How Quitting Weed Changed My Life

Back in high school, I had a choice between smoking weed and spending time with a beautiful girl who was far more fun to be with. My decision was simple: I fell in love with her and discovered that her company was my true anti-drug. Love, with her, was a more fulfilling and healthier alternative to the haze of marijuana. However, smoking occasionally at night still helped me deal with my cravings, especially when I wasn't with her.

The Journey to Carleton University

When I moved to Carleton University in Canada, I met a Canadian girl who enjoyed marijuana and just happened to be a model. The prickly feeling of guilt and the comfort of weed were surprisingly intertwined. Eventually, I had to break up with my long-distance girlfriend in upstate New York. This painful breakup was echoed in my heart, as I couldn't handle the distance and the sharing of her attention. I felt the clarity of my decision when I broke off the relationship. It was a stark reminder of the bi-polar pull of the drug and the love that had led me to quit in the first place.

The Lessons Learned

As time passed, my model girlfriend started drinking excessively, and that was too much for me. Once again, I faced the dilemma of breaking away from a love that felt too strong, only to find myself at a loss. It was then that I realized the weight of my decision. I decided to seek out weed as a way to cope with my past mistakes, even considering reconnecting with my ex-girlfriend, who was now likely involved with others. It was a reflection of my tumultuous journey and my own hypocrisy.

Ultimately, I realized that the only real way to quit weed was to do it for myself, not for anyone else. Whether you quit for yourself or for a healthier future, it's essential to find an anti-drug, a substitute that keeps you engaged and busy. For me, that was love and a fulfilling life beyond the haze. The key takeaway is that quitting for the right reasons, in the right context, can profoundly change your life.

My Experience: 2011 to 2022

Back in 2011, I quit weed because I had out-lived all my former suppliers. It wasn't just a physical change; it was a liberation from dependence. A wise man, Franklin Gilbert Shelton, once said, "Dope will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no dope!" His words were prophetic. In 2022, I went to a dispensary in Michigan and bought two ounces of some really good bud, which lasted me almost a year and a half! While I am glad for the freedom of choice to purchase it in Michigan, I wonder if Ohio will soon follow suit in the coming fall.

The journey from love, to addiction, to freedom, and back to love is a complex and often painful one. However, it leads to a life filled with purpose and meaning. If you're ready to quit weed, remember, the key is to find an anti-drug that works for you. Whether it be a new relationship, a healthier lifestyle, or a new goal, the decision to quit for yourself will change your life for the better.