Understanding The Reality Of Weed (Viewer Interview)

[@mefaux-kv6nn]

This all makes so much sense. I’ve never had the decrease in joy from weed, but I have noticed it’s stagnated my life. It makes it easier to tolerate a mediocre life rather than pushing through and making it great

[@Blue-fo1tx]

And what if your life is just permanently mediocre. Lol

[@epoch29]

Becoming content with discontent.

[@GiraffeCrab]

@@Blue-fo1tx well having a mediocre life should be the motivator to break out of that cycle rather than smoking weed untill your happy with being mediocre.

[@jaakkovirtanen5413]

99% of everyone lives a mediocre life. Mediocre is fine

[@GiraffeCrab]

@@jaakkovirtanen5413 what mediocre is we define for ourselves. If you think your life is mediocre then ... Why do you feel that? You bored? Not achieved what you wish you had? Whish you had wealth or something?? Why not find satisfaction with life to the point where you don't feel that you are living a mediocre life? Weed helps people come to terms with being mediocre rather than striving for satisfaction.

[@lovemusicharmonybeat]

As someone who is literally going through the same thing, I want to thank this person for coming on and sharing his story

[@carsonlove531]

You got this! Rooting for you to find the balance you need in life to experience the joy you deserve 👏

[@Freakazoid12345]

Not figuratively going through the same thing?

[@FishJackson]

Agreed. This helps a ton, the experience and conversations had.

[@wherethesundontshine6912]

Same here. Good luck with your journey 👍@@FishJackson

[@Novac19]

This guy made me feel less alone in the situation.

[@zerg6001]

I just wanted to leave an experience in case someone needs to hear it. I also used to smoke everyday and it was holding me back from pursuing my goals, eating healthily, and living life to the fullest. I have since significantly reduced my use, joined a gym, go for regular runs, and I’m eating significantly better. I also started college after avoiding it for 4 years after highschool. You can do it. You can build resiliency. You might feel like you aren’t ready or you can’t do something, all it takes is to keep doing the next right thing one step at a time. Start a routine that doesn’t leave time for smoking. Tell someone you are trying to reduce your use so they can help keep you accountable. Add in regular exercise and self care, and identify a long term goal. You aren’t defined by your emotions. You are defined by what you do about them!

[@keeling1813]

thanks bro im in almost the same boat as you, just only took a year off school.

[@sh0werp0wer]

What does reduced use entail for you? The only time I really miss/want weed, is if I'm alone and lonely/bored one weekend, because weed really has really helped me through those nights. This is how I always "relapse" after being off weed for months, even years, I plan to just smoke one saturday evening to relax and stave off loneliness/boredom, and then it just continues on Sunday, and immediately becomes a daily thing. I've managed to moderate daily usage to the extent where I only smoke before bedtime and make sure I get my exercise and daily chores done, but it still feels like an addiction, because I can't sleep without it, so I really feel like I depend on it. I'd love to just be able to smoke in moderation, like for instance only on weekends or saturdays, but I've failed so many times now I wonder if it's even possible.

[@hansschafer7925]

@@sh0werp0wer a friend of mine had the same thought that smoking in moderation could work out, for him at the end quitting fully was the way to go, after 3 months he rarely thought about smoking again and everytime before when he started smoking after not smoking for months, he was smoking daily again after a week

[@diarmuidkuhle8181]

​@@sh0werp0werIt's totally possible. You're already halfway there because you are aware of the situations and feelings that motivate you to smoke. You always use for a REASON. You use because it does something for you, some effect that you find desirable, otherwise you'd not be doing it. I learnt to moderate my heroin use after several years of addiction. The difference is I no longer lean on it for anything. I don't use it to escape from my problems, I no longer feel I can't get through the day without it, I just enjoy it now and again as a treat. And I don't want it constantly now in exactly the same way I'd get sick of my favourite meal if I had it for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. PS I can greatly recommend a book to you, written by 3 authors both from individual experience and decades of research, called 'The Freedom Model for Addictions'. It's available as a free download and it is fantastically helpful for sorting out the relationship you have to your drug of choice. All the best, you can get there! I have and people used to tell me I'd die in the gutter.

[@tirates]

@@sh0werp0wer I can connect with these statements alot. Ive tried to stop smoking handful of times. But it only takes that one night of indulgence to send me back down the rabbit hole. For me personally, ive accepted that I have an addict mindset, Many addicts in my fam, and I have to treat weed the same way some one in AA treats drinking. Might just be my will power, might be how i get when im stoned. Thanks for sharing

[@nathanmaccay7533]

If you dont use it to try to erase all feelings and regulate dosage, it greatly increases lots of physical abilities, and it can stimulate reflective meditation. It helps you realize all kinds of things you didnt perceive before. Its always an awareness scale

[@noahbartlett2832]

I sold weed for about 4 years in Colorado at a dispensary. It might not be "addictive" in the traditional sense, but I saw plenty of people blow thousands of dollars a month on it and everyone who used it all the time (including myself) just stopped going anywhere in life. It's like we were just fine making minimum wage, having no furniture and having no ambitions. Woke up one day realizing that and just never smoked again

[@Patel-Chirag-Gupta]

@nicholastime1513 two different sides of a coin

[@nfrgbros8937]

seriously man, that’s how i feel. i get way too comfortable smoking n i been doing it daily for a long time now, just killed all of what i had tn so gonna see how it goes, i plan on not smoking for a very very long time

[@lemonheader]

@nicholastime1513is the weed for your adhd or did you get a diagnosis and get on meds?

[@nahfamimgood]

​@nicholastime1513 facts. To quote Hank Hill "Why would anyone do drugs when they could mow a lawn?". Clearly he has never mowed a lawn while high. On a serious note, I also have been able to manage my ADHD incredibly well with weed. 4 Years in I definitely feel my tolerance almost tapped out, Should probably take a tolerance break soon. I'm a joint a day kinda guy

[@dandre3K]

@nicholastime1513It’s a dumbass assumption and it’s a deflection. The average cigarette smoker, coffee drinker, fast food eater is unsuccessful, and none of those things is the cause.

[@SuperLotus]

Glad they're finally doing viewer interviews instead of just big influencers

[@animofo_za]

Word. I find the viewer interviews more exiting than the influencer ones.

[@ETHBlade1]

Tbh dr k started off doing mainly viewer interviews and stuff, the influencer interviews came as a surprise to me when they started happening

[@vroomzoom4206]

I hate the influencer interviews. Why do i care about their problems. Real people are much more relatable.

[@Gretstarret]

@@vroomzoom4206 AoE healing concept. When you interview influencers and talk about their problems, you get both of HGs and their community to watch it = the information get spread around more.

[@joshmillere6263]

@@vroomzoom4206 maybe because it humanizes them? Just because they are influencers doesn't mean everything they say is irrelevant. Try watching them sometimes. Especially ones like sweet Anita and such.

[@Mongol_Invasion]

The dude is good at describing weed's effects

[@VioletEmerald]

Yeah as someone who's never consumed marijuana it's really helpful to be able to watch content like this and more deeply understand it.

[@codeman3639]

@@VioletEmerald Everything he says about noticing more in music is totally true. Even more so on psychedelics. Being stuck in the present moment is definitely true too - easier to block out your problems in life, for better or worse.

[@davek89666]

Yeah he sure is. He's very observant

[@gj4312]

​@@codeman3639 psychedelics are a whole different kettle of fish. I've done LSD once and I'd say that other drugs are basically still sober, just a different flavour of sober. Psychedelics are too different to compare like that.

[@doomertube7050]

I was thinking the opposite lol, he’s a newb

[@js5467]

spent 10 years stoned 24/7.. wake up, bongs for breakfast, go to work, head home and rip a couple for lunch, back to work, go home at the end of the and smoke myself green. weighed about 2 bucks and had terrible anxiety. did that for about 30% of my life lol. 2 years off the shit now, and although quitting weed in itself didn't magically make me the most productive, confident and ambitious person in the world, i'm a lot happier in ways i used to think i never could be sober

[@BearFruit90]

you worked high on weed? wowzers

[@leroyjenkins2639]

@@BearFruit90 pretty easy to do. I’m trying to quit right now but for years nobody even knew I smoked. I smoked so often that being high was my baseline. When I’m sober people think I’m high because I’m not acting like I normally do

[@82mjoseph]

@@js5467 yes I’m so happy I quit it felt like weed was taking over my life every thing I did I had to be high now I’m in control

[@trayonett]

I’m really proud of this guest, and his ability to articulate exactly what weed does over time. He’s very smart and self aware. I’m 30 now, been what I’d consider a pretty heavy smoker for 10 years, and have been working on rewiring my brain and opinion about cannabis. This conversation really helped me to understand what I’m going through and how to proceed.

[@williambjork2777]

Same boat. Daily user but woudnt necessarily classify is as an addiction but looking back it absolutey stunted my potential in my 20s. I've been weed free for a year and made more progress in my career during that time than the previous 10 combined. I think mostly becuse my "boredom tolerance" is so much higher and Im able to focus for longer periods of time. This is probably the most nuanced and realistic video on the subject I've ever seen. Just becuase you´re not a complete fiend doesnt mean that usage of any drug can have negative effects on your life. Im not giving it up for life, I still love it and it has enriched my life. But there is a time and place for everything, and right now is not it.

