Cannabis use can be traced back for thousands of years. It was used in Asia as an herbal medicine around approximately 500 BC.
For decades, the United States government was strictly against the sale and use of cannabis. While this attitude is slowly changing, the restrictions in place didn’t stop people from smoking.
But why do people smoke weed? Not everyone is sure of the answer.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know.
So Why Do People Smoke Weed?
The answer to this question will vary depending on who you ask. Interestingly enough, you could ask a group of 10 people why they smoke, and they all might give you a different response.
Let’s explore some of the most common reasons.
For Enhanced Socializing
People often claim that smoking before a given activity increases the enjoyability of that activity. Hiking, playing video games, and even participating in sports is often said to be more pleasant when under the influence of cannabis.
Similarly, eating food, physical intimacy, and listening to music are reported to be enhanced by marijuana.
The same can also be said about socializing, where cannabis functions as a significant mood enhancer during parties and similar occasions. These days, it’s more challenging to find a party that doesn’t involve people smoking weed.
Cannabis is also often used by those who experience social anxiety as a method to help them become more comfortable communicating with others.
There are plenty of people who are too shy on their own to attend gatherings or introduce themselves. Cannabis helps alleviate this feeling and become more open and willing to approach people.
It’s not outlandish to assume that the same holds for professionals, as well. After all, there’s a reason why networking events often involve alcohol.
When people take the edge off, they’re more expressive of who they truly are, which will allow them to connect with others better.
For Introspection
Smoking weed is often used as a form of therapy for some. It usually involves overcoming emotional issues while under the influence of cannabis. Similarly, it can include smoking while having a conversation with another person about the conflict in one’s life.
Other times, nothing needs to be said at all. Those who would like to explore why they’ve recently been feeling negative often smoke in a private setting to reflect on their thoughts.
A typical scenario may involve dealing with grief or loss, such as after the end of a relationship with a friend or significant other. Other situations could include someone wanting to learn more about themselves and why they think or feel the way that they do.
Someone prone to bouts of depression or anger can learn a lot about their condition by taking time to reflect, as it will help determine their potential triggers. Then, they can strive to avoid these situations in the future.
One should be careful, though, that they don’t become overly reliant on cannabis to accommodate personal issues. If they ever find themselves in a scenario where they need access to it but aren’t able to obtain it, they’ll likely run into problems.
For Creativity
It’s no secret that artists, musicians, and even professionals in the technology industry like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs have their favorite drugs when it comes to creativity. Weed, however, is by far the most common.
For anyone who’s ever smoked before, the relationship between weed and music becomes immediately apparent— it makes listening far more enjoyable.
As one could infer, it also makes composing and playing music a more enjoyable experience, as well.
Countless songs have been written about cannabis use, and even more that were written while under the use of cannabis. This is true across a wide variety of genres, particularly jazz, hip hop, and reggae.
This isn’t limited to art forms, though. Anyone who feels they need to see things from a different perspective will likely consider using cannabis to do so.
For Medical Conditions
Cannabis is renowned for its efficacy in treating many medical conditions, such as tumors, anxiety, chronic pain, and even certain types of cancer. More and more people throughout the country are beginning to explore medical cannabis as an option for medicine.
States that have legalized the substance for medicinal use even allow their citizens to purchase it from official dispensaries under certain circumstances. The quantities are regulated, and the person in question must have a registered medical marijuana card, but access is still available.
For those old enough to remember the infamous ‘War on Drugs’ crackdown that is responsible for the heavy stigmatization of cannabis, this is likely to welcome this new change in perspective.
As previously mentioned, the medicinal use of cannabis has occurred for thousands of years. After decades of heavy-handed enforcement on drug policies, we’re finally progressing toward a point where medical use is socially (and legally) acceptable.
Responsible Cannabis Use Can Better Your Life
And people must keep this in mind.
With the above information about ‘why do people smoke weed’ in mind, you’ll be well on your way toward making the best decision for you regarding medical marijuana.
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