How to quit smoking weed and cigarettes at the same time is an act that is definitely possible if you know how to do it the right way.
The act of smoking weed is undoubtedly a pleasant experience (euphoria) for those that are addicted to this drug.
Nonetheless, when weed is being consumed on a regular basis, the after-effects can be no less than ‘disastrous’. While smoking weed should be limited to pain management, in most cases, it goes ‘way further’ than just that.
This is when quitting marijuana becomes a daunting task indeed (as the withdrawal symptoms start to kick-in).
Smoking regular cigarettes is no less a daunting task to quit. Nicotine withdrawal symptoms can have a dramatic impact on both your ‘mental’ as well as ‘physical’ health.
Nonetheless, quitting both cigarettes and weed is practically possible at the same time.
How to Quit Smoking Weed and Cigarettes at the Same Time Article Contents:
1) What is Meant by Marijuana Smoking?
2) What are the Different Ways in Which You can Consume Marijuana?
3) What is Meant by Smoking a Cigarette?
4) What Happens to Your Body when You Smoke a Cigarette?
5) What are the Negative Effects of Smoking Weed?
6) What are the Side Effects of Smoking Regular (Tobacco) Cigarettes?
7) Can You Really Quit Smoking Weed and Cigarette at the Same Time?
8) My Conclusive Analysis
What is Meant by Marijuana Smoking?
When the concerned person inhales the smoke derived from burning or heating cannabis extracts/flowers, it is termed as marijuana smoking. This act is also popularly known as ‘smoking pot’. Some people also term this act as ‘cannabis smoking’.
When you light-up a marijuana cigarette, tetrahydrocannabinol is released from the plant/leaf extract. This is a psychoactive compound that is absorbed into the bloodstream of the concerned smoker (almost immediately).
The ‘hit’ derived from smoking cannabis is instant.
Your lungs inhale THC and then, distribute it to other parts of the body via the bloodstream. Soon, this psychoactive compound takes control of how your body behaves.
This is what leads to weed addiction.
Smoking weed is not the only way to consume cannabis. You can also eat it (ingest it via chewing it). You can also place it onto your tongue (in a liquefied format) to avail the desired ‘hit’.
What are the Different Ways in Which You can Consume Marijuana?
There is not a single way that you can consume weed or cannabis. In fact, there are several ways in which you may achieve this aim. Allow me walk you through the most common and practical (effective) ways of consuming weed:
Smoking Weed by Making a Joint:
The most common way to smoke marijuana is via making a joint. Here, a rolling paper is used for encompassing the weed. Basically instead of tobacco, weed is placed within the rolling paper.
The ends are then sealed. You may use your tongue and fingers for achieving this purpose. The papers available for rolling a joint are made from soy or even flax. Some even use rolling paper made from rice or hemp.
This form of smoking weed is a ‘use and throw’ variant.
Smoking Weed in Cigar Wrapper:
The second method to consume weed is via the means of wrapping the cannabis extract within a cigar wrapping paper. It could also be wrapped within tobacco leaf.
The wrapping paper may or may not contain nicotine. Smokers also make use of hemp paper to roll the weed. So, the options are plentiful here. Wrapping papers in various flavors are also available.
Such an act of smoking weed wrapped within cigar wrapping paper is termed as ‘blunt’.
Smoking Marijuana via Bong:
The third method of smoking marijuana is via a long pipe filled with water. The chamber that is filled with water (present within the bong) is the path via which cannabis smoke is filtered before it reaches the smoker’s mouth.
The idea here is to maintain a certain temperature. So, some smokers even place ice cubes within the water chamber. The stem as well as the bowl is removed after the weed is burnt.
This ensures optimal combustion of weed that can be then inhaled by the smoker/smokers. This way, the smoke derived from burning cannabis cannot be spread across the room (and therefore lost).
Basically, there are 3 variants to it:
Classic:
This is the basic form of smoking marijuana via bong. The devise has a large bowl at the bottom and a long pipe (filled with water).
