“Hey, you wanna smoke?” is a common question used by many young adults to proceed their days and nights with the ritual of passing around a blunt and getting belligerently high. A once taboo and illegal practice is now legalized by 21 states with a booming marijuana market in the United States. This routine practice is used so consistently that it may be a problem for a generation more accepting of marijuana use than in the past. Yes, the ritual of smoking might be how many young adults calm their nerves, but constant use of marijuana products can create long-lasting adverse effects. It must not be forgotten that marijuana is still a drug at the end of the session.

First, we have all heard the phrase, "you can't get addicted to weed!". However, you can become very dependent on the drug, especially for those who began using before the age of 18, as they are four to seven times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder as adults. Many young adults attend some form of higher education, have jobs, and responsibilities that depend on them to be fully alert. Constant weed use can lead to extensive drowsiness, low mood, and reduced physical abilities. There are even moments where first-time or even thousandth-time users green out, also called having a ‘cannabis overdose’, where the user becomes extremely ill and vomits. Continuing on the harmful effects of smoking cannabis, let us discuss how the prices for the drug are skyrocketing, and people dependent on weed are draining their bank accounts to chase a high: a feeling that can decrease their ability to complete responsibilities and distort overall memory, making it even harder to form cognitive thoughts in the future.

However, there is more to weed use than what your parents and the media have told you. Many young adults find solace in smoking cannabis and claim that the ritual boosts their creativity, productivity, and creates a peace of mind they do not find in every-day sobriety. That point of view is supported by how there is a preference for getting high rather than drinking, especially in college towns where the weekend starts on a Thursday. Smoking can also make some people feel as if they have more control in their day-to-day lives while increasing a state of euphoria and happiness. If you have listened to anything by Kid Cudi, think “Pursuit of Happiness” –- these are the emotions felt by weed supporters. There is also the possibility of experiencing the beloved “high convo” where people take time to contemplate life with each other while listening to music, taking a walk or even sitting in complete silence bouncing through the clouds.

“Be the generation that ends smoking” was a common phrase popularized by the Truth Initiative to end the act of smoking tobacco, nicotine, and vaping in the Generation Z and Millennial demographic. While it did prevent over 2.5 million young adults from becoming smokers of the previously named substances, there is still work that can be done for excessive marijuana smokers. It may be nice to use substances to distress, but there are better alternatives to consistently smoking weed and contributing to negative habits. Alternatives include using Delta-8 products, also described as “marijuana lite” made from CBD or THC, which are known to provide slightly less of a high than marijuana but can nonetheless be a start. However, with states such as Kansas whose governor on Thursday signed a bill to make it illegal for people under the age of 21 to purchase products containing Delta-8 THC, it might be time to find long-term replacements for the high. Ways to decrease the amount of smoking include, but are not limited to, nicotine patches (known for reducing the symptoms of withdrawals for individuals who want to stop smoking weed), CBD gummies and oil (can still cause drowsiness and fatigue), and taking it upon yourself to decide what your body and mind can handle and need.

There are many opinions about marijuana use for young adults and this article is not to shame or encourage anyone for their usage; instead, it is written to check-up on consistent smokers and maybe even encourage a tolerance break every once in a while. For reference, tolerance breaks for regular smokers should be at least 21 days to keep a better balance and hopefully save your bank account. The point is to have a stable balance, as we are growing into the adults of the future. With all that being said, be safe, and don’t drop the blunt!

Written by Olive Okoro, Photographer: Rylie Meek , Social Media: Sudiksha Pai

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