[@trayonett]

@@williambjork2777 couldn’t agree with you more. I never felt addicted, but it became part of my routine in certain ways that I can see now was detrimental. I think it’s easy for smoking to become part of your routine when doing certain things or winding down at night. I’m only 12 days without smoking right now, but in that time I can already see that my productivity is up, I sleep better, and I’m more likely work out and explore cutting out other vices. Can’t say I’ll never smoke again, but moderation is key, and there is a time and place for it 100%. I do how ever think a daily smoker lifestyle is no longer for me.

[@Arcanineisthebest]

@guitarszen Here. Work out pretty much every day + my work is very physical as well. This is extremely accurate, was both for me and the people around me. Being a social stoner, a weekend stoner and a daily stoner are completely different things, and only one of those is healthy. Plus the people who just say ''You're doing it wrong" or "You haven't found the right strain" are usually the ones whose lives revolve around weed.

[@Arcanineisthebest]

@guitarszen It's my anecdotal experience, not my opinion.

[@thecount3965]

Yeah he’s more self aware than I was at that age

[@pimpmastafunk69]

I’m listening to this as a 33 year old that used to be in the exact same position. Have since stopped smoking and am working towards not drinking anymore. The most striking thing while listening to this is that I feel in many ways KZbin/Reddit are doing the same things to me now that weed is doing to this kid; enhancing otherwise boring downtime, allowing me to push out hard thoughts and things I need to grapple with, etc. it’s just so hard because there’s incredibly valuable content on here and I have changed in so many positive ways from things I have learned on KZbin. It is really an insidious app and our brains are just not well setup to moderate in the age of social/digital media.

[@Jetjoshwall]

It’s hard for the young generation growing up surrounded all of these things a lot of them don’t know how to do basic things anymore

[@nicolecomfort-mcdermott4743]

You’re right on with that observation. Technology is used just like drugs in our lives.

[@underGearedFtw]

31; and I feel the same. Some days I am good when I can snap out of it but a lot of the time killing boredom with content consumption.

[@Akiraly14]

I started to smoke weed about 6 years ago, I'm 36 now and it really helped me to let go of my inner critic. Psychedelics also played a big role in that but weed was a big one that just connected with me. I think what a lot of people struggle with is that it eventually it becomes a crutch or coping mechanism. If you treat it in a more sacred manner and have intentions when you use it it can be a wonderful tool. Anything when done to much becomes toxic, like food, video games, sex, anything you can thing of, it all needs balance. I feel you on the youtube and reddit one, the algorithm has gotten so good now that its always pumping things at you that you know are going to hook you in like a fish. I just uninstalled reddit from my phone as i realized it was taking up so much of my time and felt like I was getting nothing back in return.

[@DerrickMayFan]

I cant eat without watching a KZbin video skskks

[@connerstephens2738]

Maybe it’s because I am neurodivergent, but honestly Cannabis has been far more beneficial than any professional mental health provider has ever been. It’s actually helped me process emotions and better my life in ways no medication or therapy has ever come close to helping.

[@maxgoldstein7202]

Same, in a way. Im on the spectrum and weed is (when used sparingly) a good way to actually introspect a bit and be less stressed out about myself. The unfortunate thing is, it's still psychologically addictive, and at the point in my life I'm currently at I can't afford to bear all the negative effects. I'm a lightweight and am quite sensitive to thc, so using it frequently is always a bit of a coin toss. Working on quitting rn

[@KH-to9sc]

Be careful. I started my use to mitigate anxiety. At the height of my addiction, I began to develop BPD1, GAD, and could feel the psychosis not far behind. That was the day I quit. I was a HEAVY use case, one milliliter of distillate daily. Moderation is sorta important!

[@Alex-js5lg]

I started because I realized it helped me eat and sleep at a time I struggled with both. Then it helped me manage anxiety. Then stress. Then sadness. Then boredom... just be careful. Maybe keep a record of every time you use, kind of like tracking calories but for weed.

[@anthonycampos8302]

@Alex-js5lg another problem I have with adhd is completing people's sentences and hyperaware of people's slow thinking. When I smoke weed, I end up socializing the behavior and let my thoughts slow down and I'm able to socialize better. What I'm trying to learn sober is learning how to slow down naturally but also accept the fact my brain will just be quicker

[@PhuPhillipTrinh]

this interview me! im a component of successful cannabis user, keeps me going

[@blackhawkthepirate]

My experience with weed is pretty different from this, but there are definitely some similarities. I always try to be aware of when I am avoiding something. Weed often helps me see when I’m avoiding things. The issue can be how often I smoke. If I smoke all the time, I’ll never really grow. I have to have breaks for: a) tolerance, b) boredom (really important!), and c) to absorb knowledge gained. Weed really helps me to see how things actually are, but if I never let myself be sober and bored, then I’ll never really learn those lessons.

[@anishkirtane5860]

learning how to make substances work for you is the important thing!

[@belivuk2526]

You could achieve the same effect without it if you put your mind to it, just without risks

[@_VISION.]

You don't actually need weed for that though

[@roninsoul9051]

​@@belivuk2526But it's a sensation that is beautiful beyond words surely once or twice a week vaped or ingested rather than combusted is worth it for the introspective souls and dedicated tokers everywhere. Moderation is key and if you fail at it you can always try again. But I will acknowledge that weed is of little importance compared to trusting your gut and doing what works for you.

[@reyliw]

I had many awesome insights on weed. It is a great therapeutic tool. Like shrooms, but lighter, more accessible and less frightening.

[@dlwseattle]

As a 62 yr old that has smoked weed over 40 years on and off I can say that it's held me back from a lot of the things I really wish I had in my life. I'm 2 months clean still fighting for happiness

[@mariechosgaire6984]

2 months is amazing!

[@peepoos]

what did it hold you back from?

[@dlwseattle]

​@@peepoosthank you for the question. i could write a lengthy diatribe as an answer for you, but i will just say this: many of the things i wanted to do - i just flat out didn't do. many of the things i did do - were done half-heartedly, or never fully completed.

[@kennypowers1945]

@@dlwseattleodd. Weed makes me do more things and be interested in more. It hasn’t held me back like when I was sober

[@ThanosMatsoukasOfficial]

We are rooting for you Sir! Never too late. Thanks for sharing!

[@Memento__Mori]

Marijuana has been a godsend for me personally . It made me more and more aware of myself and others . My worst inner conflicts I've solved being stoned at night . It brought every negativity in me that was in my subconscious to the conscious which made it possible for me to work through things and get better . It does however harm me when I begin indulging in it. Side effects are worsened sleep quality , low hunger , clouded mind and lazy . Mind you I never smoke during the day it's always before bed time.

[@codis5722]

Dude 100 percent. I feel like when I smoke, I can get out of my mind and see things from an outside perspective. Mind you, I never had the ability to do this beforehand. Ironically, alcohol is looked at as an illusive solution while actually making things a whole lot worse. Unfortunately it took all of my 20s to figure this out while simultaneously being totally against weed. Also, the forgetfulness from weed I think is my brain disregarding because when I am reminded of something I forgot, it's always irrelevant and I noticed there was no need to store that type of info in the first place 😅😂. Key is to get shit done then smoke

[@bonenintomatensaus]

The worsened sleep is a good indicator of stress for me. When I'm more relaxed the effect is way less profound. So yeah I can smoke a spliff to do science on my mental health :p

[@jacknapier6668]

Checks out that your other comments are for videos about anxiety Now your here saying weed is a godsend Maybe take a T break there Chuck irony is on the milk carton 😂

[@michaelrichards9150]

Totally tangential to the conversation but how tf do you check comments, like I can't find how to see even my own comments and I would like to@@jacknapier6668

[@rkjeffery777]

I "microdose" cannabis daily and i feel its been very helpful for me especially as a double athlete who works 40 hours a week.

[@UndeadLavender]

I'm a smoker of almost 21 years, started around 16; I'm 37. I was an alcoholic most of my adult life; 4 years sober this December. Also, late in life diagnosis of PTSD probably complex tbh, ADHD, and a few other disorders. Through the use of therapists, we were able to understand that my early on use was basically self medicating to regulate the ADHD and other disorders. My parents never believed my mental anguish therefore never wanted to take me to any psychologist or therapist. Weed really also slowed things down for me. My brain doesn't like to shut off, never has, which has always impacted my sleep then daily energy levels, motivation etc. I intended to quit smoking after getting sober from alcohol, however, I was never able to fully make the transition over to 100% sobriety from pot. I enjoy this sense of focus it gives me and it has always seemed to help transition that focus to other tasks. Recently though, it has been having the opposite effect. And again, has me considering quitting for good. That's when the back of my mind fear of having life with that focus, without the pot sets in. Which in turn creates anxiety which in turn makes me want to smoke. Am i addicted? Before sobriety from alcohol I would have said no. After being in recovery for so many years and seeing therapists, if you asked me if i was addicted to pot, I'd say, definitely yes.

[@crystalizeplays9103]

You got a diagnosis of CPTSD from a professional? How? I thought it’s not in the DSM

[@sjoe_87]

This is me

[@guitarplayer1495]

you know a drug has you when you can't sleep.

[@erichaberman3812]

Add ten years to that and you'll be me.

[@m9498-y8y]

@@crystalizeplays9103 however it's official diagnosis in newest ICD-11

[@theghostofblakephilbrook]

"Its like you're too busy fighting a losing battle to just run away"... I love how Dr. K helps people come to these conclusions on their own. The answers are inside yourself, Dr. K just puts a spot light on it for you.

