Guides
Guides
What is a Stoner?
I’d like to get on a different level with y’all if I may, a little philosophical if you will. I would like to talk about what it means to be a stoner. We’ve probably all been called one more than once (or 100) times in our lives. Many of us have also referred to ourselves as stoners. What does that word even mean anymore? Is our concept of what makes a person a stoner even the same as it was 10 or 20 years ago? Does one only need to smoke from a bong? Or is there more to it than that? What Does it Mean to be a Stoner? When you think of the archetypal stoner, what, or rather who do you think of? Do you think of the stereotypical hippie lookin dude with dirty white boy dreadlocks, Birkenstocks and a tie dye Grateful Dead t-shirt? Do you think of a guy on a skateboard who talks with a slow California surfer drawl? Do you even picture a man? Over the years the demographic of the typical cannabis user has changed quite a bit. Thanks legalization, more “regular people” are trying and regularly using cannabis than in previous decades. The average stoner now wears a suit and tie or blouse and goes into the office each day. The average stoner is a mom who loads her bubbler after work in lieu of a glass of wine. What does it mean to be a stoner then? Is it someone who just merely enjoys smoking weed, or is there more to it? Hardcore cannabis enthusiasts like to claim that smoking weed is more than just a lifestyle: it’s a way of life, whatever that means. I’m not one of those people. I love smoking weed, and I love smoking a lot of it, but the fact that I do it, does not define who I am as a person. It may define some of you, but certainly there are those of you out there who really just think of cannabis as a plant that you smoke for enjoyment, or use medicinally to accomplish what cannot be done by regular medicine alone. Are We All Stoners? Are we all stoners then by virtue of our proximity to pot? I suppose that you could say that, though I doubt the mom who heard about cannabis while at brunch with her gal pals would like to be referred to as such. With so many people from different backgrounds now trying (and loving) cannabis, is it really fair to say that the archetype of the stoner still exists? Hard to say, really. Of course the guy that I described above is still around; he happens to be one of my neighbors. You cannot say that he is the stereotypical cannabis user anymore, especially not when more women than ever before are trying cannabis. Are none of us stoners anymore? I don’t remember the last time I referred to myself as one. I feel like self identifying as a stoner is something that you probably should have grown out of when you reach your mid twenties at the very least. Okay, that’s enough philosophy for today. Let’s spark one! Image Source: nextavenue.org Got anything to add? What is a stoner to you? Tell us in the comments!
How Do I Measure My Joint Size?
Picture this scenario: one afternoon you’re cleaning your favorite piece, then the unthinkable happens: you’ve broken your downstem right in two. Now you need a replacement. We’ve got you covered there. There is only one issue, you don’t know what size you need. Never fear, I’m here to show you how to measure your joint size. What are the Different Joint Sizes? First, when we say "joint size" what are we referring to? We're not talking about a really large J, though that would be nice right now. When people talk about joint size they are referring to the size of the hole the downstem goes into. There are four industry standards when it comes to joint size: 10mm, 14.5mm, 18.8mm and 29.2mm. Of those four, the two most common are 14.5 and 18.8mm. Sometimes you might see sizes indicated as 14 and 18mm. When other shops do this, they really mean 14.5 and 18.8mm. Glad we could clear that up. 10mm and 29.2 are less common, but you should know about them of course! How do I Figure Out My Joint Size? The easiest way to figure out your bong’s joint size is to compare your bong’s joint to the size of a standard American dime. 18.8mm is just about the size of a standard dime. If your bong is smaller, then it’s either 10mm or 14.5mm. If it’s larger than the dime, then your bong’s joint size is 29.2. So what do you do if your bong’s joint size is smaller than 18.8mm? Try next measuring with your pinky finger. If your pinky snugly fits into the joint, then you’ve got a 14.5mm. If smaller, then you’ve got a 10mm piece. Easy enough right? One thing that you would do well to keep in mind is that not everyone’s pinky is a uniform size; if you’re a person with large hands, your pinky might be a bit larger than 14.5. This is why you should start with the dime! Another thing that people do not consider at times is whether or not the original downstem that came with your bong is tapered, that is whether one end is 18.8 and the other is 14.5mm. This is why it is a good idea to look at the size of your slide bowl as well. You can figure out the size you need by using the same methods described above. Once you have mastered this, you know how to match any bowl and downstem to your piece! Now, you’re ready to shop for a replacement! Image Source: Instagram/grasscityheadshop Got any other tips for measuring joint size? Tell us in the comments!
