Benefits of Quitting Marijuana/Cannabis

Academic

Marijuana/cannabis use (especially heavy use) has consistently been linked to poorer grades, less time spent studying, and more instances of skipping class

Marijuana/cannabis can impact memory, attention span, and motivation – all of which are needed to excel academically

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Financial

You’ll save money and can put those funds towards something else (a hobby, more monthly spending money, etc.)

Marijuana/cannabis is now legal in the state of Missouri for recreational/adult use for those ages 21+, but there can still be potential financial and/or legal consequences. This can include use or possession by individuals under 21 or DWI/DUI charges for anyone who drives/operates a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana/cannabis.

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Health

Researchers have linked marijuana/cannabis use to a higher risk of health conditions, including memory issues, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression

Boost your immune system! Marijuana/cannabis use can impair your body’s response to illness

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Mental Health

Marijuana/cannabis use is associated with greater onset of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, and psychotic disorders (especially if there is previous family history).

Monitor your anxiety and/or depression symptoms as you cut down on your marijuana/cannabis use, and if you are having a tough time, get connected with counseling or other support services that can help.

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Sleep

While using marijuana/cannabis might help you fall asleep faster, the quality of sleep is worse and can lead to more sleepiness, anxiety, and irritability the next day.

Try to avoid using marijuana/cannabis close to bedtime, but be aware that using earlier in the evening could impact schoolwork or other responsibilities.

Wondering how cannabis may be impacting your sleep? Try keeping a sleep diary for a week. Take note of your sleep, dreams, and how you feel the next morning or day (e.g., sluggish, well rested). Do you see a pattern on the days following cannabis use? If you have difficulty sleeping on nights where you don’t use, and tend to use frequently, this could be a sign of withdrawal, which is associated with cannabis use disorder.

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Overall Quality of Life

Get better sleep! While marijuana/cannabis may help you fall asleep, it disrupts the natural sleep cycle and can result in less restful sleep.

If marijuana/cannabis use is impacting your physical or mental health, your relationships, etc. then taking a break or quitting can help overall.

Take a T-break! If you use cannabis, at some point, you should take a tolerance break (or T-break). Your body builds up a tolerance to cannabis, meaning you need more to get high. A T-Break could help you save money, reset your tolerance, and balance your use. Click here to download a free, printable T-Break Guide booklet.

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Want to know what to expect from quitting? Click here!