[@Motivational_Posters]

This is the basis of Motivational Interviewing and person-centered therapy :). A lot of use this is in the field… well hopefully…

[@JohnGeorge-pw2xo]

I started smoking cigarettes since my teenage. Spent my whole life fighting Cigarettes addiction. Also suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Not until a friend recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

[@ErnestoHorner88]

Can you help me with the reliable source 🙏. I'm 56 and have suffered for years with addiction, anxiety and severe ptsd, I got my panic attacks under control myself years ago and they have come back with a vengeance, I'm constantly trying to take full breaths but can't get the full satisfying breath out, it's absolutely crippling me, i live in Germany. I don't know much about these mushrooms. Really need a reliable source!! Can't wait to get them.

[@DonnDenisse]

YES very sure of Dr.alishrooms. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

[@Marylongor]

My first experience with shrooms cleared my mind and I started seeing the world on a whole new level

[@DarlingtonFrancis]

Does he make delivery across the country? Am here in Belgium 🇧🇪

[@MasterYoda389]

just reminding you all that shrooms are not for everyone. It is a toxin, and we all respond differently to it.

[@intel6947]

Sometimes I miss weed. I’ve been sober for 3 years and it used to be the most relaxing thing ever and helped me where no other medication, therapist, nor doctor could. I slowly realized it was just hiding my problems out of view as they were stacking up and it wasn’t a really true solution. Eventually I started getting intense panic attacks from it and borderline psychosis and that’s when I finally stopped. I do miss the days of playing video games, watching movies and TV, listening to music, and eating while high. It really does make sensory perception richer that’s an accurate description. I used to feel like I was cradled by God or something and colors were brighter and I was so so so calm and relaxed. Nothing would ever beat eating an amazing meal and zoning out into a good movie or show. I would get so immersed and it was massive escapism. I also noticed that weed made me more social and was a great excuse to connect to people here in Southern California where pretty much that’s all we would do lol. Smoking in the mountains and meditating in nature is a whole vibe. I would have deep meditation sessions in my bed too and I opened my eyes to so much. I also made my best music in the days when I was stoned because I would think more outside the box. I think reliance on weed is the worst aspect of it for most people and it should be something you only do a few times a year at most to enhance and experience. Never use it as a crutch for mental health. This is all just my input and experience.

[@onyax9323]

30++ female here. Been addicted to weed for about 10 years, daily smoking, several j's a day. I grew up in a home where any negative emotions (sometimes even the positive ones) were not allowed and us kids were shamed and punished for them. I have realized I have some level of alexithymia, but it is hard to say how bad it is as I cannot really feel what I "should" feel. I have ADD (diagnosed in my late twenties) and self-diagnosed autism. This video is very helpful. This guy has his whole life ahead of him. And I do have a lot of mine to live, too. This time I feel I really am going to kick the "all-day everyday" habit. I am mentally equipped to do so. Long-lived habits die very hard, though. Massive thanks for this conversation to both of you! (+ subbed to your channel - great content, sir!)

[@zzzzzzzzzzz6]

"Its helping you internally do the work, but its not helping you do the work" is such an insightful and great point, that's exactly what it is -- For me i need it when i hate my job but it makes me bad at my job

[@theedgeofoblivious]

Honestly, I have experienced enormous depression in my life, and without marijuana I was pretty much frozen, not feeling like anything was worth it. When I started using marijuana I became much more likely to think that it was possible for me to accomplish things. I started cleaning my home, became motivated to do things I'd wanted to do for years, and I started doing them. I even went out and scheduled appointments to talk to mental health professionals(which I had always wanted to, but never had done). And I started doing things like home repairs that I had always been hesitant to tackle because they had seemed too big to handle. I am not sure that the effects on everyone's motivation are as uniform as they were described in this video. I don't use it every day(closer to once a week), and I probably COULDN'T use it every day, because I'd be uncomfortable doing so, but I've felt that it's had a majorly positive affect on my life.

[@mandemkat6452]

For me it was the opposite. Weed is very bad for my mental health, anxiety and paranoia. Doing very good since not smoking anymore.

[@codyhodges1590]

@@mandemkat6452same here man. I started spiraling hard into a deep depression. It really does seem like it effects people differently

[@ジュレジュ]

@@codyhodges1590 It's interesting. I use it to self-medicate anxiety occasionally, but I do it very deliberately since I know I could then become psychologically dependent on it, even after I improve my social skills or, via exposure, my social anxiety. I am also aware that at least for me it has a trade-off, which is that it can temporarily make me less motivated or can temporarily tank my ability to concentrate. I think drug use, especially use that involves psychoactive drugs, is very complex and I could never agree with people who simplify it.

[@jeremyc4811]

Same, it was actually the thing that inspired me to go back into treatment. It was the first time in a long time that I realized that life could feel so much better than I'd been feeling. I would get a long night's sleep, wake up, and then tackle chores that I'd been putting off for months. Just knowing that it was possible to feel better was enough to motivate me. And to be clear, this was after trying multiple different antidepressants which were ineffective.

[@djszal]

Same here. I've been using it selectively for a few years now. Once or twice a week or sometimes never during any given week. It pulls me out of funks and gives me the same type of motivation to fix my house or journal or learn or deep meditations or whatever. And the effects last for a few days so I don't need to use it every day. I have caught myself using a little too much and luckily I'm able to pull myself back without spiraling. To me, I think there is a "strategic" way to use it. But there is also a part of me that is concerned that continuing on this path will lead to destruction, but I think that comes from cultural conditioning about old thoughts on weed. But maybe I'm naive. I just know that it helps me sometimes, and I don't see it as being a problem in my life since I'm still going after goals and getting stuff done. I do wish the research would hurry up and catch up so that we have more information on the substance to know everything we can know about its use in someone's life. I probably won't stay on it forever, but it's changed my life for the better in many ways.

[@damonplant9962]

I can really relate to this whole conversation, having smoked almost daily since i was 19 (I'm 31 now.) There have been many days where i've been stoned and can sense that i'm wasting/avoiding opportunities because of it, and the cumulation of those days really takes a toll on my sense of self sometimes. Its an addiction for sure, in that it takes some of the pain of stagnating away by giving me an excuse for it (im too high for xyz) instead of really confronting the root of the stagnation

[@artmusicliterature9859]

Chronic smoker for over 11 years. I've been clean for about 3 weeks. Very difficult. My lungs almost feel worse from detoxing. I'm staying strong tho. Thanks for posting this convo!

[@db00g]

Stay strong, i believe in you!

[@Jyolski]

4 years for me and we got this bro

[@Elegyforthend]

Your lungs feel worse because its cleaning out. You'll feel much better after a few weeks.

[@2turnt11]

we are fighting the same battle my friend, do it for yourself!!

[@dhananjaywithme]

Kudos to all the champions!

[@steceymorgan814]

Psychedelics are just an exceptional mental health breakthrough. It's quite fascinating how effective they are against depression and anxiety. Saved my life.

[@Jennifer-bw7ku]

Does anyone know any good source to get them? I put so much on my plate and it definitely affects my stress and anxiety levels, would love to give shrooms a try.

[@elizabethwilliams6651]

Yes, dr.sporesss

[@Jennifer-bw7ku]

Is he on instagram?

[@patriaciasmith3499]

Dr.sporesss is the best, he's been my go to for anything psychedelics.

[@elizabethwilliams6651]

Yes he is. dr.sporesss

[@epelly3]

Props to this guy for doing this interview. This is a conversation that most people would only feel comfortable having confidentially

[@RagnarSwiftRage]

At 8:17 Dr K remarks that "it doesnt improve performance but it makes things easier to do internally". This is perhaps the best description of what marijuana does for me, an ADHD patient. It helped remarkably for focusing on school work and spiritual activities (yoga/meditation). BUT it does drop off after awhile, and now anhedonia is a real concern. Psychological safety net, is a good way to describe it. I get brutal boredom and my attention span is non-existant if I go too long without using it now. Also, "Too busy fighting a losing battle" comment... SO TRUE

[@superlady2960]

The lemon analogy was great. For me, I wanted to quit smoking weed, but couldn't find the will. It took years of my soul wanting to change... And I felt so torn over what I was continually doing,, but would not stop, it was what I did for 15 years. Such a habitual pattern of smoking as an escape.. it took me a whole year of panic attacks and borderline psychosis, I finally, FINALLY knew weed was not feeling good anymore. It was so scary sometimes, sometimes I would cry and pray that if I could just come down and have my mind back I would never do it again.. took so many times before I hit my breaking point. I am finally weed free and I feel so safe in my mind and my self. Learning to embrace and be okay with boredom and emptyness still, but that is life. It took smoking weed turning into such a terrible experience that I could finally decide to let it go. So when he said the lemon thing, I had to imagine my lemon was not only dried up... but covered in mold and literally toxic to my system. It was fucking up my brain every time I used it, like a poison. 😂 I can laugh now but good luck to anyone who desires to let that go out of their life, just know keep trying, every time you attempt to quit you are one step closer. Even if you break your vow, one day you will finally see it for what it is. 🍋 You will get there, every step, even each relapse adds up to show you the truth. Nothing is wasted.

[@PearseXI]

I’m really glad and that you freed yourself. I am in the midst of this situation for sure and it really helped to read that you knew you wanted to quit but couldn’t find the will… i’m sorry u went through that but I also am experiencing this so you give me hope. I actually was able to quit two years ago for 10 months straight only because I landed in the hospital for two weeks and was unable to smoke at all and when I got out I just wanted to stay sober. But I relapsed one day after playing with the idea for awhile and now almost two years have gone by in a flash and i’m so fucking ashamed of myself and i’m going nowhere in life I’m sorry this comment is all over the place. I will do better but this is my truth. Thanks for sharing yours, bless ❤

[@MasterYoda389]

sigh.... not looking forward to the nightly flash sweats....