3 Biggest Differences Between CBD and THC
You’ve probably been hearing a lot about cannabidiol, aka CBD lately. As well you should, it’s one of the most popular health trends of the past couple years. Most know that CBD is the non psychoactive cannabinoid that unlike THC does not get you high. There are several other differences between CBD and THC as well. Atoms in CBD Molecules are Arranged Differently CBD and THC molecules are made of the exact same chemical composition, but the molecules are arranged in a slightly different pattern. This different arrangement is what makes CBD non psychoactive and THC psychoactive. This is also believed to give CBD some of its healing properties. Amazing how just one minuscule difference can make! CBD Does Not Attach to CB1 Receptors When you ingest THC the THC molecules attach themselves to the cannabinoid aka CB1 receptors in the brain. This is what causes the psychoactive “high” effect, thus making the body and mind both feel impaired. CBD on the other hand, does not attach itself to the CB1 receptors and instead blocks them, preventing you from getting high. A common method for mitigating some of the negative effects of THC is to use CBD gummies & edibles, which counteracts the negative effects of THC such as anxiety and paranoia. CBD Has Almost no Negative Side Effects One of the biggest differences between CBD and THC is that unlike THC, CBD does not exhibit many negative side effects. There have been few reports of CBD causing things such as dry mouth and low blood pressure, but these are few and far between. CBD has far more positive side effects than negative, hence why so many use it medicinally. Other than these big differences, CBD and THC remain fairly similar to one another. However, there is still a lot that we have not learned about CBD. Image Source: culturemapaustin.com Got anything to add? Tell us in the comments!
One Perc to Rule Them All: Which is the Superior Perc?
To perc, or not to perc? That is the question. Well, I know the answer to that question! Everyone should own at least one good percolator bong. That is unless you want to cough up all of your hit and make your lungs cry. So, you already know that you want a bong with a percolator. The question you should be asking yourself is what type of perc do you want? One of them, all of them? Tree percs, dome percs, honeycomb percs, UFO percs, with so many different percs to choose from how do you know which one is the best? Is there a superior perc? What Does a Perc Do? If you’re new to the whole thing and don’t know what the purpose of a percolator is, then sit back and listen because this is your quick crash course! Percolators serve to cool and filter your bong hit as you inhale, thus improving the taste and overall experience of smoking from a bong. This also helps to mitigate some of the damage smoking does to your lungs. Some percs also look really cool in action. There are a ton of different types of percs out there. All of them perform the same function, but each has a different way of achieving that function. Let’s look at some of the pros and cons of the various percolator types. Perhaps we can determine which is the superior perc. First Up: Tree Percs Tree percs were some of the first percolators to evolve from the bong, so it would make sense that they would be first on this list. A tree perc consists of a tube that extends through the middle of the chamber, which then branches out into separate smaller tubes, which act as the arms. Water comes out through the ends of the arms and pushes back into the bong. Each arm has usually 1-3 slits for extra diffusion. Tree percs hit pretty smoothly, look pretty cool and they certainly get the job done. Tree percs are not without their issues. For one, they clog much easier than other perc types. Those long skinny arms that provide so much diffusion tend to get bits of weed stuck in them, among other things. The best way to prevent this is to A) rinse out the bong after every bowl, taking extra care to clean out the tree perc, and B) get an ash catcher or precooler to prevent sucking unsmoked herb and ash into the bong. I am of the opinion that every bong with a tree perc should come with an ash catcher, because you know you’re not going to want to rinse that out after each use. Not after smoking a fat bowl of Gorilla Glue or equally chill indica. The other issue with tree percs is that they are quite easy to break. Sometimes all it takes is setting the bong down the wrong way at just the wrong time, or shaking it a