For some, the notion of a weed smoker used to conjure up images of lazy, unemployed 20-something stoners lounging in their parents’ basement with a bag of Doritos within arm’s reach.
Well, (high) times have changed as historic notions about marijuana usage go up in smoke.
“There is a new face of cannabis emerging. Portrayals of cannabis culture in media have made the world believe that cannabis consumers are all young people sitting on their couches, eating pizza and playing Xbox,” said Derek Riedle, publisher of cannabis media brand Civilized. “The reality is, cannabis consumers are people of all shapes and sizes, from all walks of life, from every corner of the continent. These people enjoy cannabis as a healthy part of a balanced lifestyle. Whatever you’re coming to cannabis for, chances are you’re going to stay, because you’ll find that there are many different benefits to your lifestyle.”
Here are six reasons you should start smoking (or vaping) weed (aside from the fact that it will be legal in Canada in just a few short months).
1. It can help you sleep
In a city as fast-moving as ours is, we need all the sleep we can get – nobody has time for insomnia. Weed – especially a smooth indica – can help when it comes to catching those precious zzzs. So, you may want to consider a joint over a drink for a nightcap.
2. It can calm your anxious mind
If you’re living with anxiety, weed can be your best friend when it comes to helping you relax – even the folks at Harvard think so. A 2010 study from researchers at Harvard revealed that weed may actually reduce anxiety and improve moods.
3. It can ease your pain
Marijuana has been known to treat everything from multiple sclerosis to migraines and chronic nerve pain. Research out of McGill supported this when they found that three puffs of weed smoke helped those who suffer from chronic pain.
4. It’s social
While some people have fears of greening out and retreating to a corner during social events, others see weed as the best addition to a party, park hang, or a catch-up with friends thanks, in part, to its communal nature. As the saying goes, “a friend with weed is a friend indeed.”
5. It can help your creativity cause
If you’re in the market to get those creative juices flowing but find yourself at a mental roadblock, weed could be all you need to get that right side of your brain working. Don’t just take my word for it; a 2012 study published in Consciousness and Cognition found that pot made users more creative (at least, when it came to how well they used language).
6. It’s safer than booze
Let’s be honest; likely, your most regrettable decisions made in the recent past were the byproduct of booze. Alcohol consumption has been linked to everything from aggression to falling flat on your face. According to a study from the journal Scientific Reports, weed is 114 times less deadly than alcohol.
“Think of all the people who unwind with a glass of red wine at dinner. Cannabis is no different. If you do your research and chat with a professional, you can find a cannabis strain that will help you focus, or one that will help you relax. The possibilities are endless.”
Of course, like anything else, weed isn’t for everyone – but, hey, neither is booze, caffeine, or veganism.
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