[@christopherwhitenton9338]

I think I had just gone through the same thing you were talking about. A few months ago and I had quit because of it. I didn’t hallucinate or have delusions but I felt extreme delirium, anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty with sleeping. Was this psychosis or just extreme anxiety? I felt depersonalized too for a bit. This was still happening to me even when I was sober.

[@Mariah24-97]

thank you for this message ❤

[@jsvaodinson2272]

Great podcast, 4 weeks sober from alcohol and weed here. I feel like you guys touched a lot of good bases as to the core issue with substance abuse while remaining in a very respectful and positive light A+ episode

[@KbIPbIL0]

bro same for 2 weeks it feels great 👍

[@jsvaodinson2272]

@@KbIPbIL0 right on dude keep at, granted I’m only at 4 weeks but in my experience so far it only gets easier and more stable every single day Best of luck to you and me and anyone else working towards sobriety!

[@d4ws125]

Congrats both of you, great work so far

[@herexcellency4304]

proud of u both

[@Kickitwithquan]

As someone who use to be suicidal, Cannabis has really changed my view of life and has definitely helped me enjoy the present moments more. However I do think it can make people more complacent, hold you back from achieving goals and becoming the best version of yourself.

[@bigkarrma3601]

This was very insightful. I have a huge empathy for Rogan. I’m 32 and still feel on one hand like I’m the same troubled kid, but he’s pushed to the back of the class and ostracized for his emotions leaving the adult misguided and hopping from one panic to the other. I’m a daily cannabis user and it’s borderline addiction, but I still function in my daily life pretty well: I have pets, a wife, a mortgage, paid off car etc. -I have a full time day job that I consider off-limits for weed. I smoke before I play music at my gigs (dream side hustle) and that enhances the performances both internally and externally, but I think sometimes “Can I even do this without weed? Why should I have to?” I have since resolved to smoking with a purpose, but smoking in the idle times is what kills me because it actually will take away my ability to communicate rationally with my thoughts and with my wife if it doesn’t take away my motivation altogether (say like mowing the lawn). It’s a daily art of balancing sober and rested vs high and dopamine-depleted. Life really is like a lemon.

[@jarednorris9559]

I finally after 12 years of smoking weed finally finally quit, I used to spend about 150 a week on weed... just to laugh and do nothing.. looking back at it now I've realized I've spent so so much money, I could have had a house by now 😢 I'm just glad I finally found the strength to stop. I'm finally getting up and cleaning my apartment first thing in the morning, getting into positive routines, taking my dogs for walks multiple times a day. Just living. It's been so long.. I've also noticed my focus is so much stronger, and another noted side affects I'm dreaming the craziest dreams every night. When I was smoking it got to the point we're I wouldn't dream but maybe once a year.

[@lolxfps]

I’m so glad this video was made. I struggle EXACTLY the way he struggles. It was fun to start, then it became an every other day thing, then it became daily. I am currently on my 2nd week, no weed, no juice, gym every day, & eating properly and healthy; and this just kinda confirms for me that I’ve finally stepped out of that losing battle, and onto my way to better things. I hope everyone is taking care of themselves, thank you for the amazing work as always Dr. K.

[@flyingknee23]

It’s easy to be stuck in that cycle. Even I admit to it, but what help me the most is staying busy.

[@jessewright8930]

How did you tell yourself don’t do it again

[@1Shotice]

Good stuff man keep it up you got this man!!

[@lolxfps]

@@jessewright8930 Hey, I’m not sure if my answer will help much but this is how it went for me. I was spending minimum 250 a week on weed at my lowest, and I was high almost all day every day. I knew for a while it was not good but never had motivation to stop or do anything better for myself. But eventually after enough thought I visualized it in the sense that if I was willing to spend that much per week on weed, why not cut my costs, save money, and do something better for myself in the process? Hopefully this helps

[@lolxfps]

@@jessewright8930 Thank you very much

[@jennw6809]

Thanks, Dr. K. I'm 54 and used weed heavily for 38 years. It was my main emotional coping mechanism for my CPTSD. This is my 35th day clean. I stopped on the day I started getting ketamine treatments, also at the suggestion of Dr. K's guide (which helped me realize that even though I'm less depressed than I used to be, I still totally qualify for an MDD diagnosis.). I've been wanting to make this change for a long time, and have been watching HG for a year now before doing so. It took a while to be ready. I'm grateful for this resource!

[@source7431]

mmm ketamine

[@ashemckinley378]

bro switches one drug for another with creepy scrutiny added on top and thinks he's in a different place. bro what? lying about "being clean" when you describe how the day you "quit" one substance you immediately picked up another. you're an addict.

[@-whackd]

Take a bump of K instead of a toke of weed there ya go

[@jennw6809]

@@-whackd Definitely not trying to abuse this therapeutic substance. When used daily, it doesn't work.

[@katattack907]

Excited to hear about the positive changes you're making in your life! Keep it up. 🌿

[@ComeFindOuts]

I can honestly say I started smoking weed when I was 14 during the spring time . I felt like it was a fun thing to do but was negatively affecting me. So I stopped and didn’t start back till I was about 21 to 22 years old . Haven’t stopped since then and I’m almost 28 now . I can say as I grow older the more it benefits me from a mental health standpoint and even just my overall health. It really helped me become so much more socially and pushes me to actually go try and do things . That’s just my experience with it and I know it varies with different people.

[@etta5487]

Can I ask how often you use?

[@suzannaflores1164]

Neurodivergent, cptsd, back injury, I am a successful independent contractor, artist, clean, organized, not depressed, never bored. Weed helped me do my taxes last week. I never tried any drug for anxiety other than weed. Never drink. I believe Im good

[@mojykz]

reading the first the first two things shows me that u arent good.

[@natty-ice]

Thank you both for this, Ive been using marijuana daily for 3+ years. You've described my experience and feelings almost exactly, its like you say theres no "magic" in it anymore and I can see its detriment on my life and the people in it. Ive more recently started staying sober when I game with my friends or when Im cooking or cleaning and Ive found a different kind of magic in that. Im more grounded and I actually have to grapple with reality rather than retreat into my mind. I wish anyone else whos having trouble slowing or stopping the best and know that it get easier, it gets better and others will notice, so will you.❤

[@-whackd]

When youre cooking and cleaning you grapple better with reality? Whats that mean dude

[@natty-ice]

@@-whackd when I'm not high I'm more present with the world around me rather than chasing thoughts in my head. I get stuff done faster and I do stuff the right way rather than being lazy or just giving up on the task.

[@carloscontreras3633]

How is it a detriment to your life?

[@natty-ice]

@@carloscontreras3633when I get high w/ marijuana I tend to be more lazy, I don't want to socialize, and I eat tons of junk food. This ends up affecting my overall health and social status, a lot of people don't interact with me because of how I am when I'm high. Add to the fact I get high everyday when I'm bored or have nothing to do and it leads to family and friends just not talking to you. I wish I'd been more conscious of how it affected my habits and behaviors because I'm definitely paying for it now.

[@jessewright8930]

I hope so I been trying so hard and it’s like something in my mind is like go smoke you don’t have nothing to do no one to talk to just smoke and feel good while the other voice is yelling at me like no don’t smoke look at your life look at your past look at all the problems weed has cause….. and I still do it. How did you avoid that voice that’s telling you to smoke.

[@podchicane571]

I'm listening this as a 25+ years old who's been smoking since 18. It does spiral down fast, especially when you have predispositions to addiction. I have a weird problem where I want to hide my usage from people I know, but it realistically helps me digest tasks more easily. I have had more than one high level jobs that I did not have the education for, without lying on my resume, just because I see the world in a way that most people do not and being high helps me articulate my views. But that is not healthy at all, and if anyone is considering trying weed: don't. If you're trying to self-medicate like I did when I started (and probably still do as I read my first sentences), you're going to go down a hell hole. Use weed as a recreative thing if you want, but don't use it because you're hurting or feeling misunderstood. It will absolutely evolve into a habit/addiction. Take care, everyone. Especially young people only starting their adult life. Cultivate your life like a very frail garden that you wanna see become fruitful.

[@maxgoldstein7202]

eloquent af my good man

[@avonnabors]

only thing harder than building good habits is breaking bad ones, and when you’re getting sober you’re doing both at the same time.

[@seanocd]

"Don't use it because you're hurting or feeling misunderstood". Amen! I would propose a minor change: "don't use it IF you're hurting or feel misunderstood". If you do you are playing a very risky game. You might be fine, sure, but you may find it can become a crutch much quicker than expected. Once it's become a crutch it can start to harm your ability to handle issues in a variety of ways that can snowball before you even notice it. Same goes for any potentially addictive activity. Marijuana, alcohol, videogames, TV... Hell, even exercise can become psychologically unhealthy, despite it's physical benefits.

[@podchicane571]

@@seanocd You're right. Those are coping mechanism we develop to hide the pain we feel, so it can become unhealthy. That makes those coping mechanism an obstacle to our psychological growth rather than a way to help us get through a hard times. It makes it last longer.

[@mighty_osaker]

​@@podchicane571 Thanks man, you saved me today. It was like "I feel really down this evening, let me smoke a bit just to heal myself and then I'll be fine and I won't smoke tomorrow". And it feels very fucking real even though when I read it it looks so classic of addiction.

