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Marijuana is generally thought of as a soft drug. It is perceived as less harmful than alcohol. But, like anything from a glass of wine to doughnuts, it is possible to overindulge. So, how much pot is too much pot?
Are you smoking too much when you can't get out of bed to go to class? Are you smoking too much when you light up daily but are still getting straight A"s? Read More
Too much pot
I agree with the statement that "when marijuana is interfering with daily life it is too much." That being said, "interfering" is very subjective. Maybe Sarah isn't bothered by overeating and falling asleep? Everyone needs to eat and sleep. Is Sarah overweight?
Also, diagnosing Cannabis Abuse uses "substance abuse" as one of the criteria. This seems somewhat of a circular argument.
Too much pot
Hi, Anonymous,
Thanks for the careful reading of my blog and your reply. Yes, I think that is the point that "interfering" is very subjective. Also, diagnosing Cannabis Abuse in terms of "substance abuse" is circular. The DSM is far from perfect. Myself, I thought it was bizarre that there are 8 Cannabis disorders. If someone is in therapy or seeing a counselor due to marijuana, then I think it is a problem.
Too much pot
Thank you for your response to my comment.
I am not familiar with the DSM, but how does a therapist determine between eight different possible diagnoses?
Also, if interference in daily life is subjective, then it follows that what may be abuse for one person may not be abuse for another. Do you agree? If so, then a "one size fits all" criteria for what constitutes substance abuse, such as the DSM, may not be a very good tool for evaluating whether a person is a substance abuser.
As a regular smoker, I find your blog very interesting.
Too much pot
Thank you for your response to my comment.
I am not familiar with the DSM, but how does a therapist determine between eight different possible diagnoses?
Also, if interference in daily life is subjective, then it follows that what may be abuse for one person may not be abuse for another. Do you agree? If so, then a "one size fits all" criteria for what constitutes substance abuse, such as the DSM, may not be a very good tool for evaluating whether a person is a substance abuser.
As a regular smoker, I find your blog very interesting.
Too much pot
Dear Regular Smoker,
Thank you for your reply and reading my post. You ask difficult and complex questions which are even harder for me to answer since I am in Alaska on a borrowed computer. Yes, 8 different diagnoses are difficult to differentiate between. But some have symptoms of anxiety and others have different symptoms. In theory, the diagnosis should be helpful for treatment. In practice, it is often used for billing purposes.
All mental health issues are highly subjective. For some disorders, it would be possible to go 5 different therapists and get 5 different diagnoses. On top of this, there are fads in diagnoses. Like bipolar was popular and manic depressive. In my book, I said, psychology is part science, part religion, and the practice of it an art.
Keep reading and writing.
Jann
Too much pot
Jann -
What is the name and topic of your book? What do you mean by psychology is part religion? The science and art part I understand.
I also responded (as anonymous) to your question whether marijuana is harmful or a "gateway drug." (I should correct a statement there that I have tried mushrooms once after using marijuana, but I still don't consider it a gateway drug).
After reading your first post regarding drug use by teenagers, I now understand that you're not a "Timothy Leary-esque" psychologist. I am neither a teenager nor a parent, but still an interesting topic.
Regular Smoker
Hi, Regular Smoker, My book
Hi, Regular Smoker,
My book is titled Adolescent Assessment. Check it out on Amazon. Let's see...by part religion, I mean there are quite a lot of people believing in and practicing psychology as if it were their faith, without questioning, asking for data, evidence, etc. There is a lot we don't know about ourselves. Take for example, love, how do you quantify and measure it? But just because I can't measure it, doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
No, I am not a Timothy Leary type. I am actually pretty conservative but I am aware teens are going to experiment and I think parents should be aware and knowledgeable and not overreact and damage their relationship with their kids. I am planning more posts on other substances, including alcohol but I am currently on vacation.
