Thank you! So, the short answer re: pregnancy (for me, I respect everyone’s individual choices and know there’s lots of grey area): smoking anything is a hard no-go for me during pregnancy (carbon monoxide is carbon monoxide, regardless of the source) but also that THC crosses the placenta and the body of research we have access to so far indicates, much in the same way it’s not great for adolescent brains, it’s similarly not ideal for fetal brains (and can cause mental health/behavioral/spectrum disorders later in life). Lots more research to be done but not interested in taking the risk, frankly, and it’s much easier to just abstain temporarily. I am teasing out a much larger piece on the subject at the moment from a variety of perspectives including MDs, NDs, RNs, scientists and others, but if you’re interested in hearing more the current episode of my podcast, The Plant Lady (found on all platforms!) digs into it near the last 1/3rd. Thanks for tuning in :)
Your article hits at such a good time for me. I’m also 37, and I’ve been on a journey to cut my consumption since the beginning of the year, been posting regular check in’s on my page about it. It’s so nice to hear your voice about this instead of my conservative family cheering me on to quit, from a good place but a very different place than say, you or I. The comparison to caffeine is exactly how I see my sugar consumption. I’m much more concerned about my sugar intake (or addiction to relationships) than my cannabis intake. I haven’t been as successful as I had hoped, and I have still been very successful in cutting my consumption significantly. I am hyper aware of it now, and am reaching towards my goals slowly but surely. A 10 day off the grid silent meditation retreat gave me a lot of great perspective and intuition, and the longest break from cannabis that I’ve had in years. The t break was incredible! I wrote a 7k+ word article about my entire experience.
Also, curious why you chose not to consume while preggo?
Keep up the great work! Wishing you an easy and joyous birth! 🫶🏽
A very thoughtful and non-preachy take on a subject that is usually delivered in a very black and white way with no nuance. I really appreciate this column!
As an RN who has educated many on medical cannabis my advice is to take Dr Dustin Shulak’s protocol for taking a break from cannabis. He has 2, one for inhaling and one for oral ingesting. Remember CBD cuts cravings. He claims and I personally can verify, his protocols can reduce consumption by 60%. BTW thanks for being on Substack. I’m trying but haven’t kept it up. CannaAngel
My name is Whitt W., RN. I wanted to pass along another great resource, in addition to Healer.com. A RN colleague who is trying to change the narrative around this "cannabis use disorder", her name is Nique Pichette, DNP, RN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niquepichette
Also, if you haven't had a chance to check out the great resource of Leaf411.org; Our mission is to provide education and directional support to the general public about the safe use of legal cannabis (marijuana & hemp). Our team of cannabis trained nurses are passionate about helping our community access balanced education about their legal cannabis use. Leaf411 was built on the belief that affordability and accessibility to professional medical advice should never be barriers to using cannabis safely and effectively. To further this mission, Leaf411 has created additional programs focused on community education and product affordability, creating partnerships that connect cannabis industry leaders and diverse community organizations across the country for social good.
Thank you for sharing your personal journey and thank you for this newsletter!
I just found your Substack and this essay stood out to me because I'm recovering from marijuana addiction. I appreciate your honesty. I'm 56 days sober from weed and I can tell you from personal experience that it definitely can be addictive, and from knowledge of the science that using it regularly causes changes in our brains and that we have no idea what the long term effects of the modern, high potency weed currently being sold legally in my state and many others will end up being.
I have been trying to quit for many years now, with various levels of success, but I have finally made the decision that, I can't smoke weed again, I can't do it in moderation, my brain just can't do that anymore after abusing it for so long. That was the hardest part, I loved weed so much, I kept thinking if I took a break or only did it under x, y, z circumstances, I could gain control of my consumption and not have to give it up entirely. I gave up alcohol too, at the same time, not because it is a problem substance for me but because in the many times I have tried to quit I have sometimes used alcohol for the same reasons that I turned to weed and I wanted to just deal with my problems from a sober space.
I talk about my journey in my Substack, if you're curious to see what it's like from the perspective of someone who is recovered from a weed addiction.
This piece summarizes a lot of things I've been thinking about regarding my level of consumption. Biggest question is would a break make a difference in my daily life and also, how high I would get when I started to smoke again and how long would that be.
I’m glad you found it relatable! I wrote the below linked to post a few months ago, at the bottom I dedicate a whole section to tolerance breaks. Basically, depending on how much you smoke, it’ll be pretty noticeable for you if you stop, and likely you’ll have some withdrawal symptoms (mood, lack of hunger, and sleep patterns are some of the most common, which I experienced in varying levels). Again, if you’re a daily user, it will take about 30 days, maybe a little longer, for your body to metabolize THC out of your system, so you won’t truly be out from the influence of weed until then so I recommend trying at least a month if you’re really curious. Thanks for commenting! https://cannabitch.substack.com/p/growers-share-the-best-way-to-store
This article provides a personal look at the author's experience with cannabis as she gets ready for motherhood. She talks about the importance of checking in on your cannabis use and being aware of both its benefits and downsides. I really like how she stresses the need for honest conversations about cannabis, making it easy for others to relate to her journey.