little bit too vigorously as you’re cleaning it. Suddenly you have a broken tree perc and your bong has been rendered pretty much useless. Tree percs are fun and bring back a lot of nostalgia for people, but a superior perc they are not. There’s Also Inline Percolators Inline percolators work very similar to diffused downstems, except they sit horizontally in the waterpipe and the slits go all the way up the side of the tube, to offer even percolation throughout. Inline percs are most common in bongs with a fixed downstem. Often times in order to accommodate the space of the inline perc the tube will be widened, giving the bong a “submarine” type appearance. What are some cons of inline percs? Like tree percs, they can clog fairly easily and are a bit difficult to clean if you let them get past that point. Ash and bowls that you have sucked through can get stuck in the perc, so again it’s recommended that you use an ash catcher. Conclusion: inline percs are great, but they’re not the superior perc. Don’t Forget about Showerhead Perc The showerhead perc, which is also referred to as tire perc or UFO perc, is basically a reverse tree perc, minus the arms. Water comes up through the tube and back down through a larger tube and through the bottom. They work similar to tree percs, but you don’t have to worry about keeping the arms clear or them breaking on you! That’s already a huge bonus there. It’s not enough to make showerheads the superior perc. Last, we Have Honeycomb Percs Honeycomb percs are among my favorite of the various percolator types. They don’t clog anywhere as easily as tree percs, and they take up far less room than inline percs. There’s also the durability. Think, when was the last time you saw a broken honeycomb perc versus a broken tree perc. The best news, they hit smooth as hell too! All of those tiny little holes make it so there is practically no drag. If you ask me, the honeycomb perc might just be the superior perc. This is all of course my own opinion. You may have a reason that you prefer the showerhead or the tree perc, and that’s ok! We haven’t even covered some of the newer styles of perc, like for instance the sprinkler perc, or the rocket perc. We’ll cover those in the Superior Perc: Advanced Edition coming soon! Stay tuned! Image Source: Instagram/grasscityheadshop Which perc is the superior perc? Tell us your thoughts in the comments!
Traveling With CBD Oil for the Holidays? Read This First!
The holidays are upon us and it’s time for family, fun, and tons of food! It’s also the busiest travel season of the year. If you’re planning on traveling with CBD, make absolutely sure that you read this first! If you’re planning on traveling this year, one of the biggest questions on your mind is whether or not you can fly with your CBD oil. The answer is yes and also no. It is perfectly legal for you to fly with CBD oil, as long as it is CBD oil that has been derived from hemp. If you can prove that yours is derived from hemp (you should be able to show them the label), then you’re good to go. What if it’s Not? If your CBD oil is not derived from hemp, then things get a little more complicated. While CBD oil derived from cannabis is not strictly prohibited, you could get a raised eyebrow from the TSA. Keep in mind though that they are not really looking to bust people for carrying CBD oil; they’re looking for people carrying bombs and weapons. It’s important to remember that the DEA will clear anything that is less than 0.3 percent THC. As long as you’re below that threshold, you should be just fine. It is always best to err on the side of caution and just not travel with it, especially if you’re traveling to another legal state and can just buy CBD oil as soon as you get off the plane. If you absolutely must, then make sure that you are following all FAA regulations as far as traveling with liquids. Also it should go without saying but: DO NOT CARRY IT IN AN UNMARKED BOTTLE! Unlike shampoo and lotion, carrying around unmarked CBD oil is asking for trouble and you know it. You have no way of proving what it is. This is why it’s a good idea to keep your old bottles around. Do Not Fly Internationally It is strongly recommended that you do not fly internationally with CBD. Some countries have very strict laws against all forms of cannabis, including non-psychoactive forms. You don’t want to end up in prison in another country. Are you planning on flying with your CBD oil? Have you flown with it before? Tell us in the comments!
Would You Use Weed Tampons for Science?