Bye,
Jann
Parents Over-reacting
Hello,
Your comment stating "parents should be aware and knowledgeable and not overreacting and damaging their relationships with their kids" is something I am presently going thru now with my 18-year-old son. I knew he was getting high for 1-1/2 years. He knew I did not approve of this, however, our relationship was still positive. However, he failed out of college his first semester and his personality is no longer light, airy, wityy, and happy. I would say he is currently in a crisis. Marijuana can be extremely detrimental to a teenager. Don't kid yourselves!
Your comment is ridiculous.
Your comment is ridiculous. "Interfering is subjective." And it doesn't take a genius to realize everyone needs to sleep and eat. When did you learn that one, smart one? Ok... Sarah isn't bothered by overeating and falling asleep... The point the author is trying to make is that overeating and falling asleep is interfering with Sarah's life. The overeating and falling asleep is affecting her grades because she can't study at night. It has nothing to do with what Sarah's bothered by, or whatever point your trying to make. And what does being overweight have anything to do with this, honestly. Yes, Sarah is morbidly obese. No wait, she is anorexic and weighs 94 pounds. Does it matter? Weight is not the issue, pot is the issue that the author is trying to address.
Interfering IS subjective
Dear Anonymous -
So you think my comment that "interfering is subjective" is ridiculous? Your opinion is subjective, but I'll bite. What objective (not subjective) standard are you using to determine the proper amount of marijuana used before it interferes in daily life? And don't say none because that's too easy. (Besides the fact it simply isn't true). So how much? Does it depend on the age, size, or weight of the person? I'm really curious what objective standard you are using to gauge how much pot is too much pot for everyone.
Where in the article does it say Sarah's overeating and falling asleep is interfering in her daily life? Where does it say Sarah can't study at night? It may be that the author wants you to infer that, but the point is what the author thinks is interference may not be so to "Sarah." You may very well determine that smoking one bowl a night makes you cranky, fat, and stupid and therefore, interfering with what you want to accomplish in life. That's fine. By the same token, for example, a totally different person may not have the same weight gain or ill-temper from smoking a bowl. And that, my friend, is what subjectivity is all about.
Cheers. Regular Smoker
too much pot?
Dear R.S.
What if Sarah is distressed because she is getting fat, missing class, her grades are going down and her parents are mad at her?
Jann
Yes, too much
Jann -
If Sarah is distressed because of the above and she thinks it is because of her pot smoking, then yes, she is smoking too much for her. In my opinion, it doesn't have to be directly attributed, it's enough that she thinks it is.
Unfortunately, the slippery slope is when all of the above is happening and she isn't distressed because she's having too much fun having too much pot. Or she is distressed, but finding in cuttinit difficult to cut back or stop.
I'm not suggesting that pot is harmless for all. But I still believe it is less harmful than alcohol. Nobody ever died from overdosing on pot, but college students across the nation have died from alcohol poisoning. R.S.
Yes, Too Much
If Sarah is distressed because of the above and she thinks it is because of her pot smoking, then yes, she is smoking too much for her. In my opinion, it doesn't have to be directly attributed, it's enough that she thinks it is.
Unfortunately, the slippery slope is when all of the above is happening and she isn't distressed because she's having too much fun having too much pot. Or she is distressed, but finding in cuttinit difficult to cut back or stop.
I'm not suggesting that pot is harmless for all. But I still believe it is less harmful than alcohol. Nobody ever died from overdosing on pot, but college students across the nation have died from alcohol poisoning. R.S.
I agree
Dear Regular Smoker,
Very thoughtful reply! Thanks.
Jann
Yes, Too Much
If Sarah is distressed because of the above and she thinks it is because of her pot smoking, then yes, she is smoking too much for her. In my opinion, it doesn't have to be directly attributed, it's enough that she thinks it is.
Unfortunately, the slippery slope is when all of the above is happening and she isn't distressed because she's having too much fun having too much pot. Or she is distressed, but finding in cuttinit difficult to cut back or stop.
I'm not suggesting that pot is harmless for all. But I still believe it is less harmful than alcohol. Nobody ever died from overdosing on pot, but college students across the nation have died from alcohol poisoning. R.S.
