Any ex-regular marijuana smokers? What where your experiences when you quit?

[MyFootsZZZ]

I think this is the right place for this thread.

So, let's say I know someone who can't drink, doesn't(/quit) smoking cigarettes. The only vice he or she allows themselves is weed. They're beginning to think they need all the 'mental faculties' available to him/her, (as there has been a struggled in that regard, before they even knew what the weed was), and would otherwise smoke even more if it weren't a factor. To those of you who got high on a regular basis, was it difficult to quit? Did you notice any changes over the long period? Better memory?

This person didn't have much of a life before they even started smoking, (which the person allowed herself/himself to start at a late age), and is afraid they will be even more 'bored with life' than he/she currently is. They do, however, agree and acknowledge it CAN enable inactivity.

What are your stories? Is it worse than quitting smoking cigarettes, (as this person has successfully done, with a little bit of struggle)? Perhaps the person is making it more difficult in their head than it needs to be? Do the people who have quit it "miss it"? Can you still indulge occasionally without it becoming a cycle of 'over-indulgence'? Do you gain back anything you may have lost, (from a neurological POV), while you were smoking? What about Panic attacks, (something else this person has been known to suffer from)?

Any ambiguity has to do with privacy. Although this person admits they still have a hard time excepting that the 'cons' outweighs the 'pros'.

[svrider]

I used to smoke almost every day for a couple of years. In the end I got tired of how I felt when stoned so I stopped. It was not hard at all, no withdrawal symptoms or cravings - at most I missed the social circumstances where I had enjoyed weed, but I don't miss the drug at all.

While I smoked I lived a normal functioning life with a nice job and while I never felt it impacted my work, it did cause me to be and feel very inactive/slow when I smoked. I also ate way too much crap.

As for memory, I was certainly effected while high. I have seen way too many movies that I do not remember much from, but I never felt effected when I hadn't smoked, so I don't really feel it was a question of regaining memory - I (as I experienced it) functioned perfectly when I hadn't smoked.

It does not even remotely compare to nicotine addiction, I have smoked weed a couple of times since I stopped (but found I didn't really enjoy it), something I would never dare with cigarettes.

[MyFootsZZZ]

I used to smoke almost every day for a couple of years. In the end I got tired of how I felt when stoned so I stopped. It was not hard at all, no withdrawal symptoms or cravings - at most I missed the social circumstances where I had enjoyed weed, but I don't miss the drug at all.

While I smoked I lived a normal functioning life with a nice job and while I never felt it impacted my work, it did cause me to be and feel very inactive/slow when I smoked. I also ate way too much crap.

As for memory, I was certainly effected while high. I have seen way too many movies that I do not remember much from, but I never felt effected when I hadn't smoked, so I don't really feel it was a question of regaining memory - I (as I experienced it) functioned perfectly when I hadn't smoked.

It does not even remotely compare to nicotine addiction, I have smoked weed a couple of times since I stopped (but found I didn't really enjoy it), something I would never dare with cigarettes.

This person feels the same way with Cigs. If they tried having a cigarette now, the best case scenario would be that they thought it was disgusting, so why would they even try?

The funny thing about this person is that smoking is rarely a 'social' practice.

[Kalhoun]

Never been a big pot smoker, myself, but I have two friends who are REALLY big smokers. One had other substance abuse issues and gave all that up, but won't give up pot. To our endless amusement, she refers to herself as "sober" because she doesn't do the other drugs anymore. She won't give up pot long enough to take a urine test to get a better job.

My other friend realizes the impairment she's having due to pot. She has said she's quitting a couple times, but always goes back. She flat out said she can't do it.

[Dogzilla]

I smoked cigarettes for 15 years, quit for three, and then picked it back up again a couple years ago. Trying to quit is, I understand, more difficult than quitting heroin. It was the hardest thing I'd ever done five years ago, and IMHO, I still haven't mastered it because I started smoking again.

Smoking weed is not even in the same universe. I still smoke that pretty regularly too, but I notice as I age, finding contacts for acquisition is getting more difficult. I often go weeks or months without having any because I am not swimming in a sea of dope-smoking 20-somethings anymore.