[@mihirjoshi8934]

This is so cool because it has one to one talk with the therapist. This becomes so much relatable for someone who’s suffering and has decided to quit weed. I hope more and more such videos are up there! Keep it up!

[@Mothafukka8]

Facts bro this cool af

[@trentwebber5291]

Thank both of you so much for this conversation. I used weed in the exact same steps that this young man did. Fun with friends and my ex early on but after the seven year relationship ended found myself using everyday to push out the negative emotions I was feeling. I went to therapy but wasn’t as honest as Rogan was and maybe through a mix of not the right therapist and dishonesty didn’t get the help I needed. I noticed personal growth during a three week tolerance break I took during my year and a half of heavy usage but had a bachelor party at the end of the three week mark and went right back to using again. I’ve since lost a very good job opportunity due to failing a drug test (not career ending thankfully) but have since stepped away from weed all together in order to get clean. This conversation really helped me understand what was going on in my brain during that time in my life and why I didn’t grow like I could have in that period. I don’t think I will ever completely give marijuana up because I do really enjoy smoking in moderation and believe it to be considerably healthier than alcohol, but a lot of people paint it as a non-addictive health food while ignoring the potential damage it can cause. Thank you both again for the therapy session I needed as a young man but never really got.

[@azorahigh3218]

fast forwarding through a day is the best description of being high I've ever heard.

[@brandonjoel9868]

One of my favorite descriptions of addiction is “something that narrows the things you draw happiness from”

[@SuperMc111]

Thats a good one mate, I like it

[@abcdabcd5366]

Which doesnt convert tbf weed enhances things you like. The lemon !

[@mohammedbinopata9977]

Anything good in life is worth narrowing your life for

[@brandonjoel9868]

Use it as the spice of life =) just don’t let it become better than doing the things we needs to thrive and not just survive ❤ Imagine you like something so much nothing else makes you happy in comparison. Then imagine it was a substance instead of being healthy, being social, and things your body wants to be able to regulate/motivate itself from within. It’s more of a chemical/dopamine thing for some people. If it isn’t the most important thing in your life it most likely isn’t a problem. There’s just some people that use it to avoid healing/growth. If you like it too much it releases more dopamine than it should and can cause your brain to “motivate/trigger” you to seek it. For some people it becomes the equivalent of masturbating for their brain. “Neurons that fire together, wire together” and the brain is ultimately seeking dopamine so you’re rewiring your brain and telling it how to get dopamine through how we deal with adversity. If you smoke every time you’re upset your brain can even go “this body gives me dopamine levels that dwarf sex dopamine levels whenever he is stressed/upset, so I’m gonna release bad feelings until I get the fastest path to dopamine” Same with stress eating, stress smoking, or even sex addiction. Dopamine is supposed to be from the pursuit of something. Purpose is what you pursue. Nothing wrong with using something it improve or enhance your life =) just don’t choose harmful things and don’t let it take away from all the other experiences/growth we could potentially have =) “PEACE AND LOVE” -Vash The Stampede

[@shanttt]

First video that actually convinced me… showing a good reason to quit. I’m a successful tech professional, and a full time artist as well. I work on a lot of things, mildly high (always just one small hit). I never knew how to feel about if I should quit or if it’s detrimental to my growth But really it’s just to put away my emotions and get the work done. I think I need to start living life’s experience, without substance, even just minor use. Thanks dr K

[@Alex-Palermo]

Did u stop ?

[@shanttt]

@@Alex-Palermo I did bro . Life isn’t much different but it’s worth for sure 👍

[@Bubbataurus]

I have been a cannabis smoker for over 5+ years and adding a t-break (tolerance) is beneficial when long term usage. Everyone’s experience is going to be different, however, even tho weed IS the safer option compared to other vices, IT IS ADDICTING. I see influencers say it isn’t addicting but I can tell you it does. It’s not bad or good, just is. I don’t plan on fully quitting because it DOES HELP ME.

[@Entropy67]

Its not addictive in the way that word is usually used with drugs, where you are chemically addicted to it. But it can definitely be addicting to the right person.

[@echoawoo7195]

It's psychologically addicting, but you know what else can be psychologically addicting? Literally everything else.

[@alexiskitt6989]

@@echoawoo7195 right, a common example of for (non-chemical)habit forming is lip balm usage.

[@milkmahtitty]

we got some people coping here, let’s make it straight, it is addictive and nothing else, and everything that have “but…”’s is hard cope.

[@echoawoo7195]

@@milkmahtitty No, we have people here without a clear understanding of what addiction even is, let alone the forms it takes, or what substances can trigger it. Hint: Go look up pica. Or pagophagia. Or Urophagia. Willfully stupid people really need to stop talking now.

[@sevn9562]

I’ve been going through the exact same thing and I honestly really needed this video. Marijuana used to be something that truly helped me with feeling joy during times I didn’t think I had any joy left, but now I can’t help but view it as a crutch that keeps me from being motivated to pursue goals that will be hard to achieve. I think I’m finally deciding to quit/take a long break so that I can start to “feel” again and hopefully I’ll be able to focus more on my passions instead of getting high so I don’t feel so bad about putting them off.

[@nychris2258]

Im a relatively successful stoner. Got my sh*t together, for the most part. Im certainly not living a perfect life but Im definitely not a loser. Self employed. Married. We own multiple properties. Etc. Weed will definitely make your mind race and cause you to dredge up thoughts from the past. I actually think its this form of anxiety that people are addicted to because it sort of makes things interesting. Over the years the anxiety has gotten more intense yet I still enjoy it for some reason. However, dwelling on and overthinking things is also why stoners dont get stuff done. To be a successful stoner you really need to talk yourself out of these cycles and into productivity as effectively as possible. To some degree Ive learnes to use that weed generated anxiety as motivation.

[@gdoggcasey]

As a 36 year old guy who has been addicted to weed with daily smoking for 15+ years with very small breaks from it here and there, Dr K hit the nail on the head with moving negative emotions to the background. Doing this so much has caused me to be almost incapable of living with my own thoughts. I will smoke to avoid my own thoughts, and then hate myself when my mind is just spinning its wheels because its high. Ive tried quitting so many times and failed. Its got to the point where i just consider myself a weed smoker and just accept it...until the next day when i tell myself i need to quit again. Its been an ongoing, never ending battle and i have no idea how it will end. I dont even know what winning the battle even is. Is it quitting for ever? Or making actual peace with smoking. Feels like ill never know.

[@Treebranch_]

I bet a conversation with someone who has gone as deep into it as you have and pulled theirselves out would help. You have the strength. There are methods. There are ways. Your mind will do a good job convincing you you’re not capable and it’s not worth the effort of stopping. But those thoughts are temporary. And those thoughts aren’t you.

[@Urine666Deity]

Practice moderation man and remember that variety is the spice of life but be careful

[@albyj3310]

What helped me out was finding a physical hobby that I was so invested in that I would rather wake up at 6am to go do it before school/work, and want to wake up so badly to do it again in the morning that I stopped using any substances that would impair me feeling 100% fresh in the morning, in my case skateboarding but could work with tennis/golf/ any new hobby that takes time investment to learn. Basically gotta get that dopamine fix from something else

[@xe2014]

8 years for me, but I’m right there with you. It’s gotten to a point I don’t know what’s the weed and what’s me. Is there even a difference anymore? Probably not

[@animepussy8356]

Quit cold turkey. The withdrawal sucks (anxiety, insomnia, sweats) but once you get it over with, it's done. If you can just whiteknuckle it for a couple days, the urge to smoke should lessen considerably

[@MagicCookieGaming]

As someone who had to stop smoking as much due to CHS it really opened my eyes to how overpowering it was and how it was taking over my life. I'm now able to use it exclusively socially on weekends out of preference but I am so happy to see these candid and proper discussions on the subject. Weed addiction/dependency is something that needs to be more seriously talked about because it is a real dependency but not enough discussion and knowledge is being talked about around it. It's great, but needs to be used responsibly.

[@FinallyAlmino]

I think it's very brave the way he speaks openly and so freely about his cannabis usage and the effects it has, both positive and negative. I know it's legal many places now, but where I live there is a massive stigma surrounding it. I did get it legally some years back when I lived in a different country, and just mentioning that I used to have that prescription to anyone in an official capacity puts me under the microscope. I told my psychologist, who I thought couldn't tell anyone, and they put me on a bi-weekly piss test for almost a year because they didn't believe that I was sober. Seriously broke my trust to the healthcare system, and now I find it incredibly hard to be open and honest with any type of doctor.

[@arnoldschonberg9598]

Had the same. Had a therapist tell me that the only thing she could tell my parents about was violent crime, so I told her that I'd smoked weed with some friends. She then went on to tell my parents that, and I stopped therapy completely. Ten years later, maybe I'd have stopped smoking earlier if I had someone I could talk to about it.

[@abgportal]

I love the honesty of this guy and his description of his experience. As a person who didn't know they had anxiety and ADHD until much later in my life. I have a unique relationship with cannabis that I'm always analyzing and trying to learn just how I feel about it.

[@mishasnyder9873]

Wow, I knew all this stuff intuitively, but I’ve never heard anyone explain it so pointedly. Thanks Dr K. I’ve been a functioning addict for about 20 years, and sober for a year. It’s been a really good year. I got really tired of squeezing one drop out of the same lemon, and I’m starting to clean the cobwebs out of my life, making way for the bigger lemons.