Bucket:
Also known as gravity bong, this variant has a sliced top-end of a borosil or plastic bottle (filled with weed/cannabis extracts) placed within a bucket (that in turn is filled with water).
The bottle is capped and then, the bucket is heated externally. The weed present within the bottle vaporizes. The cap is then removed and the bottle lifted out of the water.
The vacuum thus created forces the vapor to emit from the bottle’s surface. The smoker inhales this and re-secures the cap before placing the bottle back in the water filled bucket.
Cascading Effect:
This is a fancy way of smoking cannabis. Over here, a bottle riddled with holes (at the base) is filled with cannabis and then, placed within a bucket of water.
Cannabis is then packed within its confines and a cap is applied to the bottle-head. Negative gauge pressure is activated once the bottled filled with cannabis is heated. The smoker can then inhale this smoke via the bottle openings.
Smoking Marijuana via Spotting:
The third way of inhaling marijuana is via spotting the substance. A minute portion of weed is taken and then compressed by a stainless steel file/tong/screwdriver-tip/knife. The compression is done after the stainless steel devise is first heated.
Owing to the heat produced via the hot blade, the weed emits smoke. This is what the smoker inhales. Some smokers (the more adventurous ones) also make use of glass blades for the same purpose.
Vape Pens:
Vaporizers are undoubtedly one of the most popular forms of cannabis vape pens. When you vape THC then, the side effects affixed to smoking regular cigarettes are negated.
Tar, ash, tobacco, toxic chemicals etc. are thereby removed completely. In a way, you could say that vaping weed is way more practical than smoking it.
What is Meant by Smoking a Cigarette?
Smoking is an act wherein (the substance that is to be inhaled) is first burnt and then the smoke absorbed via the mouth. The smoke thus reaches the lungs and the substance present within the smoke (usually a combination of chemicals) is finally ingested into the smoker’s bloodstream.
Basically, plant leaves are first dried and then rolled into the shape of a cigarette. Dried tobacco leaves rolled into a cigarette is the most common form of smoking a cigarette. Over a billion men and women smoke tobacco cigarettes in the world today.
Also termed as a ‘recreational drug’, tobacco cigarettes are addictive as they contain nicotine. The smoke derived from cigarettes is a blend of toxic gasses and aerosol elements.
Smokers claim that when they smoke a cigarette, they feel stress free and confident. Some even claim that smoking cigarettes is equivalent to being in a ‘semi-meditative’ state.
What Happens to Your Body when You Smoke a Cigarette?
The anatomy of a cigarette smoke is as speedy as the smoke itself. The instant the smoke emits from a lit cigarette, the chemicals emitting from the smoke is absorbed into the bloodstream of the concerned smoker.
Here is how it all happens:
>>> The cigarette is lit and the tobacco content within the cigarette starts to burn instantly.
>>> The pulmonary vein (that leads the blood to the heart) is where these toxic gasses are absorbed.
>>> The toxic fumes are then dispatched directly to the heart. From there on, these gasses are distributed to other organs (via the arteries).
>>> The alveoli (present in the lungs of the smoker) are responsible for absorbing the toxic fumes emitting from the smoke into the body.
>>> As the chemicals emitted from cigarette smoke have similar nature as dopamine or even endorphins, they activate the nerves.
>>> The ends of nerves are forced into a reaction owing to these chemicals (present in the cigarette smoke a smoker just inhaled). This in turn results in the smoker experiencing short-term pleasure and (mental & physical) relaxation.
>>> The nerve endings that get stimulated by cigarette smoke tend to affect your brain.
>>> The euphoria sensation (caused by the cigarette smoke) is short lived yet relished by smokers. All it takes is less than a second to achieve this condition.
What are the Negative Effects of Smoking Weed?
The legality of cannabis consumption and its sale has been upheld by 21 states in USA. With that being said, people are still skeptical about the consumption of cannabis.
Many are of the opinion that it can seriously harm the health of an individual. Well, it certainly can. This is especially true if you overdose cannabis into your system.
Here are some of the negative side effects of marijuana consumption:
Under-Development of the Prefrontal Cortex:
The first major issue linked to smoking weed is the lack of optimal brain development. This is with special regards to youngsters smoking marijuana. Their decision making ability is hampered.
