A new year has begun, and with it comes new resolutions; for some, that means kicking old habits. Despite being one of the most popular resolutions, quitting smoking cigarettes is often a difficult and challenging process, but what if cannabis can help?
One of the main reasons that cannabis may be effective in helping people quit smoking is its role in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Smoking cigarettes is highly addictive due to the presence of nicotine, and quitting can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping. Cannabis has been shown to have a calming and relaxing effect on the body and mind, and it can help to reduce these symptoms and make the quitting process easier.
Despite the fact that marijuana is most typically associated with smoking, there are a number of other delivery methods through which the plant can be ingested, such as edibles, tinctures, and vaporizers. Each of these methods could potentially help those trying to quit smoking cigarettes by providing a healthier alternative to both nicotine and the carcinogens introduced through combustion and smoke.
In addition to helping with cravings and withdrawal symptoms, cannabis may also be able to replace the act of smoking itself. According to a 2013 study, marijuana—specifically compounds such as CBD, found in medical cannabis—can help reduce smokers’ tobacco intake.
For many people, the physical act of smoking is as much a part of the addiction as the nicotine itself. By using a vaporizer or other non-tobacco method of consuming cannabis, those trying to quit smoking can still enjoy the ritual of smoking without exposing themselves to the harmful elements present in traditional cigarettes.
Even in cases where cannabis is smoked, data suggests that such smoke is still less harmful than that generated by burning tobacco.
It is important to recognize that any purported advantages that cannabis has in aiding quitting would not a magical “cure-all.” Quitting smoking is a difficult process that requires commitment and perseverance, and it is important to seek the support of friends, family, and trained healthcare experts. However, for those who are struggling to quit smoking, cannabis may very well be a helpful resource worth exploring.