So far, the only discernable side effect I can think of is I've lost about ten pounds because I'm not mindlessly snacking on crap after 10 p.m. (In fact, I'm in the best shape of my life right now because I've been out for a while.)

It seems to affect short term memory, but if you lay it down in long term, it's still there, whether you are smoking or not. So yeah, I forget what happened during that movie I watched when I was high, but I didn't forget to take my dogs out for a walk at night or anything. No DTs, panic attacks, nothing like that. I don't sleep as well, but I had insomnia before I ever smoked weed (even when I was a little kid) and in fact, have found weed to be a really great treatment for insomnia. It helps me sleep without a medicine hangover in the morning, like you get from some OTC sleep aids.

If I have it, I smoke it -- tiny bits, maybe a couple of one-hits every evening before bed -- until it's gone. It's not like I obtain some and sit down and smoke it all right that second, compulsively. It's not crack. You can ration it out, save it, savor it. I know some middle-aged professionals who only smoke on weekends, or just every now and again. It's not addictive in the way that coke, heroin, crack, meth are addictive, where you just want more and more and have to compulsively use every last bit you have the minute you get it.

If I don't have it, I pop at Tylenol PM before bed and wake up a little foggier than when I have weed. Aside from that and the lack of late-night munchies, there's little difference in my life if I have it or not. I see no reason why it should be difficult for most people to quit. I think that's the difference between physical addiction (marijuana is not) and psychological addiction (you think you need it, but your body doesn't; weed can be, but isn't necessarily for everyone). But. It affects everyone differently and I think you will get a very broad range of replies in this thread. Should be interesting.

[MyFootsZZZ]

Never been a big pot smoker, myself, but I have two friends who are REALLY big smokers. One had other substance abuse issues and gave all that up, but won't give up pot. To our endless amusement, she refers to herself as "sober" because she doesn't do the other drugs anymore. She won't give up pot long enough to take a urine test to get a better job.

My other friend realizes the impairment she's having due to pot. She has said she's quitting a couple times, but always goes back. She flat out said she can't do it.

Hmm, Really? This person feels they've been more disciplined with diet, sneaking a few beers here and there, and smoking cigarettes, in part, to JUSTIFY doing this one thing. They want to have some sort of 'escape' or 'indulgence'. However, that could be a testament to how much this person loves weed. They want to be 'in control'.

Oh, and they don't get "the munchies".

[MyFootsZZZ]

But. It affects everyone differently and I think you will get a very broad range of replies in this thread. Should be interesting.

This person agrees.

[Bam Boo Gut]

A lot will depend on the type of weed being smoked too. That skunk stuff is not worth the paper it's rolled it to me - far too strong.

[TheFatKid]

To those of you who got high on a regular basis, was it difficult to quit? Did you notice any changes over the long period?

The biggest change at first is insomnia. Wicked insomnia. That's the hardest part.

Also some depression because your brain isn't getting its dose of happy chemicals and it takes time for it to build up enough of its own.

Other than that, I agree with George Carlin -- after a while, it leaves you alone.

Once you give it up, and get over the initial downsides, the benefits are great.

You stop doing small stupid stuff all the time.

Your lung capacity improves tremendously.

You have more money!

You are more easygoing and comfortable around people.

You're not worried that someone is going to call or drop by while you're high who you really "don't want to deal with right now".

You're not distracted during the day because you want to go home and get high.

You realize that the background paranoia over possibly getting caught was actually causing you stress without you knowing it.

You have more time to do things you want to do, and you actually get stuff done instead of realizing at the end of the day that you wasted one helluva lot of time.

Things that you used to need to get high to enjoy now are enjoyable all by themselves.

In short, life's better without the dope.

[Chimera]

Smoked pretty much daily (when I had it) for 25 years to the month.

Haven't smoked in almost 6 years, dating from a couple of weeks after my separation from the psycho ex.

Honestly, as I was telling a co-worker recently: I love the taste of good weed. I smoked it more for that than anything else. The downside was that I often smoked well more than I needed to get high, because it tasted so damned good!

So basically I quit by not having access to it anymore, and by not being willing to try to make new connections with the same sort of scummy individuals I had once associated with only because they had access to it.


Benefits of not smoking anymore;

Lungs and throat are better.

