Benefits of being off weed

biohack9 wrote:I’m really not sure about too many positives but saving money is definitely one. More mental clarity and a different quality of sleep, no sweats, etc.
. . .

But it is still early in my journey and I’m really hoping for some more positives to start shining through the dark clouds.

Thank YOU, biohack9, for your honesty and vulnerability. You are at a place (this forum) in which many folks have made it beyond PAWS. I'm glad you're seeking support and sharing your story. Looking forward to checking in and seeing steady improvement as you pass through this dark phase into brighter days.

Thanks WL! Is there an approximate time frame when the REM rebound stops and the dreams aren’t so crippling? I seem to wake up after every single dream then go back to sleep only to dream another. Not a fan of dreaming at all, like my previous what seemed deeper weed sleeps. Thanks!

"Celebrated" the 4 year anniversary of my dad's untimely death yesterday.

Not smoking weed, nor numbing my feelings with booze, I was able to spend yesterday honouring my dad through connecting with loved ones, nature, and time alone.

Clarity of mind and emotional states (particularly during intense times) is a massive BENEFIT of being off weed.

Please take a breath, check in with yourself, and notice ONE positive benefit that has come as a result of you quitting.

Now share that nugget of gold on here to amplify the good vibes!

Sorry about your dad wakinglife. Thank you for sharing and reminding those of us currently dealing with PAWS that there is a good side. This really helped me today.

wakinglife wrote:"Celebrated" the 4 year anniversary of my dad's untimely death yesterday.

Not smoking weed, nor numbing my feelings with booze, I was able to spend yesterday honouring my dad through connecting with loved ones, nature, and time alone.

Clarity of mind and emotional states (particularly during intense times) is a massive BENEFIT of being off weed.

Please take a breath, check in with yourself, and notice ONE positive benefit that has come as a result of you quitting.

Now share that nugget of gold on here to amplify the good vibes!

When I wake up in the morning I feel refreshed, full of vitality and energy even though I am getting less sleep due to insomnia. When I’m using pot I wake up feeling groggy, tired and look like I was rolled during the night. The dark circles and bags underneath my eyes are greatly reduced.

freedomfighter wrote:

wakinglife wrote:"Celebrated" the 4 year anniversary of my dad's untimely death yesterday.

Not smoking weed, nor numbing my feelings with booze, I was able to spend yesterday honouring my dad through connecting with loved ones, nature, and time alone.

Clarity of mind and emotional states (particularly during intense times) is a massive BENEFIT of being off weed.

Please take a breath, check in with yourself, and notice ONE positive benefit that has come as a result of you quitting.

Now share that nugget of gold on here to amplify the good vibes!

When I wake up in the morning I feel refreshed, full of vitality and energy even though I am getting less sleep due to insomnia. When I’m using pot I wake up feeling groggy, tired and look like I was rolled during the night. The dark circles and bags underneath my eyes are greatly reduced.

How long has it been since you quit and are still having insomnia? Although my eye bags are reduced, the insomnia is one thing that makes me consider relapsing down the road if it’s still an issue a year into the process. At 4 months I only sleep 4 hours and cannot function and feel like hell. So far the cons outweigh the pros by far. Maybe I just have underlying mental issues which is possible for a lot of us suffering. Only one way to find someone it though so I keep pushing.

I have always had sleep issues long before I stopped using weed, but that’s for another thread. On this quit I’m about two months in, and on previous attempts, “normal” sleep patterns returned at about six months for me. As far as I’m concerned there are no “cons” to quitting cannabis. Mary Jane is a Siren, she lures you in unexpectedly to cure all your ailments only to exacerbate all the things you thought she was helping, but I digress.

Back to topic at hand, it’s best to stay concentrated on the positive. Another benefit for me is not having bad breath and green teeth, even my dental hygienist has commented on this, as her job is much easier now. I hope everybody is coping through this difficult holiday season, and wish the very best for you all as we carry on through our personal journey.

