An extensive study conducted last year examined the cannabis consumption of 130,000 individuals from 44 different countries. Since 2014, this study has collected data from over 250,000 cannabis consumers to analyze their consumption patterns. According to Professor Adam Winstock, the lead researcher of the study, approximately one-third of cannabis consumers are planning to reduce their cannabis consumption.
The results of the study indicate that the majority of respondents cited reasons such as improving their mood, memory, motivation, or respiratory health as motivations for their intention to reduce cannabis consumption. Financial considerations were also mentioned as a motivation for reducing cannabis consumption. While many respondents reported positive effects from reducing their cannabis consumption, it is important to note that some individuals may experience negative consequences, especially if cannabis is used to treat physical or mental health conditions.
To reduce consumption, Professor Winstock recommends a gradual reduction of approximately 25 percent per week. Abrupt cessation of consumption should be avoided to prevent withdrawal symptoms and allow the body to gradually adjust to the lower dosage. The results of this study can be a valuable aid for cannabis consumers who wish to reduce their consumption in order to improve their quality of life.
How to Reduce Consumption through Successful Time and Quantity Management
Professor Winstock’s recommendations not only include groundbreaking insights but have also proven effective for many consumers. One example would be filling the joint with less cannabis to reduce consumption. Another recommendation is to avoid smoking the first ice bong of the day while half asleep and instead, smoke it a bit later in the day. It is also advised to delay the second session.
While these tips may not be revolutionary strategies, they can still be helpful in gradually and step-by-step reducing consumption. By making small changes and gradually restricting consumption, one can reduce dependence on cannabis and strive for a healthier lifestyle.
Exercise Instead of Coffee: How to Reduce Your Cannabis Consumption with More Physical Activity
If you want to reduce your cannabis consumption, engaging in physical activities that are better performed sober, such as truck pulling or strength training, can be helpful. According to Professor Winstock, this can help reduce cannabis consumption.
However, if you combine a perfect day with a combination of two grams of Purple Haze and three liters of energy drink, we have bad news for you. Caffeine counteracts the effects of cannabis, which means that you may need more cannabis to achieve the same level of effect if you consume a lot of caffeine. To reduce cannabis consumption, it is therefore important to make lifestyle changes and decrease caffeine consumption.
If you are already consuming cannabis through a vaporizer or edibles, you are on the right track from a health perspective. However, it is questionable whether using devices that resemble Apple products and are specifically designed for cannabis consumption actually leads to a reduction in cannabis consumption.
Professor Winstock also recommends not compensating with other drugs, especially alcohol, as a means to reduce cannabis consumption. A healthy lifestyle and responsible approach to cannabis consumption can help minimize long-term negative health effects.
How to Minimize Withdrawal Symptoms and Successfully Reduce Consumption
While the list of tips for reducing cannabis consumption may sound easy and lighthearted, the actual process of reducing cannabis consumption can be quite challenging. According to the Global Drug Survey, approximately 75 percent of respondents reported experiencing withdrawal symptoms when reducing their cannabis consumption. Most commonly reported were sleep disturbances, vivid dreams, restlessness, low mood, occasional aggression, and strong cravings for cannabis.
Sascha Reimann, also known as Ferris MC from Deichkind, has personally experienced the challenges of reducing cannabis consumption. After quitting cannabis consumption, he experienced over six months of sweating, sleep deprivation, and loss of appetite. He felt unmotivated and restless, struggling to find his identity without the consumption. “In between, I thought I was going crazy because I didn’t even know who I was without the consumption,” he said in a 2017 interview with VICE. The withdrawal symptoms experienced by Reimann likely persisted for a long duration because he had previously been consuming 100 to 200 grams of cannabis per month. However, most participants in the Global Drug Survey experienced milder withdrawal symptoms and reported that their symptoms subsided within four to ten days.