The prefrontal cortex is to be blamed.
It (prefrontal cortex) is stated to become thinner if you smoke weed. So, it is quite possible that marijuana smokers shall face an issue when it comes to ‘taking’ tough decisions in life.
You Can Get Hooked Easily:
The ability of a smoker getting addicted to weed is rather high. As per several statistical records, 30 out of every 100 people who smoke weed tend to continue doing so. This is despite them suffering from varying health complications arising from smoking weed. Headaches in smokers are a fairly common affair.
Promotes a Negative State of Mind
While there is no substantial proof that smoking weed leads to negativity, most smokers complain of depression. Apparently, weed is smoked for achieving ‘euphoria’ by those individuals who are dissatisfied with their lives.
When the euphoria clears (as it lasts a short time span) the negativity returns (only this time it is way stronger). Depression and anxiety is then initiated at a level that is usually unmatched.
Your Pleasure Hormone Slows Down:
Marijuana is a chemical based substance that is derived from cannabis/hemp plant. Owing to this very reason, its rampant usage may lead to the decline in a man’s testosterone production.
This would slow down your sex drive and also lead to a hoard of other health related issues. Your physical strength decreases and your metabolism automatically slows-down. It is normal to feel irritable and lethargic.
Panic Attacks May Increase:
If you have a prior history of depression or panic attacks then, smoking weed is simply going to further aggravate your condition. It has also been noticed that people suffering from panic attacks have a harrowing time when they smoke weed.
Widening Of Blood Vessels:
When you smoke marijuana, your blood vessels tend to get wider. This is owing to the rush of gasses that make the walls of the blood vessels thinner. This compels the heart to work doubly harder.
So, complications related to the heart are quite common to those that smoke weed on a regular basis. While it may not lead to a stroke but discomfort in the chest area is always felt.
Psychosis is Definitely on the Cards:
When you are a die-hard marijuana smoker, you have the tendency to develop mental issues. The substances present in marijuana tend to alter the existing chemistry of your brain chemicals.
So, it is highly likely that you shall suffer from mood swings and sudden rage related issues. Apart from a short temper, your memory and decision making powers too may be compromised.
The cerebral cortex and the hippocampus are adversely affected owing to THC content in marijuana. This is true when you have too much of it.
Carcinogens Create an Unhealthy Atmosphere:
Cannabis flower and extracts contain harmful carcinogens as well. These can cause cancers of the lung and respiratory tract. When the heated gases travel down your throat to your lungs, the respiratory tract tends to get infected as well.
So, asthma, coughing and breathing issues, are common in marijuana smokers. Basically, your lungs as well as the mouth do get adversely affected by the smoke inhaled via smoking weed.
What are the Side Effects of Smoking Regular (Tobacco) Cigarettes?
Smoking a cigarette may seem like a ‘fun-filled’ and a ‘happening’ affair but the complications affixed to its rampant usage are no less than a catastrophe.
The offensive smoke emitting from cigarettes are responsible for over half a million deaths worldwide. While there are countless side effects attached to smoking cigarettes, mentioning all of these would require a novel to be written. Nonetheless, quitting smoking before any surgical procedure is vital.
To cut the chase, I shall highlight only the Top 6 ‘ Most Over-Looked’ side effects attached to smoking tobacco cigarettes:
Reduction in Bone Density:
One of the most overlooked side effects affixed to cigarette smoking is loss of bone mineral mass. Owing to the harsh and toxic chemicals present in cigarettes, your natural bone mass reduces at a relatively fast rate.
The end result of this is weak and brittle bones. Hence, if you suffer from a fall, it is more than likely that you may suffer from a fracture.
Infections of the Eye are Common:
The macular health of smokers has always been under scanner. The toxic chemical compounds tend to jeopardize the normal functionality of the human eye.
I (LeanAndFit reviewer) strongly feel that even passive smokers are subject to this trauma. Apart from infections of the eye, in certain cases, normal vision is also disrupted. So, it is highly likely that smokers can stop seeing (any and everything) in their old age.