Ladies, would you ever use something called a “weed tampon” if you knew that it would relieve you of all of the symptoms of your period? I know I absolutely would. Imagine not having to deal with cramps, bloating and generally feeling like crap? A new study aims to see just how effective so-called weed tampons are in relieving painful and all around inconvenient symptoms of having your period, Business Insider reports. The study, conducted by Harvard professor Staci Gruber. It will be entirely observational and will look at the responses of 400 different women as they use Foria Wellness “weed tampons” during their periods. It should be noted here that they are not actually weed tampons in the sense you would think. What they actually are, are suppositories. Foria Wellness specializes in selling cannabis products specifically for women’s issues from irritability to better orgasms. Foria has long believed in cannabis and its ability to help women, as Foria CEO Matthew Gerson said in an interview with Business Insider. "Women have been saying [cannabis] works for 10,000 years," He said. "And I don't think men have been listening." This study is unique in that it’s not a clinical trial, which is very difficult to conduct on cannabis, due to it being classified as a schedule I drug. The study will take anecdotal evidence from women and “turn it into data,” according to Gruber. I can tell you from experience that this study will be successful. As a woman, cannabis has been a godsend during that “time of the month” Source: Business Insider Image Source: Facebook.com/foriawellness Will this study be successful? Would you use weed tampons? Tell us in the comments!
All Your Questions About Dabs Answered!
710, the day of dabbing is upon us! Dabbing is becoming one of the most popular methods of cannabis consumption, but there are still a lot of people that haven’t tried dabs and have some questions before they will consider doing it. Here are some of the questions I’ve been asked about dabbing. Are Dabs Stronger Than a Bong Hit? Dabs are a lot stronger than a bong hit, well that is, a hit from an herb bowl. When you convert your bong into a dab rig (which we’ll get into) then it’s ten times stronger than a dry herb hit, speaking in general terms. This is because dabs are concentrates, which are a lot more potent than dried flower. Dabs take all of the cannabinoids in the plant and “concentrate” them into a much purer form. It’s a pretty neat process. How Long Will a Dab Keep Me High? Well that depends on you. If you are brand new to dabbing, then a dab of some really good wax could keep you high for a good hour to 2 hours. If you’re a more seasoned dabber, then one dab will probably only get you half as high as you want for closer to a half hour, if even that. I remember the first dab hit that I ever took got me incredibly baked and kept me there for a pretty impressive two hours. Of course it lasts for less and less time the more dabs you take, but that’s what taking more dabs are for. Is Dabbing Bad for My Health? Dabbing is not necessarily bad for your health, but it’s not the healthiest way to take in THC or CBD. You don’t really hear about people taking their CBD oil via dabbing all that often. Dabbing offers you all of the benefits of THC and CBD, but it can be rather harsh on the lungs. This is why a lot of good dab rigs come with a good percolator or a recycler which filters the vapor and makes it less harsh on the lungs. Can You Overdose on Dabs? As with cannabis, you cannot overdose and die on dabs, no matter what Fox News might be saying. If you find that you’ve gotten too high off from a dab, the best thing to do is try to stay calm and wait it out. Drink some water, maybe take a hot shower, and eat something. You’re not going to OD in the traditional sense, the worst that will probably happen is that you will pass out and take a long nap. What is a “Nail” and Why Can’t I Use My Slider? A nail is a small platform that you use to take dabs. It’s shaped, well, like a large nail, with the flat head on top. This is where you put the concentrate using a dabbing tool. It takes the place of the bowl. You cannot use a regular herb bowl for taking dabs because you’re not smoking them, you are vaping them. Imagine trying to load sticky concentrates into an herb bowl. What a mess that would make! You need to use a nail that is made from either quartz, titanium, or ceramic. You can also use what is called a banger, which is closer to the traditional bowl. Lots of people prefer bangers over nails and vice versa, but it’s really up to you. Are there also portable dab rigs? Dab rigs aren't known for their portability. Yet there are some smaller ones out there. If you are looking for portability in a dabbing device you should probably take a look at Dab pens. Dab pens are vape pens you can use for vaporizing dabs/wax oil. Some of them easily fit in your pocket and can pack quite a punch. Image Source: thecollegian.com Got any other questions about dabbing? Ask us below!
