As a teenager, I had a distressing encounter with cannabis that left me with lingering fears about it.
High School Years: Casual Use
During my high school years, I was quite the casual user, indulging in marijuana most weekends with friends and my boyfriend. While I wasn’t always under the influence, I did have my share of experiences that were, let’s say, not the highlights of my teenage life. I approached it with a certain level of responsibility, and like many young stoners, I often pondered the deeper mysteries of life while high.
The Turning Point
However, everything changed in my senior year. After recovering from bronchitis and being on antibiotics, I decided to try edibles instead of smoking when a friend visited with some marijuana. This choice turned out to be a monumental mistake.
Most are aware that consuming cannabis can lead to a much stronger reaction than smoking it, but I underestimated how intense it could be. I didn’t monitor my intake closely, and I was completely unaware of how my medication might interact with the drug.
A Terrifying Experience
Within an hour of eating the edible, I found myself spiraling into an intense panic. It felt as if I was in a dream state—only it was a terrifying experience. I lost my sense of self, feeling detached from my body and reality. The overwhelming thought that I was “losing my mind” consumed me.
During this episode, I reached out to my boyfriend, who had just started college. “I ate some pot,” I told him, “And something’s terribly wrong.” His laughter only escalated my anxiety, and despite his attempts to calm me down, I genuinely believed I would never return to normalcy.
Aftermath and Reflection
As the hours passed and the effects wore off, I realized it was just the drug, and I was okay. However, I made a firm decision to never consume edibles again. I tried smoking a few times afterward, but the experience was never the same. The feelings of paranoia lingered, and I often found myself haunted by that initial panic attack.
In the early days of college, I smoked for the last time. I felt pressure to join in, but ultimately, it wasn’t worth the risk of experiencing that anxiety again. This realization became an empowering moment in my youth.
Understanding Cannabis Use
I don’t criticize those who use cannabis for medicinal reasons; I recognize its value for many individuals. The landscape of marijuana has changed significantly, and perhaps there’s a strain out there that wouldn’t trigger my anxiety. Yet, I have no desire to find out.
Communicating with My Children
As a mother of two boys, I believe it’s crucial to communicate that not everyone has positive experiences with cannabis. It’s essential to approach it with caution, especially since it can affect individuals differently. While it’s not as dangerous as some illicit drugs, the potential for anxiety and paranoia is real.
This will be part of our family discussions as my kids grow older and inevitably explore substances. I’m aware they’ll likely experiment, so I plan to share my own experiences—both good and bad.
The Importance of Open Conversations
Ultimately, cannabis can impact people in varying ways, and that’s perfectly okay. We need to have more open conversations about the negative effects it can have.
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Conclusion
In summary, my teenage encounter with cannabis was a turning point that shaped my views on its use. While I respect others’ choices, I acknowledge that not everyone has a pleasant experience, and it’s important to be informed.