes with these gum and patches which themselves become addictive. Although these aids are not to be used for more than 3 months at a time, the author has known a few people who have been using it for more than three years. Hence more studies are required in this direction and until then the central drug regulators should put some restriction on the sale of these nicotine replacement therapies over the counter.

Therefore here are some tips for smokers who are considering quitting and are looking at nicotine gums or patches as quitting aids:-

  • Never smoke when you are using a nicotine gum or patch. This is simply disastrous as it will sabotage your good work.
  • Keep a log of the patches or gum you use. You may buy a small diary and use as a log book. One is free to use as many gum as required to soothe cravings, but it is important to keep a note of it. This will provide a baseline which can help formulate goals. Some people when they initially quit smoking need anything between 25-40 gum per day, but most should be able to do with 20-25 per day.  As time passes this requirement of replacement therapy should decrease and by 4-6 weeks these nicotine replacement aids can be completely stopped.
  • The best strategy to stop these aids is to withdraw them slowly. If for example a smoker may need 20 gum per day to prevent cravings. After the first week the individual may withdraw two gum and manage with 18. This process can continue till these are totally stopped.
  • Another option is to gradually substitute regular gum for nicotine laced one.
  • If one is still using these nicotine replacement for more than three months they have simply substituted one addiction for another. Under no circumstances should one smoke a cigarette now and these people may well be advised to seek professional help from a physician specialised in smoking cessation.

If you are serious about quitting weed, Cannabis Coach may be the right program for you. Developed by an ex pot smoker based on his fight with marijuana addiction, this audio program is a very potent asset in your fight against cannabis addiction. To download this program Click Here!

Posted in Nicotine Addiction

Smoking Pot & Psychological Addiction

Apr28
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Wildoc82

Psychological addiction is a feature common to many substance abuse disorders. It is also common to non substance abuse disorders like addiction to porn or sex or gambling. Hence there is no physical basis for this addiction.

All these activities stimulate a part of the brain called the mediocorticolimbic system. This is that part of the human brain that is associated with reward and punishment. It has been seen that disorders of this part of the brain cause disorders with inappropriate behaviour.

These behaviours and chemicals stimulate the reward centres located in the above part of the brain and this leads to secretion of chemicals namely serotonin and dopamine, which make people feel good. Since people feel good with such behaviour, they repeat the behaviour to attain the same high and over a period of time they do this behaviour not to feel good, but they need to feel high all the time. This is the crux of psychological addiction.

There are two factors associated with marijuana use which accentuate the psychological dependence and make quitting pot difficult. Long term users of cannabis have their brain wired in such a way that it is constantly seeking the high of smoking a joint. Therefore quitting pot can cause some unexpected unpleasant effects. Many people try to quit but fail of this precise reason. Some people may be genetically more prone to cannabis abuse than others.

The other more important reason for failure is the fact that the life of an addict is quite entwined with that of marijuana and many forces act on them to smoke marijuana. Some smoke because they are bored, some smoke to relieve anxiety and stress, while some smoke due to social circumstances. Of these social circumstances are the most important and any person aiming to quit pot may well stay away from friends and places where pot is smoked.

Therefore the first step to quitting pot is to make a list of the reasons why one smokes pot. Making this list will enable one to get a greater perspective in their smoking habit and can help formulate remedial measures. If for instance someone says that they smoke pot to relax and relieve stress, they can be taught relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, psychotherapy, counselling etc. Similarly these people may be encouraged to develop a hobby or pursuit to replace cannabis in their lives.

To improve success in quitting pot one can also follow the following simple measures:-

  • Keep a log book
  • Make a goal plan
  • Find a quitting partner

If you are serious about quitting weed, Cannabis Coach may be the right program for you. Developed by an ex pot smoker based on his fight with marijuana addiction, this audio program is a very potent asset in your fight against cannabis addiction. To download this program Click Here!

Posted in How To Quit Smoking Weed?

Some Views On Marijuana Addiction

Apr27
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Wildoc82

How to quit smoking pot? This question is likely to draw a varied range of answers ranging from answers like “no there is no need to quit pot” to reactions like” Oh! It is a terrible drug and one will need a long stint in rehab”. However the exact answer is neither and it somewhat follows the middle path.