Do Not Smoke Wet Weed
You may have been hearing about something called “wet weed” recently. When I say wet weed, I don’t mean weed that you accidently put in the dryer. This is something else entirely. You may have heard that it will get you really high and that it’s really fun. The first statement is true, the latter statement is false. Wet weed, aka weed dipped in PCP is going to get you really high. It can also possibly kill you. Don’t smoke wet weed. People shouldn’t have to be told not to smoke wet weed, common sense should just tell you not to smoke it. Yet, I am seeing posts on the various social media sites about people smoking that nasty crap. These people are idiots. Don’t smoke wet weed. I’ve never understood this fascination with mixing weed with other shit. I’ve heard of people mixing it with formaldehyde to make something called “fry”, because it will literally fry your brain. Somebody once gave me a bowl with ground up mushrooms in it, which I don’t think I need to tell you tastes like butt, and only got me moderately as high as eating them would have. I’ve even smoked the wet weed before, that’s why I feel like I can tell you to stay away from that shit. Weed is perfect all by itself. There are strains that can make you feel like you can run up the side of a mountain, and others that can make you want to dream sweet dreams for days. Why upset that delicate balance by adding an unpredictable substance like PCP to the mix? PCP, aka phencyclidine aka angel dust, is extraordinarily dangerous. People do die from it. When I did it, I was in a friend’s car on our way to Big Sur in California when it kicked in. I tried to claw my way out of my friend’s car. Does that sound like fun to you? Don’t smoke wet weed. Look, I’m not here to be your DARE officer or your mom. It’s none of my business what you do with your life or how you experiment. I did my own fair share of experimenting, as I told you above. I’m just looking out for you. Stick good old regular weed that has always been there for you and never done you wrong. Please don’t smoke wet weed. Image Source: Alternet Have you smoked wet weed? Tell others why you shouldn’t in the comments!
Weed Hangovers Are Real And They Are Not Spectacular
I hate hangovers. I know, everyone does. When I first started drinking, I could drink full fifths of vodka and wake up the next day feeling fine and frisky. Now, after a night of heavy boozing I wake up feeling like I’ve been run over by a tank. Part of the reason I smoke more weed than drink now is because I can smoke up all I want and wake up the next morning feeling ready to face the day. The appeal of smoking weed is that you don’t get weed hangovers, or do you? There is a lot of debate among the cannabis community over the existence of weed hangovers. A lot of people claim that weed hangovers are not possible and no one gets them. Others claim that because you can over indulge in cannabis, you can get weed hangovers. I’m a member of the latter group. To paraphrase a quote from Seinfeld: Weed hangovers are real and they are not spectacular. Of course, a weed hangover is not the same thing as an alcohol hangover. You get hangovers from booze as a result of your body detoxing. Alcohol is a toxic substance and is particularly hard on your liver, so it needs to take the necessary steps to repair itself. Basically, that pounding headache is your body’s way of telling you that perhaps those whiskey shots were not the best idea. Cannabis is of course, not a toxic substance like alcohol, so what exactly is a weed hangover? Weed hangovers are also a result of overconsumption. They can range from anywhere from feeling a little bit of brain fog or feeling tired, all the way to a massive headache. Who gets them? They are usually more common among less experienced users. The lower your tolerance is, the more likely you are to get a weed hangover. This is why it helps to know your limits when consuming cannabis. I’ve only gotten headaches from smoking ditchweed, aka “schwag”. Luckily, schwag is not as prevalent as it once was. I have most often gotten weed hangovers from doing particularly potent edibles, typically when I do too much. The worst one I ever got was after a night of doing edibles and one or two too many dabs. I felt tired and crappy most of the next day. I should have used more common sense; hopefully you don’t make the same mistake. How does one avoid getting a weed hangover? It’s simple, just don’t use too much. Be aware of your tolerance. When taking edibles, pay close attention to the dosage; those labels are there for a reason. Don’t mix things like dabs and edibles, unless you are sure that you can handle them. Make sure that you are properly hydrated (drink water, not soda or booze). If you do get a weed hangover, they are easier to take care of than alcohol hangovers. Get up and do something; sitting around staring at your phone or computer is not going to help your brain recover. Taking showers also does wonders. Maybe you need to eat healthier too. Of course, there’s always coffee! Image Source: Business Insider Have you had a weed hangover? Do you have advice for others? Share in the comments!