I don't mess up social occasions by being high, or by slipping out to get high. (a biggie)

Don't have to worry about it anymore. No worries that someone who doesn't smoke will come over and see/smell/find it, or drop by at the wrong time. No worries about family finding out. No worries of getting busted.

Not worrying about the expense.

Not worrying about finding/acquiring it when I don't have it, or during the inevitable dry spells that happen every year.

Not allowing myself to be associated with scumbags only because they can get me weed. (also a biggie)

The downside;

I miss the taste.
I occasionally miss the high.

[Rigamarole]

To those of you who got high on a regular basis, was it difficult to quit? Did you notice any changes over the long period? Better memory?

No and no.

Do the people who have quit it "miss it"? Can you still indulge occasionally without it becoming a cycle of 'over-indulgence'?

I used to smoke very regularly when I was in high school and into my freshman year of college. I always felt like I just kind of grew out of it, and stopped (mostly). However I still buy an eighth maybe twice a year at most for that occasional indulgence, but it's not a big deal to me anymore.

I never had panic attacks or any other unwanted side effects other than eating too damn much, which is probably one of the reasons I don't indulge very often. I have enough trouble controlling my weight as it is.

[MyFootsZZZ]

The biggest change at first is insomnia. Wicked insomnia. That's the hardest part.

Also some depression because your brain isn't getting its dose of happy chemicals and it takes time for it to build up enough of its own.

Other than that, I agree with George Carlin -- after a while, it leaves you alone.

Once you give it up, and get over the initial downsides, the benefits are great.

You stop doing small stupid stuff all the time.

Your lung capacity improves tremendously.

You have more money!

You are more easygoing and comfortable around people.

You're not worried that someone is going to call or drop by while you're high who you really "don't want to deal with right now".

You're not distracted during the day because you want to go home and get high.

You realize that the background paranoia over possibly getting caught was actually causing you stress without you knowing it.

You have more time to do things you want to do, and you actually get stuff done instead of realizing at the end of the day that you wasted one helluva lot of time.

Things that you used to need to get high to enjoy now are enjoyable all by themselves.

In short, life's better without the dope.

As far as money is concerned, sure they'll have more pocket cash, but if they are stoned, they DON'T drive. That means no midnight fast food joints, (they have to work with whatever they have in their place) and no driving around wasting gas, no being in an environment where 'impulse buying' is an issue. This person doesn't necessarily think that's a GOOD thing, (not getting out), but it truly seems to 'pay for itself' in that respect. The few times they were either too busy to get some, or simply couldn't find some 'stuff' helped this person see how costly life without it can get.

A lot of the other things you mentioned are reasonable arguments. Though he/she doesn't get too paranoid, (if at all). Well... This person DOSE get cynical, which I suppose could fall into the "paranoia" category. They are not sure if that's an effect the drug has, but they could use a little less of that in their life. As far as being around other people, they're not too worried about it. It's not even on their mind most of the time.

Some good points though!

[Stan Shmenge]

Economic circumstances have forced me to give it up recently. You miss it for a few days, but no big deal. Sometimes I could really use some, and I will certainly smoke again when times get better. I love the stuff. I find it really helps me concentrate on work and get a lot of things done. I do better and more work when high (Photoshop, 3d animation, web programming).

Withdrawal symptoms? Lack of appetite. That goes away after less than a week. Some irritability. I have never suffered fools gladly, and not being high just makes dealing with the average moron more annoying.

[TheFatKid]

I do better and more work when high

I've got a friend like that. Mystifies me. I guess it depends on what kind of work you do. My kind of work, there's no way you could do it better stoned.

[Stan Shmenge]

I've got a friend like that. Mystifies me. I guess it depends on what kind of work you do. My kind of work, there's no way you could do it better stoned.
Well, for computer work it lets you kind of get into a groove. Whether it's Photoshop or building a 3D model, or coding PHP, I just kind of get hypnotized by the whole thing and can work for hours.

[hajario]

I was a regular smoker for years but I just grew out of it. It wasn't conscious but I went from every day to a few times a week to occasionally to just at rock concerts. I don't feel any different and don't crave it. I can be in a room full of people smoking and still not want it....unless there is really good live music playing and even then it's no big deal if I don't have any.