Pro cannabis people often refuse to acknowledge that marijuana can be addictive. They argue that most people have no problems with cannabis and when used as an occasional drug, it is much safer than other alternatives. Some also argue that given marijuana’s important medicinal properties like anti emesis, improvement of appetite and anticancer properties, it should be legalised. While it is true that all studies to date point out that there are no signs of physical dependence even after years of smoking pot, psychological dependence is a real problem. It is estimated that about 5-10% of people who start smoking pot will eventually end up as chronic smokers of pot. Chronic smokers are simply defined as people who smoke more than two joints per day.

On the other hand anti cannabis campaigners argue that marijuana is just like any other hard drug and it should also be treated similarly. This view is also flawed because it does not really take into account the major differences between marijuana and other hard drugs like crack and cocaine. These hard drugs are extremely addictive and cause severe physical dependence. Continuous usage leads to a state where their body is dependent on these drugs and withdrawal from these drugs causes severe unpleasant symptoms. Cannabis has not been shown to provoke physical dependence is any study. Even the symptoms caused due to psychological dependence are mild and easily managed.

Smoking pot is like a rite of passage for many a young man. And most people try pot usually quit after some time. Therefore it is necessary to take a pragmatic view of marijuana abuse.

Marijuana is not necessarily addictive and occasional recreational usage has not shown any deleterious effects in smokers. But it is important to identify the 5-10% of smokers who abuse marijuana habitually as these people may be at an increased risk of psychological addiction and other health problems like lung diseases and psychosis.

Such pragmatic approach will ensure that the people most at risk of harm due to cannabis abuse receive the maximum help while at the same time proportioning adequate resources to combat the more serious drugs like cocaine and heroin.

If you are serious about quitting weed, Cannabis Coach may be the right program for you. Developed by an ex pot smoker based on his fight with marijuana addiction, this audio program is a very potent asset in your fight against cannabis addiction. To download this program Click Here!

Posted in How To Quit Smoking Weed?, Marijuana Basics

Marijuana Abuse is more common than you think

Apr27
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Wildoc82

Marijuana has been used by mankind for many thousands of years and yet there is a paucity of information about the exact number of people who are addicted to it: Although hard evidence is lacking about 5-10% of smokers who smoked pot will turn into chronic abusers of pot. Chronic smokers usually smoke more than two reefers a day and some may smoke as much as 10 reefers per day.

Addiction to marijuana is similar to addiction to other drugs in that the individual initially smoke with control and over a period of time they tend to smoke more quantities of weed to get high and this leads to addiction. However there is a major difference between weed and other drugs in that weed does not cause physical dependence. It the high of grass that the smoker is in search of!

Most smokers start pot in high school or college. Initially these are kind of social sessions with a lot of friends and fun. But over a period of time people start to smoke all by themselves and then the joint fills every single space and void in their lives. The enslavement of the individual is now complete.

Therefore to help people figure out their addiction, I have designed this simple questionnaire about marijuana addiction. By honestly answering these questions one can reliably learn about their addiction status.

Marijuana Addiction Test

Answer these questions in simple yes or no format. There is no time limit, but it is advisable not to spend too much time on these questions as your answers can get biased.

  1. Why do you smoke pot? Is it only for pleasure?
  2. Is pot affecting every single aspect of your life? Do you leave office or parties to smoke a joint? Do you choose friends based on their marijuana use?
  3. Do you smoke alone?
  4. If you are out of pot, does it make you anxious and jittery?
  5. Do you think that weed is a panacea to all your problems and avoid dealing with in the first place?
  6. Are your memory concentration, judgement and motivation getting affected by smoking pot?
  7. Does marijuana use let you live in a make believe world?
  8. Do you feel the need to cut back or quit smoking pot?
  9. Have you tried to quit smoking pot before and failed?
  10. Do you find yourself constantly facing concerns from your friends and family members about your pot usage?
  11. If weed is not around, do you instead drink alcohol or do other drugs?

If you answer yes to more than six of these questions then you probably have a problem with marijuana abuse and the earlier one recognises it, easier is the remedy.

If you are serious about quitting weed, Cannabis Coach may be the right program for you. Developed by an ex pot smoker based on his fight with marijuana addiction, this audio program is a very potent asset in your fight against cannabis addiction. To download this program Click Here!

 

Posted in How To Quit Smoking Weed?, Marijuana Basics

Smoking Weed CAN be Addictive!

Apr26
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Wildoc82

Opinions are varied about the addiction potential of marijuana. Many longtime smokers will say that marijuana is not addictive. However research has shown that addiction to cannabis is a real problem in many societies. Roughly 5-10% of users turn chronic users of marijuana. Chronic use of marijuana is defines as smoking more than two reefers per day. Therefore for those of you who feel that they need to quit weed, here are a few tips to achieve weed free status:-

For most smokers, smoking pot is a form of relaxation. To them is is something they do to relieve stress. Therefore obviously one will need something rewarding to replace this time with.