Sometimes when you get anxious quite easily or do not feel like doing anything or are so tired and irritated, you know you have smoked too much. Moderation is the key. Now, such topics can be discussed on an open platform! Thank you for sharing Jackie!
I really appreciated your honest reflection on cannabis use and how it’s intertwined with life experiences. It’s relatable to feel both the benefits and the concerns about how much we rely on it, especially during stressful times. Your journey of taking a break while preparing for motherhood offers valuable insights into how our relationship with substances can shift. I think many people, including myself, struggle with similar questions about moderation and dependency. It's great to hear that you're thinking critically about your consumption habits and planning to find a healthier balance moving forward. Thanks for sharing such a personal story—it really resonates with those of us navigating our own cannabis journeys!
I started smoking cannabis in my mid thirties and now at the age of 67, I had to give up daily use. Why? The current strains of cannabis in 2024 are too strong. Cannabis with a THC level of 10% to 12% was common 20 years ago. Now? THC levels of the current strains are 25% and sometimes as high as 60%+.
The medical use of cannabis, especially for Parkinson's, seizures and other medical issues are phenomenal. I've been a big fan of Rick Simpson for years who is a real hero to me.
PS There is another use of Cannabis that is my favorite. What is it? The topical THC that is a lotion that you can rub on your arm or where ever you have major pain.
This is what I use and no I am not paid to share this:
Thanks Jackie and also, thanks for talking with Vlad Bautista from my client Happy Munkey recently. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy as I just became a grandpa for the first time 3 weeks ago.
Appreciate a pro-cannabis person, attempting to honestly assess pot, all the good and bad. Interesting Jackie gave up cannabis while pregnant
Thank you! So, the short answer re: pregnancy (for me, I respect everyone’s individual choices and know there’s lots of grey area): smoking anything is a hard no-go for me during pregnancy (carbon monoxide is carbon monoxide, regardless of the source) but also that THC crosses the placenta and the body of research we have access to so far indicates, much in the same way it’s not great for adolescent brains, it’s similarly not ideal for fetal brains (and can cause mental health/behavioral/spectrum disorders later in life). Lots more research to be done but not interested in taking the risk, frankly, and it’s much easier to just abstain temporarily. I am teasing out a much larger piece on the subject at the moment from a variety of perspectives including MDs, NDs, RNs, scientists and others, but if you’re interested in hearing more the current episode of my podcast, The Plant Lady (found on all platforms!) digs into it near the last 1/3rd. Thanks for tuning in :)
Your article hits at such a good time for me. I’m also 37, and I’ve been on a journey to cut my consumption since the beginning of the year, been posting regular check in’s on my page about it. It’s so nice to hear your voice about this instead of my conservative family cheering me on to quit, from a good place but a very different place than say, you or I. The comparison to caffeine is exactly how I see my sugar consumption. I’m much more concerned about my sugar intake (or addiction to relationships) than my cannabis intake. I haven’t been as successful as I had hoped, and I have still been very successful in cutting my consumption significantly. I am hyper aware of it now, and am reaching towards my goals slowly but surely. A 10 day off the grid silent meditation retreat gave me a lot of great perspective and intuition, and the longest break from cannabis that I’ve had in years. The t break was incredible! I wrote a 7k+ word article about my entire experience.
Also, curious why you chose not to consume while preggo?
Keep up the great work! Wishing you an easy and joyous birth! 🫶🏽
A very thoughtful and non-preachy take on a subject that is usually delivered in a very black and white way with no nuance. I really appreciate this column!
As an RN who has educated many on medical cannabis my advice is to take Dr Dustin Shulak’s protocol for taking a break from cannabis. He has 2, one for inhaling and one for oral ingesting. Remember CBD cuts cravings. He claims and I personally can verify, his protocols can reduce consumption by 60%. BTW thanks for being on Substack. I’m trying but haven’t kept it up. CannaAngel
Thank you for sharing this, and best of luck with the writing! It’s so hard to keep up, trust me, I understand!
Thanks for this, Jackie! Good, nuanced take on cannabis use — something I've been thinking about myself a lot as well.
Thank you for reading, appreciate your feedback!!