[@user-md7ky6nm5q]

As a woman I feel like I can't express my emotions either. Every time I have I've been shut down or it hasn't worked. I feel I have deeper issues than the average and nobody I've talked to including therapists have not been helpful so I've learned to stop reaching out. It's hard for women too and this was a very helpful video!

[@tablebasse1299]

Keep on doing your own research, nobody knows what you're feeling and going through other than you

[@tiptapkey]

Yeah, I'm a woman and I feel the same. My parents would roll their eyes or laugh if I had emotions, so I never learned how to express them.

[@josicat4789]

Same here... no oft understands and basically tells me to stop. So I just don't be anymore.

[@coffeedude]

Not a woman but i've felt similarly to you for some time. I started going to a psychoanalyst and it's been tough but I think it's helping. The main thing that kind of therapy does is make YOU understand your problems. If you've already tried that kind of therapy maybe try a different therapist. Just keep in mind that it takes time and work to be able to express yourself and learn your truths.

[@madmintentertainment6268]

Im sorry you go through that. But you are the exception. Men on a societal/ global level are beaten down if they dont show anything other than stoicism past the age of 13. "would you still date a man if he cried in front of you" is still a debated topic. Im not trying to downplay your experience. But the reality that almost every man faces is just something you arent gonna understand, both because you arent one AND because we are awful at articulating it because all of us havent been taught how to discuss even the most basic of emotions. I got to 24 before I started being comfortable with the fact that I get sad sometimes, spent my whole life before it hating myself for it.

[@CodeNameEN]

I’m in this dude’s boat as well. Trying to fight the boredom and push on without getting high, because it is effecting my ability to get meaningful life experiences and meet goals. Thank you for this conversation.

[@AlrDavid]

just do some shrooms it will fix your problem

[@CodeNameEN]

@@AlrDavid I have multiple times, and I can’t say that did the trick.

[@notrare_png]

I come back to this sometimes. This guy is so self-aware. That's exactly how I thought and acted as I started to get into doing it everyday in high school, but I wouldn't have described it to people like this until more recently looking back

[@AkiraDesmondes]

When you realize that the final segment of the video (Where Dr. K and Zack talk about weed dependency and how it stagnates life) has an INSANE amount of replays compared to the rest. That's where you realize, this shit is a common problem. "You're too busy fighting a losing battle to run away" Incredibly insightful, and a GREAT sentence for a metalcore song before the breakdown 😂.. Good luck fellow weed smokers. Let's climb this pit together. 🤘🏽✌🏽💜🖤

[@timothywheeler2852]

Yo…. I been smoking cannabis for decades upon decades, since I was a child. At 47 years old I’m having the strangest relationship with weed these days. The lemon, the metric of plus and negative net results, this whole video was so good. I’ll be quitting today for the next while just to see what happens. I’m ready and thank you so much for putting this out there I actually needed it.

[@jamesgoodman3705]

Hope it went well!

[@dirkharvey]

Great way of explaining what it does. I agree, THC is fun at first, then free will slowly goes bye bye, the magic goes away, you need it to function, constantly with drawling from it, and you ultimately end up using it to mask the side effects it produces rather than the benefits it once had. I've quit and restarted so many times I can see it clearly. Currently off of it. No way one can take a 4-5 day break if they're a chronic user. Getting off THC is also pure hell for me, can't sleep, can't regulate emotions or feel any sort of happiness/joy/pleasure. The first 3 days are the worse, and then after about a week things start feeling more normal again.

[@tobi4586]

Understand that you are not weak but have weaknesses, and that’s okay. You are strong. Thank you for this interview, I needed to hear it

[@COYS_593]

Ive smoked for 15 years. Quit 2months ago, with really downsizing my intake for last 2 years (big run up) This makes so much sense from the other side. Subbed

[@RingsOfSolace]

Two things have helped me enjoy my pot while also not putting myself in a bad spot: when it stops doing what you want, abstain for a while. Also, mindfulness meditation has helped me. I realized that when you have thoughts like that, your response is the stressful part, not the thoughts themselves. Meditation kind of helps you come to that realization, or at least, it did for me.

[@jjeanedoe]

I've been working on the habit strobgly this year. I was a pretty regular "stoner" for over 10 years. By that I mean daily. I wasn't "ready" to quit until I saw it ruin a beautiful relationship while I headed into burnout with my business. I'm a little over a week with smoking again and I really love this conversation. When you said "I believe it is stunting your growth"........ just YES. That is what I needed to hear and what I've known for years as I've continued and struggled with the idea of quitting. Thank you, Dr. K. I think I'm finally ready to move forward with my life. Wish me luck! ❤

[@carloscontreras3633]

How did it ruin a beautiful relationship?

[@davydecker1268]

I love this guy, unbelievable how well he’s able to describe this situation

[@Mr.Coffee576]

This kid is literally how I was when I was 19. Its like looking at my past self. Im no longer that stoner guy, but I can clearly understand what he's going through. I wish somone like Dr K would have been there in my life years ago to help me process these feelings.

[@Mr.Coffee576]

And at 13:45 thats exactly how I felt. It wasnt addiction because I went months without it. But the idea of lighting a joint as if it would give me the answers for what to do next, because I was bored; made me continue to smoke it despite the paranoia and negative thoughts which weed gave me.

[@Mr.Coffee576]

Also 24:48, amazing perspective of negative emotions. I thoroughly enjoyed this talk.

[@wmoros4902]

I am currently 19, watching this as I smoke nightly and the whole stunting progress is really hitting me, ive felt basically dead for the past few months because I havent been trying to find a place to live, drive, hang out etc but instead falling back on something which was a cure for the past. Ive hit a point where I just feel stuck, just doing the same thing every day, every week.

[@jessewright8930]

Right same here I wish I talk to this guy at 19 as well

[@dawidczerniak5177]

I like how you’re being careful not to step on your patients ego your careful wording combined with a powerful punchline (if I may call it this way) makes him really think about the negative consequences of using and notice how many benefits he would gain if he stopped… by the way he seems to be talking about me when he talks about himself except I’m a bit further into addiction than him. But this talk really makes me think

[@ultrahighgain412]

There’s a lot of truth here. But what we are talking about is recreational enjoyment vs self-medicating. It requires tremendous self-awareness and discipline to recognize the differences. But why is self-medicating with a substance like marijuana deemed unhealthy while medicating with Prozac, Paxil, or Lexapro considered benign?

[@briandillmon2972]

I enjoy it when you do viewer interviews. I'm a former addict(meth), I'm sober but I'm using weed to help me get over it. Honestly I think it would be fun to be interviewed by you Dr.K. If you are interested, I'd love to see what you have in mind.

[@famimame]

Been sober for almost 3 years, been going to gym to get back in shape and try to live healthier. The negative emotions are still there but it's true like you said Dr. K, I've made some positive changes in life now.

[@adoxartist1258]

Fortunately, it's not really chemically addictive in the way alcohol is. But it is easily behaviorally addictive. I am strict with myself about how and when I use it. For me it's strictly medicine but I'm in my 50s now. It's much easier to use it appropriately than it would have been if I had been using in my 20s. I can say for certain I would have had real trouble only using for health in my 20s.

[@mrs.quills7061]

I like your explanation of this. Behaviorally addictive because when life gets hard people turn to it. I don’t smoke and use a small amount of edible that is half cbd, but only after a long week at work and to help me sleep better and reset for the weekend or if I’m having a very bad period and emotional swings and sweats. I use it at most a few times a month. I have coaching and was in therapy. Sometimes it just helps to have that reset but yeah I use it as medication essentially to help me relax and sleep. I don’t want to be stoned all the time and for me I don’t get why people want to be in that’s state all the time. I just use it as a tool to help me get through bumps in the road. I also didn’t start using it until I was 25 or so. I never saw the appeal until my spouse had a traumatic brain injury and uses gummies to cope with stuff on and off. It’s like I got him back after that and he didn’t want to be addicted to the opiates they put him on. He had a bad depression spell for a while after but besides making changes and using that which he uses more than me has helped him. It also helps him sleep too and just gives him a better quality of life.

[@HeatherFaraMS]

Wrong. There is loads of research. It is chemically addictive for potentially about 30% of the population. It changes the way your brain works and creates cravings and physical pain for many. If you suffer addiction, you have anxiety attacks in withdrawal. You also struggle with mood regulation on and off it when addicted. Off you may suffer rage. On you may struggle with paranoia. Addicted people will smoke to the point they don’t eat right, manage finances, manage relationships, etc. Statistically people who use regularly when the brain is growing (25 years or less) are statistically more likely to become addicted down the line.

[@MKULTRA_Victim_]

I feel like this is a great plan to responsibly use it. I think I might have to use it when I hit your age as well, due to the back pain which I'm certain will get even worse (always had a bad back)

[@ppnotsmol8538]

Newer studies coming out are starting to find that THC actually is chemically addicted. Folks are even experiencing withdrawals when stopping. A lot of what we've been told the last 20 years seems to have been misconceptions, or at least exaggerated benefit

[@LeafBoye]

​@@ppnotsmol8538yeah I quit cold turkey and the first week I literally could barely stand, everything was drained from my body and sometimes I would just drop to the floor exhausted thinking only the weed could fix it. I was lied to for so long and told myself that I wasn't physically addicted it's awful

[@8304u]

it doesnt stall me at all, it enhances my life in so many ways

[@brettmartin3529]

As a Marijuana addict that stopped using, Dr. K's logic is spot on. I realized smoking was making me less happy, so I decided to stop smoking. I am much happier now and actually progressing in life and earning my dopamine. Rogan is definitely an addict reaching out for help. He just needs to break out of the mental addiction by being very sure that smoking makes him less happy.