Joining a gym is a good idea. If one is smoking pot, it is very much possible that they would be smoking tobacco as well. Therefore it is worthwhile attempting to quit both together. Quitting tobacco can cause weight gain which can be prevented by exercises. Secondly exercises increase the endogenous cannabinoids, a class of compounds similar to cannabinol, but produced by the body itself. This can relieve many symptoms of withdrawal. Exercise is also a good way to keep busy and stay fit. Therefore if one is planning on quitting pot, exercise should figure in their plan, else it is bound to fail.

It is also advisable to indulge in a hobby. Obviously one cannot create a hobby overnight but most people have some hobbies and this can be effectively used to combat the depression and anxiety due to cannabis withdrawal. Gardening is an extremely therapeutic and is known to calm anxious patients. If one has access to a garden this can become a fruitful pastime to help quit weed.

It is also necessary to avoid things, situations, people and places that remind the smoker of marijuana. Therefore all smoking accessories and supplies are best dumped in the toilet and it is also advisable to stay away from friends who smoke.

It will also help to make a list of reasons why one wanted to quit pot in the first place. Making this list will crystallise the thoughts and motives behind this attempt to quit grass. If possible it can be made in a chart and displayed prominently in the room for constant reminders.

Apart from this one must also have a written goal. Simply writing ones goals can change the way people think about themselves and can create new insights into their addiction. This written goal may be very simple like cut down the number of joints smoked or something similar, but by writing it down the chances of this happening are higher.

If you are serious about quitting weed, Cannabis Coach may be the right program for you. Developed by an ex pot smoker based on his fight with marijuana addiction, this audio program is a very potent asset in your fight against cannabis addiction. To download this program Click Here!

Posted in How To Quit Smoking Weed?

What is Marijuana?

Apr25
2011 Leave a Comment Written by Wildoc82

Marijuana or cannabis is a soft drug which has been used by humans since thousands of years. It is endemic to south and central Asia and evidences of its use by Aryans, Assyrians, and Hindus of Asia are aplenty. The UN estimates that around 4% of world population use cannabis annually and about 23 million of these smoke or use cannabis daily. In fact this is probably the most used illicit drug in the world.

 

Marijuana is produced from a plant called cannabis sativa or cannabis indica. This plant also goes by the name Indian hemp. Marijuana is the name given to those parts of this plant which is smoked. The inflorescence of the cannabis plant is usually smoked as it has the highest concentration of intoxicants. The resin which is produced from the flowers of this plant is called hashish or simply hash.

 

The main chemical agent in marijuana is a compound called tetra hydro cannabinol. However marijuana smoke contains over 400 different chemical including 66 other related cannabinoids.

 

The cannabinoids act on the central nervous system through two receptors named CB1 and CB2. These receptors are located throughout the central nervous system and their action activates the mediocorticolimbic pathways in the brain which is the drug reward centre. The major effects of cannabis include euphoria, disinhibition, altered sensory perceptions, increased heart rate, dilatation of pupils, red eyes, dry mouth, and anxiety. The minimum required dose for effects to begin is 10 micrograms per kg body weight.

Although marijuana has been in use since millennia, the effects of chronic marijuana use are not well known. Smoking marijuana is one of the most harmful ways of cannabis consumption as the smoke contains many carcinogens and tar. Vaporisers are quite effective in cutting out these harmful chemicals.

Many studies have been done to establish the effects of chronic marijuana use. These have yielded conflicting results. Like for example while one study which examined 79 patients with lung cancer concluded that cannabis smokers have a 5.7 times risk of cancer, another study with over 2000 participants failed to draw any association between cancer and marijuana. Some studies have actually claimed beneficial effects of marijuana in cancer prevention and treatment, which may be true due to the anti cancer properties of many cannabinoids.

Cannabis has also been associated with psychiatric disorders namely psychosis and schizophrenia. However causal relationship is clearly lacking.

Therefore further research is required to study the effects of cannabis on the human body.

If you are serious about quitting weed, Cannabis Coach may be the right program for you. Developed by an ex pot smoker based on his fight with marijuana addiction, this audio program is a very potent asset in your fight against cannabis addiction. To download this program Click Here!

 

Posted in Marijuana Basics
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