Hi Jackie,
My name is Whitt W., RN. I wanted to pass along another great resource, in addition to Healer.com. A RN colleague who is trying to change the narrative around this "cannabis use disorder", her name is Nique Pichette, DNP, RN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niquepichette
There also is a great resource from Radicle Health's Youtube page on the matter, check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fBWfJu9MNP8
Also, if you haven't had a chance to check out the great resource of Leaf411.org; Our mission is to provide education and directional support to the general public about the safe use of legal cannabis (marijuana & hemp). Our team of cannabis trained nurses are passionate about helping our community access balanced education about their legal cannabis use. Leaf411 was built on the belief that affordability and accessibility to professional medical advice should never be barriers to using cannabis safely and effectively. To further this mission, Leaf411 has created additional programs focused on community education and product affordability, creating partnerships that connect cannabis industry leaders and diverse community organizations across the country for social good.
Thank you for sharing your personal journey and thank you for this newsletter!
Thank you for sharing all of this!! I’m definitely going to check out those resources, and am glad they’re here for everyone to see, too.
Probably one of the most even-handed and well thought out pieces on ouid dependency that I've read in a long time, thank you for sharing.
I just found your Substack and this essay stood out to me because I'm recovering from marijuana addiction. I appreciate your honesty. I'm 56 days sober from weed and I can tell you from personal experience that it definitely can be addictive, and from knowledge of the science that using it regularly causes changes in our brains and that we have no idea what the long term effects of the modern, high potency weed currently being sold legally in my state and many others will end up being.
I have been trying to quit for many years now, with various levels of success, but I have finally made the decision that, I can't smoke weed again, I can't do it in moderation, my brain just can't do that anymore after abusing it for so long. That was the hardest part, I loved weed so much, I kept thinking if I took a break or only did it under x, y, z circumstances, I could gain control of my consumption and not have to give it up entirely. I gave up alcohol too, at the same time, not because it is a problem substance for me but because in the many times I have tried to quit I have sometimes used alcohol for the same reasons that I turned to weed and I wanted to just deal with my problems from a sober space.
I talk about my journey in my Substack, if you're curious to see what it's like from the perspective of someone who is recovered from a weed addiction.
This piece summarizes a lot of things I've been thinking about regarding my level of consumption. Biggest question is would a break make a difference in my daily life and also, how high I would get when I started to smoke again and how long would that be.
I’m glad you found it relatable! I wrote the below linked to post a few months ago, at the bottom I dedicate a whole section to tolerance breaks. Basically, depending on how much you smoke, it’ll be pretty noticeable for you if you stop, and likely you’ll have some withdrawal symptoms (mood, lack of hunger, and sleep patterns are some of the most common, which I experienced in varying levels). Again, if you’re a daily user, it will take about 30 days, maybe a little longer, for your body to metabolize THC out of your system, so you won’t truly be out from the influence of weed until then so I recommend trying at least a month if you’re really curious. Thanks for commenting! https://cannabitch.substack.com/p/growers-share-the-best-way-to-store
Great article - really well written honest and balanced. Nice points. Awesome job. Thanks for writing it.
This article provides a personal look at the author's experience with cannabis as she gets ready for motherhood. She talks about the importance of checking in on your cannabis use and being aware of both its benefits and downsides. I really like how she stresses the need for honest conversations about cannabis, making it easy for others to relate to her journey.
Sometimes when you get anxious quite easily or do not feel like doing anything or are so tired and irritated, you know you have smoked too much. Moderation is the key. Now, such topics can be discussed on an open platform! Thank you for sharing Jackie!
I really appreciated your honest reflection on cannabis use and how it’s intertwined with life experiences. It’s relatable to feel both the benefits and the concerns about how much we rely on it, especially during stressful times. Your journey of taking a break while preparing for motherhood offers valuable insights into how our relationship with substances can shift. I think many people, including myself, struggle with similar questions about moderation and dependency. It's great to hear that you're thinking critically about your consumption habits and planning to find a healthier balance moving forward. Thanks for sharing such a personal story—it really resonates with those of us navigating our own cannabis journeys!
I started smoking cannabis in my mid thirties and now at the age of 67, I had to give up daily use. Why? The current strains of cannabis in 2024 are too strong. Cannabis with a THC level of 10% to 12% was common 20 years ago. Now? THC levels of the current strains are 25% and sometimes as high as 60%+.
The medical use of cannabis, especially for Parkinson's, seizures and other medical issues are phenomenal. I've been a big fan of Rick Simpson for years who is a real hero to me.
Here is his website: https://ricksimpsonoil.com
PS There is another use of Cannabis that is my favorite. What is it? The topical THC that is a lotion that you can rub on your arm or where ever you have major pain.
This is what I use and no I am not paid to share this:
https://www.cbdmd.com/products/cbd-recover-airless-pump?variant=47087091548456
Peace to all those here who use Cannabis, especially for medical use.
I treat cannabis as a gift- with respect. I don’t want to abuse or disrespect it by always using it.
Thanks Jackie and also, thanks for talking with Vlad Bautista from my client Happy Munkey recently. Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy as I just became a grandpa for the first time 3 weeks ago.