Orofacial Clefts & Pregnancy Related Issues in Women:
Lack of normal development of the mouth or the upper lip in babies of mothers that smoke is common. Women who smoke cigarettes even during pregnancy put their children to such extreme risks.
Apart from birth defects, smoking women have a tough time becoming pregnant. Basically smoking women have a difficult time conceiving. Even if they do conceive, their pregnancy is a difficult ordeal.
Cancer of the Intestines:
Smokers tend to suffer from cancers of various kinds. The most common ones known to the world are throat and lung cancer. Nonetheless, what people do not know is that cancer of the rectum is also caused by smoking tobacco cigarettes. Even colon cancer is a byproduct of regular cigarette smoking.
Fatalities during Pregnancy:
Besides difficulty in conceiving and birth defects, smoking mothers also face complications during childbirth. This is in the form of the fertilized eggs being placed in an area other than the uterus. This is what leads to fatalities (of the pregnant woman) during or even before child birth.
Periodontal Diseases:
Tobacco is supposed to be a natural enemy to healthy teeth and gums. It has also been noticed that periodontal ailments in smokers are common. In most cases, chain smokers tend to lose their teeth to cigarette smoke. Even their gums and the bone of the gum area tend to decay over time.
Can You Really Quit Smoking Weed and Cigarette at the Same Time?
Yes, you can certainly quit smoking both weed and cigarettes at the same time. Nonetheless, the effort needed to do so is immense. It is more than when you try and quit just one of the two (cigarette or marijuana).
Nonetheless, you can quit both together, if you plan your quitting (smoking and weed) process in a rational way.
Here is how you do it right:
Realize Why Smoking is Not Good for You:
You need to realize why quitting smoking tobacco cigarettes and marijuana would benefit you. Interestingly, you can understand these benefits only when you realize the problems you shall face if you continue smoking.
Here is a glimpse at a few such problems associated with smoking weed or cigarettes:
@ As your smoking tenure increases, your body begins to get addicted to the chemicals (present within a cigarette or marijuana). Nearly 4 out of every 10 smokers tend to get ‘hooked’ to this substance.
@ Your focus reduces and your reaction time is slowed.
@ Mood swings and depressive tendencies, in the absence of smoke, is normal.
@ Your appetite is sluggish and your mouth/eyes are rather dry.
@ You begin to hear or see things that are not physically present. Basically, your mind starts to play games with you.
Understand the Long Term Impact of Smoking Cigarettes/Marijuana in Your Life:
While smoking cigarettes does give you a ‘high’, this euphoria is short-lived in nature. When you smoke for a long time, the complications in your personal and professional life also increase four folds.
Here is what you need to realize in order to take a step towards quitting smoking permanently:
@ If you continue smoking then, your health shall deteriorate. Respiratory infections are common in smokers.
@ Bronchial asthma is also a disease that is common to those that smoke cigarettes regularly.
@ Schizophrenia is also common to those that smoke weed or cigarettes regularly.
@ It is quite possible that your work-front (professional career) shall suffer if you smoke cigarettes regularly.
@ Moreover, chain smoker seldom have long lasting relationships with their loved ones.
@ Smokers have also been known to develop low self-worth. They are also known to develop suicidal tendencies.
@ Cancers of various types and heart ailments are also common in smokers.
Once you know that the after-effects of this short-lived euphoric substance abuse are disastrous, you shall automatically make a serious effort to quit smoking.
Identify What Prompts You to Smoke:
You need to find out why you feel the urge to smoke weed or tobacco cigarettes. It could be relief from stress, panic attack, depression, unusually high amounts of workload, an act of blending with your friends circle etc.
Once you have identified the ‘real’ reason behind your weed/cigarette cravings then, you can move to the next step. This step shall be chalking out an action plan to stop smoking marijuana or tobacco cigarettes.
The Action Plan to Quit Smoking:
Now is then time to plan your quit smoking ordeal. It is going to be doubly tough as you are now quitting two substances – tobacco cigarettes and marijuana. So be prepared for the worst.
