Why People Still Use Marijuana

In Canada today, marijuana is at the center of heated debates, as well as public policymaking. Advocates of marijuana assert that it should be legalized to cater to individuals who need its medicinal benefits. Opponents contend that it is a harmful and addictive gateway drug that can cause potential health issues to users. But why do people smoke weed? Why do people order cannabis from online dispensary?

We have curated a comprehensive list detailing why marijuana is the preferred drug choice in modern society. Read on to discover the top reasons people smoke weed.

On Stigma
A majority of media platforms portray marijuana users as lazy, apathetic, and unmotivated “stoners.” But, recent studies on the uses of cannabis paint a different picture. Recent studies show that most individuals use marijuana to enhance their quality of life.

The effects of marijuana vary from person to person. It all depends on four factors, including:

1. The person,
2. The circumstance,
3. The type and quality of marijuana,
4. The method used to consume it.

Studies show that most individuals who use marijuana use it in moderation. Since marijuana does not pose a significant risk for physical addiction, most individuals do not feel the need to continue using it.

Rather, individuals buy marijuana from dispensaries when they want to reap its benefits. Throughout the world, individuals have used marijuana for hundreds of years – for spiritual, social, and medicinal purposes. At times, these reasons are definite. But, often, they overlap.

Social Part
The social use of marijuana includes its use for:

1. Socializing,
2. Recreation, and
3. Improving individuals' quality of life.

Historical records also show that marijuana was used for social purposes. In India, ancient Hindus did not approve the use of alcohol. Instead, they accepted the social use of marijuana. In ancient Rome, the royal and wealthy members of the society finished banquets with a cannabis-based dessert that was popular for the good feeling it imparted on users. At ancient Indian wedding ceremonies, marijuana was served as a sign of hospitality and for good luck to the newlyweds.

In contemporary society, individuals often use cannabis for specific occasions and activities. When used properly, cannabis helps some individuals concentrate and relax, making some activities more pleasurable. Playing sports, being creative, socializing, eating, having sex, and listening to music are some things that individuals say marijuana enhances. At times, people also use cannabis to make tasks such as chores more enjoyable.

When used socially, cannabis can become part of an individual's daily routine without adverse legal, social, economic, and health issues. Most individuals use marijuana responsibly to enhance their quality of life, similar to how others use alcohol or caffeinated drinks. Thus, when people buy weed online, they get to enjoy all the benefits minus the addiction and adverse effects.

Medical Usage
Like individuals who use marijuana for social purposes, individuals who use marijuana for medicinal purposes also use it to enhance the quality of their life.  Medical use is associated with managing mental and physical problems, as well as preserving health.

Cannabis has been the main ingredient in medicines for thousands of decades. In 2700 BCE, Chinese emperor and master of Chinese medicine, Shen Neng used marijuana as a remedy. Historical Egyptian medical texts written in 1500 BCE also cite marijuana as a pharmaceutical ingredient.

In Canada, Canadians used marijuana as a medicine up until 1923 when it was put in a list of controlled substances. In 2000, patients fought and won back the right to legally use marijuana as a medicine. According to the ruling made by the court, people should not be put in a position whereby they have to choose between their health and liberty because both are protected in the Canadian constitution. In response to the court's ruling, Health Canada established the MMAR (Marihuana Medical Access Regulations) in July 2001. Under the MMAR, individuals are free to apply for a license to grow and possess marijuana for medical use.

Today, there are many barriers to the MMAR program. For instance, some physicians do not want to be involved in the program. Additionally, the options available to supply cannabis legally are limited. Consequently, approximately 3,000 individuals possess licenses currently.

Cannabis has a plethora of medical benefits. As such, there are many medical reasons to smoke weed. It is used to treat conditions and symptoms such as:

• Muscle spasms
• Nausea
• Pain
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Inflammation
• Loss of appetite
• ADHD
• PTSD
• Cancer
• HIV/AIDS
• Parkinson's disease
• Arthritis
• Epilepsy

At times, marijuana is more effective compared to pharmaceutical drugs and has less adverse side effects. Some individuals use marijuana to help them deal with the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs. Others use marijuana as a substitute for pharmaceutical drugs. Further, some people use cannabis to cope with the withdrawal symptoms form other illegal or legal drugs.

Spiritual Usage
Cannabis has been used for spiritual purposes throughout history. Cannabis is listed among the five holy plants in a sacred Indian text known as the Atharvaveda. The Scythians, who inhabited what we now know as Eastern Europe, used marijuana at funerals to bid farewell to deceased leaders. Sacred Chinese texts state that marijuana can lighten an individual's body and allow them to communicate with the spirits of the deceased. Some scholars believe that in the Old Testament, sacred anointing oil contained an ingredient known as kannabosm, which they believe was an ancient name for marijuana.

In today's world, some people incorporate marijuana in their spiritual practices. Some Sikhs, Rastafarians, and Hindus use cannabis in their religious ceremonies. Other individuals use cannabis in ways they consider spiritual such as personal growth, reflection, and mediation. The use of cannabis causes some people to gain a more informed perspective when trying to understand complex situations.

Final Thoughts
According to Statistics Canada, 15% of Canadians, which translates to 4.6 million people over the age of 15, have used cannabis. About half of Canadians who stated that they have used cannabis say that they did so due to non-medical reasons (recreational purposes). One-quarter reported that they used cannabis for medical purposes. People who do not use marijuana might not understand why others use it. The same is true for people who have used marijuana but did not see the manifestation of any benefits. But, when people better understand why others use cannabis, we can override the assumptions and stigma. We can be in a better position to enhance the benefits and lower the chances of potential harm to users and the general population.