BROOKLINE, Mass. (AP) — For 75-year-old Miguel Laboy, smoking a joint with his morning coffee has become a ritual he struggles to break, reflecting a wider trend among cannabis users.
“You know what bothers me? To start the day with cannabis on my mind,” he shared while lighting a blunt in his Brookline apartment. Despite his desire to quit, Laboy often finds himself dependent on cannabis to ease various personal challenges, from anxiety to the impact of serious life events.
With the rapid rise of high-potency cannabis products since legalization, including vapes exceeding 90% THC, many users are unknowingly crossing the line from relief to dependency, making it harder to identify and address their habits. Recent data indicate that, since 2022, daily cannabis users in the U.S. have outnumbered daily drinkers, signaling a significant shift in societal behaviors.
Despite facing more societal acceptance than ever, users like Laboy confront challenges largely untackled by medical professionals, as there is currently no FDA-approved treatment for cannabis addiction. Doctors report that many patients fail to recognize their addiction due to the misconception that marijuana is harmless.
The Shift from Relief to Compulsion
Laboy, a retired chef who began to smoke cannabis at 18, used it initially to alleviate distress from undiagnosed ADHD and traumatic experiences, including cancer treatment and loss. However, as he retired, he noticed his usage transitioning from functional to compulsive. He now vapes high THC cartridges, which lead to negative effects on his concentration and mental health despite initially being a source of comfort.
“These days, I carry two things: my vape and my phone — that’s it,” he admitted, recognizing the toll on his life.
Similar stories are echoed by other users. Kyle, a 20-year-old Boston University student, describes how cannabis helps alleviate his panic attacks but also leaves him struggling with unclear thoughts during sober moments, creating a cycle of dependency.
Anne Hassel, a former cannabis user, recounts how her dream of working in a cannabis dispensary turned into a nightmare as her use escalated to several high-THC concentrates daily, impacting her physical and mental health significantly.
Despite acknowledging the drawbacks, many like Kyle and Laboy remain ambivalent about quitting, often believing daily use makes their lives more manageable. This collective experience has spurred the creation of online communities like r/leaves on Reddit, where users connect over their struggles, seeking support and understanding.
Calls for Education and Responsibility
Doctors are beginning to raise awareness around the dangers of high-potency cannabis products and advocate for better education surrounding responsible use. Dr. Jordan Tishler emphasizes that while cannabis can be therapeutic, especially when used correctly and in lower doses, many products available today exacerbate health issues rather than alleviate them.
“For most people, the risks outweigh the benefits,” Dr. Tishler stated, urging consumers to understand the substance they are using and to seek guidance on appropriate usage levels.
The current landscape highlights an urgent need for both consumers and clinicians to be better informed about cannabis's potential risks and the importance of balancing its usage with overall wellbeing.
As stories like Laboy's resonate further, the dialogue surrounding cannabis usage grapples not only with personal health but also with broader societal implications of its commercialization.
