Dear Seaturtle:

First the research: paraphrased, Cannabis Use Disorder (CUD) is about the consumption of marijuana being problematic for the person consuming it in the context of work and relationships etc. It’s an official diagnosis in the U.S. (DSM-5) and in Europe (ICD-11)

(1) very well mind/ cannabis use disorder: “cannabis use disorder is strongly associated with both major depression and generalized anxiety disorder.. Individuals most at risk of developing CUD include those who are younger, male, unmarried, in a lower income bracket, and reside in a state that has medical marijuana laws. People with psychiatric disorders also have a higher risk”

(2) psychology today/ cannabis use disorder rising especially among mentally ill: “A great deal of excitement continues to be generated by the legalization of nonmedical cannabis use, also known as recreational or social use. Thankfully, cannabis users no longer need to fear arrest and harsh incarceration. Past criminal records for mere possession are gradually being expunged. Products tested for purity have become more available… As legalization and commercialization have become more accepted, the public’s perception of cannabis as harmless has grown. Much of this excitement is built on a foundation of ignoring and outright denying several inconvenient truths… How sweet it would be if cannabis use were proven to be free of any physical, cognitive, or emotional consequences—a myth indulged by many cannabis users…

“The study looked at trends within three age groups: under 35; 35-64; and 65 and up. In addition, researchers analyzed trends in CUD among patients with diagnoses of depression, anxiety, posttraumatic stress, bipolar disorder, and psychosis spectrum disorders, without regard to whether these comorbidities predated or followed a diagnosis of CUD. A higher rate of CUD was found in patients with psychiatric comorbidities than in those without comorbidities, and the highest rates were among patients with bipolar and psychotic spectrum disorders…

“Many patients… prefer cannabis as their medication for a variety of psychiatric conditions, despite evidence that it often only complicates treatment and worsens illness. It can be difficult to convince a patient that cannabis generally worsens depression, bipolar disorder, and psychotic spectrum disorders when its acute effects seem comforting and frankly enjoyable“.

National library of medicine, ncbi. nlm. nih. gov: “For years we have heard in popular culture that cannabis use is less harmful or no more harmful than alcohol use; however, this does not appear to be the case for everyone…

“Although physical health is not the focus of this article, there are several reported medical adverse events that are of concern, such as cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, lung injury with vaping cannabis and arrhythmias. Additionally, the role of cannabis in trauma (e.g., motor vehicle collisions), injuries (e.g., falls), and in acute negative effects in conjunction with illicit drug use, are causes of ED (Emergency Department) admissions..

“There are signals emerging from ongoing research that indicate that early (e.g., adolescent) and regular (daily or almost daily) use, as well as the use of high potency products [high in delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)] may be particular risk variables. These risk factors appear to decrease the average age for developing a mental illness and are attributed to an increased incidence of mental illness and increase the risk for development of a cannabis use disorder. Cannabis use is also associated with exacerbation of and possibly development of anxiety disorders and depressive disorders but the evidence is mixed and not yet as extensive as that for the association with psychosis… The popular point of view that cannabis is relatively harmless to use.. may be increasing ED presentations associated with it..

“Of note, the ages 21–29 demographic comprised 52% of ED visits for cannabis-related complaints in 2017. It should be noted that much of the US data may be underestimating the effects of cannabis as the decision as to whether to go to an ED in the US can depend on medical insurance coverage, as shown by studies showing decreasing appearances by uninsured individuals”.

Jan 6 & 8, you shared this regarding N’s cannabis use: “he did not take care of himself, he smoked way too much weed, he claimed it helped with his anxiety, and never came across high, there were times I didn’t even know. Infact it was not until I lived with him that I saw how much, that almost every date he hit at least something before coming out. I felt betrayed when I first realized how he was constantly high, cause he didn’t seem it at all, his body is so used to it… When we started living together and I witnessed how much I would ask him to be sober for dates, but then at the date he was much more jittery, EVEN LESS capable of a deep conversation sitting in one place. it bored him beyond belief. I have a lot of patience but his sober self caused me to run out sometimes, I began to want him to smoke so he would chill out and sit with me. He claimed it prevented him from having dreams… When we lived together I smoked more than I had ever before, and immediately after moving out, I stopped naturally, not even craving it at all. It had become a bonding experience with him… Then would have the vapes when we moved in and I Would find them, confused. He confessed how much he used it one time, but I know he lied about it after, withholding the truth anyways, his specialty. If I did not ask a specific question he would not be transparent about nicotine and weed. this  is helping me right now to recall these big negatives to n”-

– I didn’t understand the above “it prevented him from having dreams“- what kinds of dreams?

What do you currently think about to N’s negatives when it comes to his regular daily, regular smoking weed (and vaping nicotine)?

I am wondering, remembering his talk about a future where he would stay home and you will be out working, bringing in the money, those were his serious thoughts/ a plan for the relationship..? And in materializing this plan, he’d stay home smoking weed all day..?

anita