[EvilTOJ]

So, you're really looking for some ex-dopers? :D

It never affected me, really. If I couldn't find anyone to buy some from or didn't have the money, I just wouldn't get it. I'm the same way with cigarettes though, so take that as it were.

[MyFootsZZZ]

The two major concerns are mental, and emotional effects the drug may have.

Also, getting caught would suck, (depending on whom were catch this person; like the pizza guy, or the landlord).

They've always been "lazy" to some degree, (but want to change that). When they DO clean up, do laundry, dishes, whatev... they're usually stoned and would rather be doing those things while stoned. That's not to say that it HELPS! They don't really have much experience with a life without being "lazy", So they may not notice it's effect as much. They recall high school. They are NOT lazy at their place of employment, however they have to work super-hard to make up for their lack of 'speed'. They now recall college, (one of the few times they didn't have time to smoke because they were WAY too engrossed in their art projects and had a VERY hard time studying to even eat or sleep), and they freaked-out, then dropped-out; (gave higher education three separate chances on a whole [at least one, MAYBE two of the attempts weren't while they were smoking at all], even though they worked hard to do well, boy did they HATE school). How old does one have to be to 'grow out' of pot? Could it happen in one's late 20's, early 30's??

[Jettboy]

I used to be a regular pothead. When I was in my teens-through-mid 20s, I smoked daily. In addition to my regular 3-4 joints or bowls a day, any of life's minor triumphs and semi-special occasions called for weed. Going to hear a band? Let's burn one! Got the phone number of that pretty girl who works at IHOP? Bring out the bong! At work, my boss complimented me on doing a great job? Time to twist one up!

I never actually quit smoking pot, in the "...sudden cessation of" sense of the word. I started realizing that I didn't want to be stoned all of the time, only on certain occasions. I also began to realize that I felt uncomfortable around people I didn't know very well when I was high. By the time I was in my 30s, I only smoked once in a while. When I was watching a favorite movie best enhanced by a buzz, when I was hammering out new ideas in the studio (I'm an artist), when I was just in that rare "...a little smoke would really complete this picture" frame of mind.

Thoses times started getting rarer and rarer. When I drifted away from actively buying weed, I could make a quarter ounce last 4-5 months. When my son was born almost six years ago, I stopped smoking entirely; prior to that I hadn't smoked any weed at all in easily 8-10 months, and even then it was just a toke with buddy of mine. Any pot connections I had drifted away and were never replaced by any new ones.

Now I'm an old fart in my mid-40s and no one approachs me to sell any smoke (although I'm still cool...right?). I'd love to indulge in the occasional spliff while I sit in the back yard and watch the sun set over the lake, but until they legalize it, I'm stuck with sipping a wee drop of malt whiskey instead. Ah, well...

[Runs With Scissors]

I smoked it for about 10 or 12 years and quit within the last six months.

I always thought I smoked a lot, but comparing habits, I'm not so sure. Maybe a lot for one person isn't for another. I smoked three times a week, and only a pinch. I'd get high, come down, and wouldn't smoke any more until the next night. A $20 pack would last me two months. I know people who smoke that much a DAY.

I always knew I didn't want to smoke forever. Although there isn't a tremendous amount of evidence that it's bad, I just felt like it wasn't a good idea to smoke it for the rest of my life.

I quit at a time when I kinda wish I hadn't. I had SEVERE anxiety...it went on for a few months, and when I'm like that, I don't smoke pot or drink alcohol. I figured it was a good time to quit, but I wish I hadn't promised myself that I'd be quitting forever because I don't think it's a good idea to let anxiety make my decisions for me.

So a month later, I smoked it again. I told myself, "No guilt about 'relapsing.' I'm just going to try it again and see if I still think I should quit." And sure enough, the next morning I didn't feel guilty. I was glad I smoked it that one last time, because I realized that I don't want to smoke it any more.

My workouts at the gym are better. My sex drive is back. I feel more clear headed. Psychosomatic? Dunno and don't care. I'm just glad I don't smoke it any more.

Do I miss it? Hell yeah. I loved being stoned. But I also used to get VERY anxious while stoned. It opened up my mind to fears I have that really aren't worth thinking about. I'd get so scared, I'd have to get out of bed and walk around until I came down. As much as I liked watching movies while stoned, the anxiety part sucked.