[@Chucklzzz]

I started trying weed just about a year and a half ago, maybe around 2 years. A few months ago, I got a vape, and was high every night for about like....3 or 4 weeks. It felt great...but...also...started feeling tired of it. I also began to notice quite a significant issue with memory. I wasn't really retaining conversations I'd had with people, even though I had those conversations when I wasn't high. So... I stopped. I didn't have any weed for two months. Got some edibles, was high for about a week. Now I'm not doing it again. So moving forward, I think I'll only do it on special occasions, like my tobacco use. Only on my birthdays, Christmas, etc. Fortunately, i've had no problem stopping it's use.

[@maxgoldstein7202]

Yeah it's fun at parties and such but after a point I had to realize that it really wasn't doing me any favors in daily life

[@Chucklzzz]

@@maxgoldstein7202 Yeah! Exactly! I'm just glad I never developed an addiction of any kind to it. Would have been a lot harder to put down if I couldn't just cold turkey or no problem.

[@justindaniels411]

so you've done everything except smoke the beautiful flower? its the best way to smoke . its not scary when you fully understand what it is you're smoking. Similar to drinking, I i just handed you a shot of an anonymous liquid you'd be scared. But if i told you exactly what liquor it was, when & where it was manufactured, you'd feel a lot safer. This is how weed is and should be handled.

[@Chucklzzz]

@@justindaniels411 No, I've smoked it also.

[@TheBloggme]

Best way to do it dont go the daily route, im addicted and smoke everyday for 7+ years

[@Animatals]

I love weed but after I heard someone say something along the lines of “we use substances to become someone else because we aren’t comfortable with ourselves” it made me change my perspective. Around 11:40 he talks about he is uncomfortable with his thoughts and I could relate

[@VoltaVoid]

Been a background viewer of the channel for a bit, but recently I had been coming to some of the same conclusions that Dr K talks about on my own, and this kind of gave me a hope for next steps to end my dependency on it. Really appreciate the video 🙏🏻

[@curtistinsley3710]

I’ve smoke everyday for 12 years and While I don’t experience almost any of the symptoms he speaks on, they do a great job of breaking down not dealing with issues regardless of how you decompress. Can’t run from your issues

[@gianni_schicchi]

This. If you use it as a treat as a way to wind down from a day of hard work, I don’t see the problem. I smoke before going to the gym or reading complex philosophy. Explain to me how that’s a bad thing. 😂

[@curtistinsley3710]

@@gianni_schicchi couldn’t agree more

[@JC-hr3sf]

I lost my father 2 years ago in July, and the week after he left us, is when i started smoking all day, everyday since. It made me happy at first, miseries where lessened and the experience of taste and music was enhanced. But today, it feels like I am dulled and inable to enjoy my simplest of things like my love for video games and movies. My focus is never catching anymore... so i figure if I smoke more, il be able too! But it never does. So i tend to spend my days staring at a wall as I smoke...

[@blurryface9910]

That whole graphic was quite incredible and eye-opening. Really good break-down, especially since I'm a numbers guy - that "1" really hit hard. The guest was also great - I wouldn't have explained my weed experiences and thoughts nearly as well. He mentioned he was worried about the negative outcome of reaching out for help and whatnot - honestly I think much more highly of him now than at first glance. Mental health is practically the core of one's life. We shouldn't feel ashamed for trying to save ourselves.

[@Barrel7899]

Would you consider doing one of these on porn addiction? I believe that is a huge problem, especially for young men, that still isn't talked about enough. Great interview, props to this guy for having the courage to do this.

[@tyopsie]

I feel like porn / video game addiction has hurt me more than weed ever has.

[@mihirjoshi8934]

What exactly is porn addiction? Like a genuine question. I don’t jack off all day nor am I thinking about porn as such. I just like good porn. So how would you describe my situation?

[@abcdabcd5366]

But porn is overall bad for you anyway

[@Splozy]

@@mihirjoshi8934 There's a lot of puritan nonsense around porn addiction. It more often than not seems to be be channeled through a lot of guilt and shame and has nothing to do with addiction (nofap, redpill, detox movements etc). I was curious and looked up more about it. Porn addicts are indeed thinking about porn all day, watching it all day at work/school and masturbating in inappropriate places, watching it and not even masturbating. i.e motivated by it and life revolves around it. It's definitely well beyond just regularly using porn.

[@ManWIP]

Just happen to watch this particular video after watching Dr. K's latest video. You're in luck!

[@NoahFarber]

Thanks for sharing doctor ❤️ I smoke weed every day and don't really want to, so I can't wait to watch this!

[@listeningtomusic7665]

Look into Allen Carr homie, haven’t smoked since

[@NoahFarber]

@@listeningtomusic7665 thank you!!!

[@mdlouie]

you can stop, mate. the first week is hard (mainly because it's very difficult to sleep) but it rapidly gets easier after that. i smoked every day for over 20 years and was up to an oz/week. stopped almost a year ago. you can stop too.

[@NoahFarber]

@@mdlouie Wow.. Thank you!! 😁💯

[@dansargent6412]

I was diagnosed with ADD and was prescribed Ritalin at 12 years old and hated it. When I was 15 I smoked weed for the first time and ditched the pills but became a weed smoker for the next 16 years… just a week ago I threw all my weed / vapes / glass out so I have nothing now. Been a week and all I can say is I see so much clearer and feel much better mentally. I was starting to struggle with anxiety every time I smoked or ate it and started to have mood swings. So far other then 3 nights where I struggled to fall asleep I wake up with more energy and readiness. My ADD is coming out more but I’d rather be bouncing off walls than trapped in my mind.

[@floydamide]

until you realise you're not able to be sensitive or focus on sth for more than a few minutes. Im ditto, sometimes I hate getting trapped in thought loops but it kinda also works as a safeguard against doing stupid shit. Its weird man, we should find a balance

[@jharris3354]

I love Rogan's attitude. Open, curious, and honest. This vid is a year old, but i hope it still getting views. Despit Dr K saying he is biased, I think his perspective was zoomed perfeclty. He was focusing not on his personal hate or love of the substance, but rather on the picture of real useage by real people in the real world.

[@isaacjohnson6517]

started smoking after a family loss, it was good at first, then i started smoking every day and weed started enhancing my negative thoughts and insecurities and i became a recluse. i also started smoking carts which would get me way higher which worsened the effects way more. i wasn’t remembering anything and started showing up stoned everywhere, stopped taking care of myself and it got so bad i temporarily got psychosis from smoking. i took a long tolerance break and switched back to indica bud, i also cut back my usage to once a week and switched to 1/4 papers. i also started smoking only after i’ve completed all my tasks, and made the intention of smoking to relax after a long day rather than just for boredom. i also got healthier munchies food (fruits) and started self improvement. i also started going out more and fighting against that negative self talk spiral that weed can put you in. now when i smoke it’s a lot better. weed is cool but you have to be healthy about how you use it

[@michaelpesa7104]

Yessir wonderfully said

[@varin5749]

As a former addict, this is a brilliant breakdown of how it works. Dr K nailed it.

[@yahdood6015]

Cannabis really is great at “forcing” you into the present moment. And that time can be so valuable for introspection and reflection. But he’s right about losing the magic with a certain frequency of use. Experimentation has led me to a cadence of once every week or two for optimal experience and benefit.

[@buntu8827]

It's dissociative, how is it helping staying in the moment. Do research

[@jackinzbox.]

@@buntu8827 Have you ever even done weed or are you basing that off only research? You’re being so defensive and dismissive on someone’s own experiences. For the record I totally get what he means by weed making you feel in the moment. I don’t care what “the research” says and you shouldn’t take research as complete fact because research just find trends in data. It doesn’t directly say what an individual person experiences.

[@babyspine]

I have been smoking since I was 12 (35 now) and recently just stopped over the last few years with only a few relapses here and there and I have a definitive idea now on the harm and control THC has had over me my entire life up until this point. I would be happy to talk about it. I already plan on making some content about it to help raise awareness

[@weedacidegaming199]

This video came at the perfect time. I'm almost the exact same case here and was going through a similar cycle of usage. I had an emotional outburst that was followed by this video and I have already removed all marijuana from my house. Very grateful to this guy and Dr. K!

[@13SirLink]

The way they described getting all the juice out of lemons resonated with me. I feel like I need new lemons in my life, particularly a change of scenery, but I financially cannot afford the new lemons. I’ve definitely regressed in mindset as a means of surviving the negative feelings I was having about wanting that but not being able to do it. Trying to put myself in a position to afford new lemons but it’s feeling like it’s gonna be a few years before there’s any fruiting and I’m not really sure how to deal with that, especially feeling better, other than just accepting where I am, meaning having to accept I’m not happy in life. Thanks for reading if you did 🙏🏻

[@larrytate1657]

Be grateful for what you have for now that’s the number one key. There are rich people with thousands of lemons who commit suicide. The key to happiness is being grateful for what you have as you strive for more.

[@ethanroland9892]

not all lemons have to equate to money, you can exercise for free and if you havent done it in a while then you have lots of dopamine to extract from that lemon. you got this!