Yes, Too Much
If Sarah is distressed because of the above and she thinks it is because of her pot smoking, then yes, she is smoking too much for her. In my opinion, it doesn't have to be directly attributed, it's enough that she thinks it is.
Unfortunately, the slippery slope is when all of the above is happening and she isn't distressed because she's having too much fun having too much pot. Or she is distressed, but finding in cuttinit difficult to cut back or stop.
I'm not suggesting that pot is harmless for all. But I still believe it is less harmful than alcohol. Nobody ever died from overdosing on pot, but college students across the nation have died from alcohol poisoning. R.S.
Well said!
Very well summed up I'd say.
-Bri
Lets Be Fair.....
I have no problem with you writing an article on how much pot is too much, but you should now write articles on how much alcohol is too much and how many cigarettes are too much.
Yes!
Dear AL,
I totally agree and plan to. I have been on vacation. Any suggestions on how much alcohol is too much? Thanks for your comment.
I think your drinking too
I think your drinking too much when your so hung over you fail your English final... but it's not like that ever happend to me...
I'm a teen who's never tried pot, but I know a lot of people who do. It's interesting to see someone intellegent and rational discusing it.
Overindulgence
Dear Anonymous,
Thank you for your comment, "intelligent and rational." I am interested in honest discourse and trust. If adults are not honest, then we lose the trust of teens. To simply say all drugs are bad is an oversimplification. And some are very beneficial when used appropriately to treat medical conditions, by a doctor in prescribed amounts.
The problems generally arise from the consequences of excessive use of subtances. When drugs are used by a shaman for a religious experience, there is always a trusted and experienced guide. NO ONE SHOULD EVER EXPERIMENT ALONE, WITH UNFAMILIAR SUBSTANCES OR WITH SOMEONE THEY DON'T TURST.
Jann
Good Advice
Good advice about never experimenting alone and if you don't know or trust the person offering you a substance, pass.
Any new toker should know that some people like to spike pot with other substances, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, or PCP. These drugs are really nasty and potentially, deadly. So if someone passes a joint or a pipe to you, don't assume it only contains pot.
More advice?
Dear Regular,
Thank you. This is very helpful. I am a little concerned about consistent "quality" from the medical marijuana dispensaries. How do you know if you are getting good stuff or stuff treated with pesticides, etc?
Jann
Consistent Quality
If you are really interested, I suggest you pick up a copy of High Times magazine. There is actually a lot of science behind marijuana cultivation.
Thank you!
R.S.,
Yes. Thank you. I will follow up on this.
Jann
JANN-
Alright so honestly, what does marijuana do to a teenage brain? Its widely known that it affects memory and learning (for some people). like you mentioned, some students can smoke and study physics.
Honestly? No one knows
Honestly? No one knows. We really need good research, like MRIs while on pot, but the drug is illegal.
Jann
Every small dose of marijuana
Every small dose of marijuana is enough, I wouldn't dare to think otherwise. Marijuana smokers are a marvelous way of lieing to themselves because on a long terms smoking every dose of marijuana is harmful.
Dave, Vistabay rehab
you're an idiot
Dave, Vistabay rehab
there is absolutely no data published that proves that marijuana has negative longterm effects on any part of the body, in either animals or humans (animals technically don't have cannibus receptors in their brains) or even hinting at it. Your comment on this is an example of a non-informed individual brainwashed into grouping all illegal drugs into the same category.
With that being said, I'm not an advocate for legalizing the drug,but only because of the sociological repercussions of allowing todays youth to become psychologically addicted to it. I'm not going to feed bullshit to people claiming that getting super high has any longterm differences on one's health versus smoking a little, or none at all for that matter. The issue at hand is to help people realize that frequent use can change their performance and typical behavior.
What if you don't realize the
What if you don't realize the amount of marijuana you consume is affecting your life? Would you know it if it had already started affecting you negatively
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