I stopped smoking MJ about 5 years ago after 4 years of the chronic (use). I noticed an immediate improvement in health. My immune system rebounded within 6 months, I was less susceptible to cold, flu and herpes outbreaks, and I was less depressed! I think you'll be fine ... just give it some time. You can' undo what's been done, but you can focus on good health in the here and now.



Congratulations!

Hi illustriously fickle,

I appreciate the quick response. Just a quick follow-up question. I always hear and read things about people smoking "long-term." What exactly is long-term smoking? 4 years? 6 years? 10 years? I just didn't know if there was a specefic time frame that qualifies as long term. Thanks in advance.

Well, according to the NIH, marijuana smoke contains 50 to 70 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco smoke. So that could be potentially damaging to your lungs and respiratory system.

I personally think of short-term as anything 3 months or less. Long term, and chronic (or daily) MJ smoking might be a duration of 6 months ... Check out this link on the long term effects of using Marijuana (cancer and respiratory disorders are among the possibilities:

http://www.drugabuse.gov/MarijBroch/Marijt eens.html

people dont think that smoking weed is bad but it really is i just stopped doing it because i figured its kinda lame and a waste of money. i feel much better even lost a few pounds and everything. u should be fine the body often repairs itself

Hi Bigboi223!

Congratulations on recently quitting! A couple of thoughts about your use/use in general: your usage was indeed of a habitual user/addict nature. Don't beat yourself up over terminology; i used daily, and heavily for 16 years of my life. Anything you smoke can cause drastic cellular changes. Healthy cells morph based on the level of carcinogens in the smoke itself, so yes it damages tissue. We also inhale more deeply, and hold it in longer-the technique in smoking pot also lends itself to damage. It takes a significant amount of time (we are talking years) for lung tissues to repair. Also, smoking pot increases your heart rate, and in some cases causes palpitations and irregular rhythms--not good. Keep your chin up. You can only do what we all can which is dedicate yourself to a healthier lifestyle, keeping up on your antioxidants, and sticking to your fitness routine. You'll be alright, but don't let anyone tell you that marijuana is harmless to your health.

Great Going there Bigboi223,

Yes, Marijuana does harm... more than cigarettes perhaps. yes there are chances of cancer, bhronchitis, impotency and insomnia with marijuana... not to forget lethargy, aggression, nervousness and paranoia....

You have done no damage to your body... just don't get back to the addiction...
__________________

I smoked daily for 15 years. Now i just smoke it about twice a year. Have been basically quit for about 15 years, and have never had any ill effects that I or any a doctor has noticed.

I have been a chronic smoker of cigs and pot for THIRTY FIVE YEARS. And yes, I was recently diagnosed with COPD (emphysema) at the age of 52. It's mild (26% loss of lung function) but VERY noticable. This was my second quit from cigs - it's like falling off a log compared to quitting pot. In 35 years I quit weed *once*, I was that addicted. I was tired of pot being my Master - all the missed opportunities, the wasted time, the HUGE waste of money, becoming a recluse - ALL of it. I finally prayed to my "higher power", archangels, guardian angels, and all my dead relatives (and I'm not even religious, in the traditional sense) to remove the desire. I knew I couldn't do it on my own. I needed help, and asked for it. As long as your intentions are good, God will listen. I hate to sound like a hardcore fundy or something, but it worked for me. I woke up the next morning without any cravings. It's only been 4 days, and it hasn't been easy, but I never would have thought it would have *worked* for me. It sure beats walking around dragging an oxygen tank for the remainder of your (brief) life.

I also was tired of pot taking control of my life. Funny thing was, I was never addicted. I just, always felt like doing it. I smoked everyday (at least 3 grams) for 6 years. I worshipped the stuff. But it got to the point where it wasn't fun for me anymore.
On New Years Eve 2007, I thought to myself (while smoking pot), I think I'm going to see if I can quit smoking this stuff. So, after midnight, when everyone started lighting up, I didn't participate. I had a really bad cough at the time, and by not smoking pot I saw a HUGE difference in recovery time. Now, 1 year later, I haven't gotten a cough once. I even smoke cigarettes still, and have tried to quit them MANY, MANY times, but, to no avail.
I think at least limiting yourself with your pot use will be very beneficial to your health. And when I say limited, I'm not thinking once a week. I'm thinking 2-3 times a year.
I will tell you this. I visited some friends who smoke pot when I was about 8 months pot-free. I gave in to the temptation, and smoked while I was there. I suffered from EXTREME depression after that. I mean, my brain didn't seem to work right and it took me about a week after that to get back on track.
Very strange thing to happen to an ex-pothead.

You will be happy that you finally have quit! I quit smoking myself after going to rehab and then Sober Living thanks to those programs and AA I have been able to maintain abstinence for nearly 2 years. Not to say that my method is for everyone, just that it worked for me. Keep up the good work!

what are some symptoms of pot withdrawal? i have been smoking daily for 35 years, except when pregnant, as i am
approaching menopause (50 years old) 3 days of not smoking & the hot flashes are through the roof!!! since i
have a history of blood clots, i can not do hormone replacement therapy & i am suffering greatly!! plus, when do you get to sleep again? no pot no sleep for me.
any suggestions?