It was hard to quit. I really missed it. But after a few months it was fine. I'm still tempted to smoke it, especially after having a few beers, but I even noticed last night when a friend sparked a bowl, even though I was buzzed from beers, I still realized that I don't want to smoke it any more.

[Oakminster]

A lot will depend on the type of weed being smoked too. That skunk stuff is not worth the paper it's rolled it to me - far too strong.

This guy I know says if you're rolling skunk, you're wasting it. He also says that it is not possible for weed to be too strong, just smoke less of the really good stuff.

[Kalhoun]

Hmm, Really? This person feels they've been more disciplined with diet, sneaking a few beers here and there, and smoking cigarettes, in part, to JUSTIFY doing this one thing. They want to have some sort of 'escape' or 'indulgence'. However, that could be a testament to how much this person loves weed. They want to be 'in control'.

Oh, and they don't get "the munchies".

Well, actually I think that there are heavy pot smokers and there are heavy pot smokers who are also slackers by nature. There's no amount of sobriety that will get some people off their ass to do something productive with their lives. These people probably fall into that column.

[MyFootsZZZ]

Runs With Scissors said;

"It opened up my mind to fears I have that really aren't worth thinking about."

This person had only one time where something like that has ever happened. It was weird; he/she was freaking out about the way they sounded when they laughed. Even more weird was the fact that they started dwelling on it RIGHT before their friend put in The Big Lebowski, (he/she wasn't even laughing at the time). She/He(/It?) couldn't pay any attention to the damn movie and they want to see it again! But that was the last time they got paranoid, (in THAT way at least). They also have been the 'voice of reason' for people who ARE sort of freaking out, or sweating small stuff while high. They are also not self-conscious or afraid of being in public when high, (well, no more than they would be if they weren't). If it's had any effect on the person, it would have to have been bit more subtle. Again, they can be too cynical.

They also wonder if the ACT of smoking isn't a possible factor in their reluctance to try to quit. Oral fixation?

They have gotten 'the giggles' before, but that's rarely a side effect. They don't get "the munchies". Though they didn't do their art projects for college while they were high, getting high certainly inspired them to think of some unique ideas! They love watching "deep" movies while high, or shows like NOVA, or playing video games.

But this person REALY should bring up the fact that there's a long history of depression, anxiety, and dealing with a learning disability in their life. If someone with the same problems asked this person if 'pot was right for them', knowing the persons' struggles, they would say; "proooobably not!". This person will, and has refused 'sharing' with people who've never tried it before. They did that once, and they've learned from that.

It sounds to me like they may slow down, until they will, (maybe), stop caring.

[MyFootsZZZ]

I forgot to mention that these were some helpful stories. Thanks! And if anyone has any more, (from any POV), please tell.

[gladtobeblazed]

I go for weeks, sometimes months, at a time without smoking. My usual pattern is to smoke for a week or two, at least once a day, then go for few weeks/months without. The only real problems I have with quitting are the feelings of boredom for the first few days. I actually get more creative with my music during the days just after quitting. An interesting note: I actually get the anti-munchies when I'm stoned. It completely kills any feelings of hunger.

[Kalhoun]

Heh-heh...one of my pot-addicted friends rushed over to my house yesterday, thinking that a family member called the cops on her to bust her for her pot use. She saw a couple cop cars near another friend's home, and thought her family member sent them. She asked me to stash her stash and she was just going to lay off it for a while.

She called me 6 hours later, decided there was no longer a clear and present danger, told me she had the pot Jones going on and came back and picked up her stash.

[nevermore]

I used to smoke very regularly when I was in high school and into my freshman year of college. I always felt like I just kind of grew out of it, and stopped (mostly). However I still buy an eighth maybe twice a year at most for that occasional indulgence, but it's not a big deal to me anymore.

I second this. I know a lot of people who never went through any major physical or emotional withdrawal from it, because the social situation in which it was the norm had dissipated. It's a big deal in high school because teenagers 1) are bored, 2) want to be social and it provides a reason to congregate, 3) like the fact that it's frowned upon by adults because it gives them something secretive and special to bond over while establishing their own independence in a relatively safe way.

