The Positive Aspects

I first tried cannabis at the age of 22. A decade later, I continue to use it occasionally in microdoses. Because I consume it in small quantities, a single joint can last me for a week, allowing me to enjoy its benefits without spending excessively. A few puffs after a long day or during moments of need can significantly elevate my mood within minutes.

Cannabis fosters a sense of relaxation, joy, and euphoria, which is particularly helpful in managing stress, anxiety, or depression. In these moments, I can set aside my worries and fully immerse myself in the present. Each emotion is intensified; happiness feels euphoric, while sadness becomes manageable. My thought processes also become more vibrant when I’m high.

When under its influence, my creativity flourishes. I often find that my best art emerges after consuming cannabis, as I enter a flow state where time seems to stretch or collapse. This experience is almost surreal; distractions fade away, leaving me focused on my work and a guiding sense of spiritual energy.

Every experience enhances under cannabis—from enjoying music and movies to intimacy.

And let’s not forget the culinary joys; the "munchies" turn food into a delightful experience. Cannabis also reignites my appetite when it wanes.

Sleep? It transforms into a blissful retreat filled with vivid dreams that linger in my memory.

Moreover, when I’m high, I feel a surge of compassion, empathy, and connection to others. It also alleviates headaches and eye discomfort; instead of reaching for painkillers, a few puffs suffice.

Life can be burdensome and overwhelming. Research indicates that meditation can alleviate stress and anxiety, and smoking a bit before meditating helps me find inner calm and focus, enabling me to confront uncomfortable emotions I might otherwise suppress.

The Negative Aspects

However, excess can lead to adverse effects. High doses can induce anxiety and paranoia, which can be quite unpleasant.

I’ve also observed that cannabis can impair short-term memory. The flood of ideas while high often becomes overwhelming, leading to a loss of inspiration by the next day. My productivity suffers as I jump from one thought to another without completing tasks. THC, the psychoactive component, can hinder attention and concentration, making it difficult to focus on challenging tasks.

Sometimes, I find myself forgetting important points mid-conversation, which can be frustrating and embarrassing. This can lead to an unsettling sensation when I lose track of a discussion.

When cannabis is unavailable, I sometimes feel a sense of boredom in the present and a desire to escape. The heightened awareness it provides makes the absence of it feel like withdrawal, leading to a craving for that euphoric state.

My mind becomes restless under its influence, filled with thoughts that prevent me from falling asleep. When I do manage to sleep, waking up grumpy often sets a negative tone for the day, leading to a cycle of needing more cannabis.

How does one break free from this cycle?

Psychological dependence is another concern. Enjoying activities while high may lead to a desire to repeat them, fostering a reliance on cannabis that can be difficult to shake.

The Stigmas and Consequences

Many individuals who use cannabis will eventually attempt to quit, often unsuccessfully, as their minds become reliant on it. Approximately 10% of cannabis users develop an addiction, unable to stop even if they wish to. When its use causes more harm than good, it requires significant willpower—or sometimes divine intervention—to cease.

I witnessed my own gradual addiction to cannabis. I tried to quit several times, managing to stay off it for months, only to return. I was unprepared for how challenging it would be.

Withdrawal symptoms can include mood swings, depression, and cravings. For those already susceptible to depression, cannabis use may exacerbate feelings of hopelessness, creating a cycle of highs followed by lows. The desire to consume cannabis during these low points can lead to a feeling of emptiness.

The criminalization of cannabis has further complicated its use, resulting in numerous arrests, particularly among people of color. As a Black individual, I am aware that Black people are disproportionately arrested for marijuana possession compared to their white counterparts, despite similar usage rates, as highlighted by the ACLU.

The legal status of cannabis creates negative associations surrounding its use. I’ve long wished to discuss the relationship between cannabis and spirituality. I began writing this piece three years ago but hesitated due to fear of judgment.

Cannabis is often viewed as merely a recreational substance, leading to discomfort or shame among users, even when their intentions are spiritual or medicinal. This stigma is unfortunate, as cannabis is a natural creation.

The Conclusion

Cannabis has its positives, negatives, and drawbacks, but ultimately, it was created by God and deemed good.

For years, cannabis has aided individuals in feeling better and more spiritually connected. I believe it can be beneficial when used wisely and in moderation, but caution is necessary, as its pleasurable effects can lead to dependence.

Similar to alcohol, which requires responsible consumption, cannabis also necessitates mindfulness about its mental, emotional, and spiritual effects.

Mentally, cannabis may impair memory, making it challenging to retain information. Emotionally, it can heighten responses to stimuli, while spiritually, it might alter perceptions of reality.

It’s crucial to remember that experiences with cannabis vary greatly, influenced by dosage, strain, consumption method, and personal expectations.

Cannabis can be a valuable tool but requires responsible use. Plants are sacred, and misusing them may lead to negative consequences. Mindfulness and self-control are essential.

The Choice

Ultimately, we can engage in various activities, but not all are beneficial. Addiction strips us of control, and I refuse to be governed by anything, including cannabis. I consciously choose when and how to use it, taking breaks as needed. Ideally, I aspire to feel elevated without relying on external substances.

Imagine experiencing happiness and creativity independent of any substance, living in a state of natural high.

I yearn for that freedom.

Cannabis can be a natural remedy, but it should not be the sole solution. Other approaches exist for tackling life’s challenges.

I’ve discovered my path to manage my dependencies.

Self-control is one of the fruits of the Spirit. When I struggle with cannabis use, the Spirit of Truth provides support. If I opt for a break, She assists me; if I choose to use it, She guides me toward conscious and intentional use.

I can utilize cannabis to enhance my spiritual journey rather than hinder it. When combined with meditation and mindfulness, it offers a unique pathway for self-discovery and emotional understanding.

In conclusion, the connection between cannabis and spirituality is multifaceted. For some, it may enhance spiritual practices and deepen connections, while others might find it distracting. This makes the exploration of spirituality and cannabis a personal journey, where individual experiences differ.

I only recognized the positive aspects of cannabis on my initial encounters a decade ago. Had I been aware of its potential drawbacks, I might have hesitated to use it. I’ve resolved not to introduce cannabis to anyone who hasn’t tried it before.

Ultimately, everyone’s experience with cannabis is unique, and each person must decide how to engage with it healthily and respectfully—or choose to abstain altogether.

So, what will you decide now that you know? Will you approach cannabis wisely, quit entirely, or avoid it altogether?

This was first published on my Substack.

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