Here are a few steps to make it easier:
@ Understand that both these substances (tobacco & weed) have taken complete control of your internal and external body mechanism.
@ You need to decide how less you are going to smoke. For example, reducing the normal weed intake by 1 gram. For cigarette smokers, it could be – 10 Cigarettes to be reduced every 7th day.
@ After the plan of action has been approved by you, you need to stick to it.
@ Ideally, the action plan needs to be for a duration of 3 months. This (time span) ensures that your body shall be free from the toxic chemicals it has absorbed via the substance abuse to clear your body completely.
@ Make changes to the plan if you cannot stick with it. It is never good to be rigid. Quit smoking works only when your mind is flexible and ready for a change of plans.
Understanding the Repercussions of Quitting Smoking:
@ When you quit smoking, you could suffer from depression and mood swings.
@ Your eyes and mouth would be dry and you may feel excessively thirsty.
@ It is quite possible that your motor skills may be impacted adversely. You reaction time to any situation shall be super-slow.
@ Anxiety attacks may become a common affair. Nonetheless, they shall not last more than a fortnight (or a month at max.).
@ You may find it really tough to sleep at night. After all, the chemicals absorbed by your body during your smoking spree have controlled your sleeping pattern.
@ Your appetite may take a major hit. In fact, your digestion could be ruined for a good part of the first week.
Make Lifestyle Changes to Cope with Withdrawal Symptoms:
While quitting smoking is an ideal thought, executing this thought is an all new ‘ball-game’. Nonetheless, you can ease your troubles by making slight changes to the way you lead your life.
Here are a few tips that would really help you:
@ You need to eat light meals, especially when you are about to sleep at night.
@ Foods that are oily and processed need to be avoided or consumed only in the morning. Fresh veggies, whole grains and fruits are best suited for you.
@ You should avoid watching TV or browsing through your Facebook accounts. This is especially true during the night time.
@ Start working out each and every day for 20 to 30 minutes. Stretch your body after each workout session. Keep the workout light and practical (low impact exercises).
@ Speak to your family members about your anxiety or mood swings. Talking to others often helps ease your troubles.
@ Never stay alone at home. Always have a friend or family member around you. Doing so shall stop you from slipping back to your old habits again.
Get Rid of Your Cigarettes:
If you smoke cigarettes then, you need to make sure that you remove all traces of it from your house. This includes packets of cigarettes, lighter, matchsticks and even ash trays.
If you smoke marijuana then, get rid of the bongs or wrapping paper. You also need to get rid of all your weed supplies. When you cannot see or feel substances within your home, you shall stop craving for them.
Share Your Commitment with Those that Matter:
You cannot keep it quiet. In order to succeed in your ‘quit smoking’ mission, you need to share it with all those that matter to you. Simply put, when you are sharing your ‘quit smoking journey’, you are committing (being accountable to yourself) to others that matter to you.
Change Your Routine:
You need to stop interacting with your smoke buddies indefinitely. If they are close to you when you are in your ‘quit smoking phase’ then, a relapse is highly likely. You definitely do not want that to happen.
So, you need to befriend new buddies that have a non-smoking background. When you have friends and acquaintances that do not have any substance abuse backgrounds then, they shall motivate you to become like them.
This in turn shall help in your quit-smoking ordeal.
Conclusion:
It is very much possible to quit smoking marijuana as well as tobacco cigarettes at the same time. The only issue is that you would need to work doubly hard. Had you quit smoking but continued marijuana (and vice versa) then, the effort required would have been halved.
The most important factor that helps you achieve your ‘quit smoking’ aim is your mind. No other factor can come close to it. So, when you have made up your mind, quitting smoking cigarettes and marijuana becomes an easy (and a practically achievable) task indeed.
Simply have an action plan handy before initiating your quit smoking ordeal. It is also suggested that you should be in constant contact with a trained medical representative all the way. Doing so shall keep you healthy and out of harm’s way.
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Reference:
- https://aacrjournals.org/cebp/article/30/10/1956/665664/Association-between-Smoking-Cannabis-and-Quitting