After high school, though, very few of those things apply anymore. Theoretically, you're working harder and also have more freedom/mobility, so you're not as bored. You're getting comfortable with who you are and feel more independent, so don't need something to help you establish that further. It's easier to get alcohol and easier to find people who drink to hang out with than people who smoke. It's also acceptable in public places, and as you get older and more gainfully employed, you begin to appreciate this more because you have the money and means to go out.

For most people I know, it was a natural progression. I still know a few people who will be potheads for life, but for most people, the hassle of getting it and sneaking around with it isn't worth it for the little thrill it provides anymore. (At least not on a regular basis.)

[Rushgeekgirl]

My SO can't quit. He gets nightmares after insomnia, has no energy, no appetite, and he's miserable to be around. He's been a daily smoker since he was nine years old. The habit is so deeply ingrained I don't see how he'll ever quit, although he does want to. He says it's the first thing he things of in the morning and the last thing he does before bed.

It frustrates me because I quit smoking cigarettes after 22 years, and I feel like if I can do that he could quit the weed. It's such a waste of money; fifty dollars a week. Well, when he has fifty to spend. Otherwise he has to go bum from friends.

[TheFatKid]

My SO can't quit. He gets nightmares after insomnia, has no energy, no appetite, and he's miserable to be around. He's been a daily smoker since he was nine years old. The habit is so deeply ingrained I don't see how he'll ever quit, although he does want to. He says it's the first thing he things of in the morning and the last thing he does before bed.

It frustrates me because I quit smoking cigarettes after 22 years, and I feel like if I can do that he could quit the weed. It's such a waste of money; fifty dollars a week. Well, when he has fifty to spend. Otherwise he has to go bum from friends.

Sounds like he needs some transition meds to replace the synapse goo that he's missing when he doesn't smoke.

Hopefully, the fact that he started pre-puberty won't mean that his brain can't ever get up to speed on its own.

He'll probably also need some anti-ODC meds for a bit to help keep the thoughts at bay.

That, and something to seriously occupy his time.

I think it can be done, tho, and the docs/meds surely can't cost more than $2600/yr.

[coco360]

hi

[coco360]

hi i am a heavy smoker for 5 years... i feel dizzy and perplexed, i can`t focus very well, sometimes i can`t focus at all i have some muscle spasms and i want to know if all of these will go away after a while i quit smoking or not?

[jjimm]

hi i am a heavy smoker for 5 years... i feel dizzy and perplexed, i can`t focus very well, sometimes i can`t focus at all i have some muscle spasms and i want to know if all of these will go away after a while i quit smoking or not?Hey coco. Hope you're OK. How bad are the spasms? I got muscle twitches myself which lasted several weeks on and off. If they're anything more than that, consult a medical practitioner.

I used to smoke every day for about ten years. When I stopped I didn't crave it, but I got weird dreams and insomnia for a week, muscle twitches for a few weeks, then everything went back to normal and I felt better and more relaxed than I had when I was a regular toker. Good luck!

(This is an old thread BTW.)

[Baron Greenback]

hi

Evening!

Best advice: set your alarm early, get up and do stuff that takes your mind off smoking. I dunno, walk to the store or cycle or something. It's not like weed is enormously addictive in itself, but the stoner lifestyle can be very easy to fall into.

[coco360]

Thanks for the advice. i have only twitches also... but what about the loose of focus and the confusion, after i will stop smoking they will disappear?

[River Hippie]

I smoked tons of pot between ages 18-28. Most of that time I really enjoyed it but when my marriage was breaking up I started having "bad trips" every time I got high. I'd get very depressed and paranoid and really it was a relief when I quit. I went 12+ years without getting high once, then maybe 6-8 times total since then. Average of once every other year or so. I have to be very careful now, just a few tokes and not try to keep up with the hardcore stoners! Too much and the paranoia/depressive feelings come back.

[Jasper Kent]

I smoked weed on a daily basis from age 14 to 34 or so and quit cold turkey for 10 years with no ill effects whatsoever. Today I can take it or leave it and toke maybe 3 or 4 times a year. I have also been addicted to other drugs: caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, cocaine, opiates, benzodiazepines, and methamphetamine. Still hooked on coffee and tobacco. All these others are very, very difficult to quit-- either physically, psychologically, or both. Marijuana is a walk in the park.