🌿 Why Quit Cannabis? – Understanding the Harms and Why It’s Worth Letting Go
Cannabis is often seen as “natural,” “harmless,” or even a wellness trend. But like alcohol or nicotine, long-term or heavy cannabis use affects the brain, body, emotions, motivation — and sometimes life plans.
Quitting cannabis isn’t about fear. It’s about clarity, mental freedom, and protecting brain health — especially in young people.
🧠 What Cannabis Does to the Brain
Cannabis contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) — the psychoactive chemical that produces a “high.” THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, which are responsible for memory, emotions, motivation, and decision-making.
Short-term, this creates relaxation…
Long-term, it disrupts brain circuits.
🧠 Effects on the Brain Over Time:
| Brain Function | What THC Does |
|---|---|
| Memory & Learning | Affects hippocampus → poor recall, lower academic performance |
| Motivation & Drive (Amotivational Syndrome) | Reduced dopamine → “I don’t feel like doing anything” |
| Anxiety & Panic | Can trigger fear, paranoia, panic attacks |
| Psychosis Risk | Increases risk of schizophrenia-like symptoms in vulnerable individuals |
| Adolescents & Teens | Cannabis affects a developing brain more strongly and can reduce IQ over time |
⚠️ Physical & Behavioral Harms of Regular Cannabis Use
| System | Harmful Effect |
|---|---|
| Lungs | Chronic cough, phlegm, bronchitis (if smoked) |
| Heart | Increased heart rate, risk of arrhythmia |
| Hormones | Low testosterone/sperm count in men; irregular cycles in women |
| Mental Health | Increased anxiety, depression, derealization, depersonalization |
| Driving / Work Safety | Slower reaction time → higher accident and injury risk |
| Substance Use | Higher likelihood of trying other substances (gateway effect in some users) |
💔 Cannabis & Mental Health – The Hidden Link
Research shows a strong association between cannabis and:
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Panic attacks and paranoia
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Worsening depression in long-term users
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Increased risk of psychosis, especially if:
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Use starts before age 18
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There is a family history of mental illness
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Use is daily or high-potency products (“dabs”, THC oils)
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Cannabis doesn’t “create” mental illness — but in vulnerable individuals, it can act like a trigger.
🚪 Why People Struggle to Quit
Even though many believe cannabis isn’t addictive, science says otherwise.
Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms:
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Irritability, anger, mood swings
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Anxiety, sweating, tremors
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Vivid dreams, insomnia
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Loss of appetite, stomach discomfort
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Craving (“just one joint to calm down…”)
These symptoms peak at 3–7 days and improve by 2–4 weeks.
✅ Benefits of Quitting Cannabis
Within days to weeks after quitting:
✔ Clearer thinking and sharper memory
✔ Less anxiety and mood instability
✔ Return of motivation and productivity
✔ Better sleep quality (after initial withdrawal)
✔ Improved lung and heart function
✔ Reduced risk of psychosis and depression relapse
✔ More control over life, finances, time, emotions
🌟 How to Quit — Smoothly & Successfully
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Set a quit date
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Tell someone you trust — accountability helps
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Remove triggers: rolling papers, pipes, dealer contacts, etc.
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Use coping strategies:
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Deep breathing, journaling, meditation
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Exercise — increases natural endorphins
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Nicotine/gum/tea instead of smoking rituals
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If needed, seek help:
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CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy)
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Motivational Interviewing
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Support groups or counsellors
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For psychosis/anxiety: medical treatment
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📌 Final Takeaway
Cannabis may start as an escape or curiosity — but for many, it slowly becomes a habit that steals focus, peace, and purpose.
Quitting is not about punishment or morality.
It’s about protecting your brain, reclaiming motivation, and choosing clarity over temporary calm.
👨⚕️ About the Author
Dr. Srinivas Rajkumar T
Consultant Psychiatrist – Mind & Memory Clinic
Apollo Clinic (Opp. Phoenix MarketCity), Velachery, Chennai – 600042
📞 +91-8595155808 | 🌐 www.srinivasaiims.com