This Is Why Your Bong Stinks
It's that time. You're about to load a fresh bowl in your favorite piece and you notice that horrible stench. Oh no, it's your bong. So now you've noticed that your bong stinks. Here's why and what you can do about it. You’re Not Changing the Water Enough This one is obvious, right? You’d think so, but a lot of stoners do not change their bong water enough and that is one of the main reasons why your bong stinks. A lot of people think that changing it every day is enough, but it’s really not. You should be changing the water every time you use it, that is if you want to keep your glass nice and unfunkified. When water sits stagnant for long periods of time it starts to accumulate bacteria, and then it starts to smell. Combine that with the groadies that collect on the sides of your bong and you’ve got a stink bomb on your hands. The more frequently you leave water in your bong, the less time it will take to collect build up and start to stink. Clean your bong after each use. I know cleaning a bong last thing that you want to do after a good sesh, but if you do it enough, it becomes a habit. Your glass will stay fresh so much longer. Your bong will thank you. Your Bong Is Plastic If you’re a real adult then you should have invested money in a quality glass piece by now. For those of you who are still smoking out of a plastic bong, you should be aware that all plastic bongs stink. Even if you’re really diligent about cleaning it, your bong stinks. Anyone who’s had a plastic bong is knows that they smell bad to begin with. Eventually the stale bong smell that we all despise permeates the plastic and that’s pretty much it for your piece. That smell will never come out. You've Got Too Much Resin Built Up That bong gunk that I mentioned earlier? That’s resin build up. That’s the main reason why your bong stinks. When you don’t clean out your bong enough and/or you let the water sit in there too long then the resin starts to build up, and damn that stuff stinks. If you want to prevent resin from building up in your bong then you should clean it after every use. When I say clean, I mean rinse out with iso alcohol, salt, and water. Emptying and changing the water can only do so much. Another way resin builds up quicker is if you are sucking your bowls through. This is why you should be smoking with a screen at all times. If your bong already stinks then it’s even more imperative that you start practicing good bong hygiene habits. You should probably go clean your bong after you read this. If you’ve invested the money into a nice high quality glass piece, then you really should take the time to care for it. In my earlier smoking days I did not take care of my pieces as well as I should have and I regret that. Cleaning my bong is not that much of a hassle. I find the process a pretty relaxing to tell you the truth. It’s all part of owning good glass. Your weed also tastes a lot better when you’re smoking out of a clean piece. You know this. Take care of your piece. Image Source: YouTube Got anything to add about the importance of bong maintenance? Share in the comments below!
The Rise Of Cannabis Coupons: Finding Discounted Weed
Since 1887, coupons have changed the way commerce operates. Coupons not only changed how customers bought products, but they drastically changed marketing styles and sales techniques. Every great industry has implemented the use of coupons: grocery, technology, clothing, and now, cannabis. Welcome to the Future of Cannabis Commerce Integrating coupons into the cannabis economy is a wise and important step forward for all cannabusiness. Coupons are excellent tools for businesses and obviously valuable for consumers, but where can you find cannabis coupons? Of course you could spend your time flipping through page after page of newspapers and coupon books, or, you could wise up and turn to the internet. Leafbuyer, currently the largest cannabis coupon site in the United States, promises consumers there's no better way to save money when buying medical and recreational cannabis. The website offers to connect every customer with their ideal coupon, whether they're looking for an ounce special, competitively-priced concentrates, or even edibles. If you're simply not sure what you're looking for, Leafbuyer allows users to search all available deals in their local area after inputting their location. The Colorado-based Leafbuyer offers a truly unique and essential service for any casual toker or medical marijuana patient. Gone are the days of clipping out coupons out of your local paper, internet-services like Leafbuyer easily connect customers with their dream deal. If you’re an active cannabis connoisseur, you know just how important it is to find your herb or concentrates at a reasonable price. What you might not know is how much coupons help dispensaries, too. Limited time offers, blowout sales, and gifts with purchase (like a free