I can empathize on the sleep issues even before quitting, my main one was the night sweats but I did sleep much better and deeper before the quit. I pray that I will also have somewhat more normal patterns around 6 months or even if it takes longer. I just need to see some progress. So far the quality of my life on weed was at least 80-90% better than it is now off of it. I wouldn’t want to live a life the way I am right now, but will chalk it up to paws. I will give it ample time.

I never smoked it so my teeth and breathe were fine. I’d be more concerned about sugar and carbs from a dental perspective.

Appreciate your comment, all the best wishes to you on your journey. 2 months is just past the worst of the worst.

Benefit: Feasting, not just mindlessly munching out!

Yep. Christmas holidays are a time when the food consumption levels go up significantly. As a non-smoker, I am appreciating enjoying and indulging in the festive treats without just passively stuffing my gullet in a weed-induced haze.

Life is good, friends. Happy end-of-2021, and welcoming a new year full of fresh growth!

WL

Greeting 2022 with a clear head!

Brought in the new year with my wife and son last night. Funny films, fireworks, and treats. Was up until 1:30 am, but woke up rested at 7:30 this morning.

Had the energy and drive to do a livestream workout with my wife. Then met 3 pals at the sea side for a swim!

This clarity and drive is only available to me since setting weed aside.

Bring on a new year filled with new benefits!

WL

500 days alcohol free for me today!

Although cannabis was my substance of choice, I have had a problematic relationship with booze since my teenage years. I kept on drinking, primarily in social situations, to ease anxiety and "people please" (part of trying to fit in).

Years of being off weed has allowed me to do the work (jounaling, meditation, Men's Work, talk therapy) to feel okay doing my own thing. I am able to see the value in who I am and not constantly put the needs of others above my own.

Quitting weed was the first step that has opened many doors of self exploration, growth, and deepening in my connections with others.

Thanks for giving a space where I can share my Wins with you!

WL

Benefit: reduced risk of getting sick due to sharing a joint, pipe, vape or bong. Especially during the pandemic, I am feeling relieved that I am no longer in the situation of sharing something that has just been touched by a friend's mouth. A small benefit, but a valid one.

Life After Weed

When I started this thread in 2006 I was in the same situation as many of you: I was ready to quit, and I needed some resources. This forum was such a breath of fresh air. I had found my people. There were others who had struggled as I had with smoking less of this "non-addictive" plant. It felt like I was not alone. I was able to see the low-key gaslighting my weed smoking friends had filled my head with (ex. It's good for you, man!) through clear eyes.

The benefits were apparent within weeks of quitting. Yes, it was also challenging. But I noticed a trend the more I read the stories of others. Those who found out they were not alone, looked for tips, and offered supportive words to other members, AND took the time to see some of the positives of quitting, did well. Folks slipped, relapsed, disappeared, came back.

There was a group of individuals who seemed to focus almost exclusively on the negatives: describing every ache, pain, and mental discomfort. Not to say their experiences are not valid: each person's experience IS valid. But some people seemed to stay there.

My invitation to anyone who is struggling: acknowledge the struggle, but also look for the good. There are benefits to being free from addiction to cannabis. As the weeks pass, you will find new, subtle benefits. Share those. Hold on to those as a prize you have earned for yourself.

Collectively, we benefit from sharing our lived experiences, negative AND positive.

Tomorrow will mark 15.5 years since I ingested cannabis in any form. I no longer have the front line view, but I have something to share about the long game. As I continue to post on this forum, I'm going to reframe my focus. I have a glimpse to offer of one person's experience of life after weed.

WL

Great post! Quitting ain’t easy but staying high also very tiring!

There are a lot of reasons to take a break from getting high, and you might currently be considering stepping away for a bit but feel weird because cannabis has been your best friend since Day 1. You’re not alone; it’s perfectly normal for cannabis consumers to give up their favorite product for a stretch. If you’re wondering whether you should bench your bud, take a look at some of these reasons why you may want to abstain.