[@petrapatia6395]

Since beginning to smoke pseudo-daily, I've: Realized and began transitioning, went to therapy and worked on myself for four years, started the longest and deepest relationship of my life, built a tiny house, volunteered for both political and charitable organizations, addressed my lifelong suicidality to a point where it's currently in remission, got diagnosed and medicated for ADHD, established a habit of meditating during times of intense emotions (positive and negative) traveled extensively through the US and Europe, made peace with my father's passing, and right now I'm in the process of trying to restart my art career which I had thought died years ago... Has it held me back? Probably. Nowhere near as badly as any one of the multitude of hardships above. All the same, taking a solid break every now and then feels good, and it's always important to remember that any coping mechanism can turn into a hinderance. I'm thankful for the help it's provided, and look forward to moving on from it one day.

[@iExploder]

I've heard that long term use of cannabis can increase depressive symptoms according to a number of studies presented by other KZbinrs. I forget who it was who compiled these results, but I've noticed it in my own life. After stopping for awhile, I seem to be coming back out of a depressive slump I had been in for a couple of months during which I'd use cannabis every few days or so. Then I'd use it more often (sometimes daily) to compensate for the depression, making the spiral worse. Mileage may vary of course. I've got a friend who used cannabis daily and he's fine: it actually helps with his anxiety and he's perfectly functional while using it.

[@djszal]

That's what is so interesting about weed is how it seems to effect people so differently. I don't know if it has to do with the strain or the frequency of use or just a person's genetics but it would be great if research would solidify these things for us.

[@Celticsboy1920]

I think it has to do with the user because liek Dr K was saying if you have a lot of negative emotions towards something or someone you use weed and it pushes it back and makes you forget about it but eventually it has a breaking point and I can 100% agree last year i was at a breaking point super depressed last year of college no job just smoking everyday to get through the day. Now that i smoke less i been feeling much better got a job and finding time to do things I need to like read hit the gym etc.. Even though i still smoke and still feel depressed i am able to manage it better and working towards not smoking at all but it’s not easy lol

[@manueldeltoro9944]

Same, I found moderate weed could help me with my adhd . The problems comes when my brain now realizes I have this hack to feel good and th3 over consumption happens

[@corneliahanimann2173]

​@@manueldeltoro9944I really struggle with statements like these, because I hear so many people talk about how beneficu Ial marihuana is, but the benefits they get are odten not related to the benefits we do find in studies, and marihuana has a way of being the solution fir every mental health issue while it clearly doesn't actually benefit the majority of people that use it excessively. I hear people with depression say that marihuana helps them feel better and get stuff done. I hear people with adhd say that it calms them down and helps them focus. Anxiety gets better, apetite is better, sleep is better, generally speaking people can fit marihuana into every corner of their lives if they want, but truly I have not deen many people actually benefitting from marihuana, but moreboften I saw how it kept people from seeing a doctor and actually treating a condition. I rarely meet people that benefit from marihuana, but they exist, but all of them will tell me of the benefits.

[@Jiggysjunction]

Amazing video. As someone his in sober from long term severe cannabis addiction this is exactly what cannabis does. Also I’m in recovery from CHS (cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome) I thought cannabis was saving me from my life of pain when it was the very thing causing it.

[@remekbrat]

Like everyone else is saying after using weed for many years, it is helping Me much more to stay sober. I can't really focus anymore if I smoke nowadays and I get heavy depression from smoking. It's bad effects are coming after years but if anyone wants to smoke then please do very little at the end of the day. It stunts Your potential and makes You comfortable for bad reasons.

[@Synthpopper]

I'm absolutely addicted to weed, and honestly have no plans of stopping. It makes me happy, hungry, and tired. Three things critical to my survival that I struggle to attain without it (hell, I spent a huge chunk of my life suicidal before discovering weed). But I'm still happy to watch these videos to be able to weigh up the pros and cons and I recently stopped smoking during the day, which cut down my hours spent high. I think that's a decent compromise.

[@Entropy67]

I think people like you and me who are in very bad situations beforehand can get a lot of benefits from it, it helps you get up and live. But K makes a good point, while your smoking weed you aren't thinking about the things that a normal person would at your age, and you don't do the things that normal people do. Not that I (and I assume you) would do those normal things anyways. It impairs your growth. Lol if I wasn't poor I would get a therapist but for now weed is my only friend

[@kvlt22]

Let me preface this by saying I am not telling you what you should do only sharing my experiences. I sincerely hope that weed continues to work for you, but as I and many others who are in similar situations come to realize at some point: weed is the perfect solution until it isn’t. I self-medicated with weed for years until it ended up making my anxiety and depression 10x worse. At that point, I realized I had completely neglected working on any other healthy coping mechanisms and lost so much time to complacency. The one thing that helped me turned on me. 1 year sober now. It hasn’t been easy, but I do enjoy having more mental clarity and motivation for self-improvement.

[@Synthpopper]

@@kvlt22 To be honest, I'm feeling the best I've felt in years, and am the most productive I've been my entire life. Maybe I could do even better if I cut out the weed but I'm currently doing nofap (day 26/90) and don't really want to push it just yet.

[@mihirjoshi8934]

Well let me tell you this to save your time in case you decide to quit smoking weed. Never do it on a daily basis or else you will definitely 100% have increased anxiety in life(at least to a certain extent and sometimes even more), your cognitive thinking will be affected, loss of appetite, brain fog, laziness. I met a therapist and he made me realize this. Guys please go to a therapist coz that helps and probably you won’t need more and more money coz even 1 or 2 sessions with therapist work like a magic for many and you don’t have to go there again and again it’s not a tuition class lol🤣 You can then work on yourself after a few sessions so you don’t need to spend after that on a therapist. Trust me you’re gaining a lot in life by quitting weed not losing something in life.

[@Synthpopper]

@@mihirjoshi8934 I appreciate the input, I've put my all into therapy and got nothing out of it. All progress I made was from my own inner work and demon slaying. I do want more specialised therapy down the line but I'm a young adult who can't afford it. I'm not attempting to justify myself but I don't even smoke that much anymore and I'm not taking that splint off until I'm sure it won't end up hurting me more.

[@PierceLavoy]

Bro I need an interview with doctor k. This man has helped me more than all the therapist that I’ve seen, combined

[@MKULTRA_Victim_]

The hardest part I think would be describing yourself accurately. He can't do any good work off of bad information, and I struggle with that a lot. The guy he interviewed today was very good at that bit.

[@cory99998]

For me once the fun stopped, I instead got addicted to getting completely f*cked up on it every night and getting lost in a sort of depressive dissociation. Like turn out all of the lights and sit in the shower while my internal world crumbles around me but at the same time I can't quite feel it. I miss it sometimes, but I definitely am glad to not be smoking rn. I think the biggest benefit to not smoking is reclaiming my authentic experience and feeling / processing a full range of emotion. That's very valuable to me.

[@junie6556]

This Is going to change my life. I’m so glad I found this account thank u so much ❤

[@andrew6226]

Chonglord (Rogan), thank you for sharing your story and being honest about everything. I am sure you have helped a lot of people by being candid, and I hope your story helps many others relate! Stay well if you ever read this

[@dianavarona7144]

I’m 24 years old, live in Canada and have been smoking weed for 10 years. It’s literally hurting me mentally and physically. I feel my brain deteriorating and I can’t keep up with my kids. It’s also very hard for me to come off of it and I don’t have a lot of support when it comes to quitting because everyone around me does it and even encourages it. I feel so mentally drained but I’ve gotten to a place where I recognize it’s a problem and I’m researching ways to stop. Thank you for this video ❤😢 this isn’t spoken about enough

[@BOSSDONMAN]

Another interesting aspect with weed and mental health is how THC causes REM suppression. REM sleep is critical for processing memories and the emotions related to them.

[@MKULTRA_Victim_]

I had the craziest dreams of my life in the weeks after I quit smoking. I kinda miss it TBH

[@JuanPabloSalaMDQ]

Yes, it's like you get to sleep faster, you can enjoy the transition to it, but you don't, or can't, get the benefits of a good, needed, night sleep, at least that happened to me for years, till I stopped using it, wasn't easy, wasn't so hard either, I'm really happy I did it.

[@BOSSDONMAN]

@@JuanPabloSalaMDQ I became a really bad stoner over COVID. I'm trying to quit/greatly taper down my usage, but it's not easy. I've gone from smoking/using almost everyday for 3~ years to being sober 60% of the days over the past year.

[@BOSSDONMAN]

I've never had an addiction issue with other substances too either - I guess what was most dangerous thing about weed was its perceived safety.

[@gopremiummedia2945]

@@BOSSDONMANfull spectrum CBD helps

[@Bruen0r]

I found myself in the same situation as the interviewee. This video has been rather eye opening to me, about needing to face the negative emotions. I had been pushing them aside and piling up for a decade and im scared to face whats to come.

[@jonathanpadavatan3611]

The Messiah has returned after 2000 years- Dr K you are amazing- . I'm 52 and recently (2months) ADHD diagnosed - I was lost for answer and I have profoundly benefited from your mission to make mental health accessible .Much love from South Africa( ps walking in the African savvanah definetly "heals" the ADHD mind-- kind releases the wild animal in it natural habitat

[@RyanOwensTampa]

As someone addicted to weed for over 24 years, who has broken free of the addiction, I would love to be interviewed by you. My goal would be helping people who want to quit.

[@RobotischeHilfe]

Me:smoking my first joint this week after stopping daily weed consumption for 3 weeks. DrK: uploads video about weed

[@louievazquez5231]

Don't let it be personally, let it be insightful.