pre-rolled joint with the purchase of an ounce) help keep legalized cannabis sales competitive and fair. Sales and the use of coupons also allow dispensaries to push out product that might be priced too high normally, or simply has been in stock for too long. Cannabis coupons allows dispensaries to rotate their inventory to maintain the freshest, highest quality cannabis available, and they also encourage customers to take advantage of these deals to buy new strains and other items that they might not have been able to afford without the discount. In addition to an amazing coupon service, Leafbuyer proves to be a one-stop-shop for valuable information when shopping for cannabis. From a Power List of the most influential cannabusiness leaders, to the 2016 Best of the Best, a showcase of the top dispensaries for flower and concentrates, or, if you’re looking to make your mark on the cannabis economy, take a look at Leafbuyer’s Job Board. Leafbuyer's innovative approach to coupons and internet presence gives it unprecedented access to the best deals on cannabis products available. Due to Leafbuyer's real-time access to local dispensaries they have access to exclusive and time-sensitive offers that you won't be able to find anywhere else. Leafbuyer doesn't stop at just giving you access to the sweetest deals around, it gives you the materials necessary to make informed decisions for your next cannabis purchase. --- Take a look at some of the sweet deals on Leafbuyer today!
Marijuana Withdrawal, Is It Real?
Let's start with the basics, detoxing is what happens the first few days to weeks after you stop putting whatever your substance of choice is into your body, this still applies to cannabis. When your body is detoxing, it is releasing the residual toxins from whatever you've been using/drinking (yes, this is also the same thing that happens when alcoholics stop drinking). Detox can usually be signified by specific symptoms, getting seriously unpleasant depending on the stuff that's being depleted from your system. So exactly how is cannabis detox different from others? And is it going to be as nasty as the stories of other detoxes you've heard about? The truth is that, yes, cannabis is quite different from other drugs when detoxing. The main reasoning is due to the fact that there still is no proof claiming that residual THC in your blood stream is toxic and unlikely causes any physical withdrawal symptoms in an individual trying to stop toking. Let me repeat, there is no proof to suggest that cannabis directly causes withdrawal symptoms. Then why do people still say they experience symptoms of withdrawal when taking a break from cannabis? Although cannabis has been proven to not release toxins into your bloodstream that cause physical symptoms, your psychological state can also causes symptoms just as real. Depending on how reliant you are on cannabis, like if you use it to help you sleep at night, how much time you spend high versus sober, or even if you simply use cannabis to relieve stress, these things will affect your mental state during your detox. Symptoms: There have been reports all across the web from 'no symptoms' all the way to 'worst week of my life.' It appears that one of the most common symptoms that is experienced (and one that I know I have experienced in the past) is insomnia, this can last from just a few nights, to a few weeks, and in extreme cases, a couple months. There have also been reports of mood-swings, irritability, and other emotionally destabilizing symptoms. As far as physical symptoms are concerned, the one that I hear most people experience is headaches, varying from very mild to constant discomfort. Another common symptom that many individuals abstaining from cannabis experiences is that of hunger, and it's different from person-to-person. Some individuals feel as if they have the munchies all the time, whereas others feel unable to eat for days on end, even claiming to experience nausea at times. Others suffer from excessive sweating, both awake and while sleeping. (I know that I get hand-sweats when I stop smoking. Weirdest thing ever, in my opinion.) Generally, most people only experience these symptoms for a couple days to a week, but it mainly depends on how heavy of a cannabis smoker you are, and how long you have been smoking. Other factors also determine how long your symptoms will last, such as your current psychological state, your level of daily activity, (if you exercise regularly the detox will go a lot smoother, I promise), and your diet prior and during your detox. (Pretend you're a fish, bro. Drink plenty of water.) But wait, here's the kicker: Many of you will not experience any symptoms at all. You may just be able to go back and forth from toker to sober at will, possibly because you take good care of yourselves. Feature Image Source: FoxNews.com --- Have you experienced cannabis withdrawals? Share your story in the comments!
