BROOKLINE, Mass. — 75-year-old Miguel Laboy starts every morning in a haze of cannabis smoke, wondering when he'll break free from the grip of his joint. Users like him face a growing reality as high-potency cannabis becomes a staple in lives once managed without it.
Post-legalization, daily cannabis consumption has surpassed alcohol usage among Americans, shifting the social narrative around drug use. What once was a treat is becoming a routine necessity for many, leading to far-reaching consequences.
Laboy recounts, I want to wake up one day and not smoke. But look where that desire gets me. You see how that’s going. His experience reflects a broader trend where individuals, seeking solace in cannabis, find themselves in chains of dependency, often without realizing it until it's too late.
Dr. Jordan Tishler, who specializes in cannabis treatment, warns that many high-THC products can amplify anxiety and confuse users about dependency. It’s both medicine and poison, he says, emphasizing the importance of regulated consumption.
Younger users, like Kyle, a Boston University student, express similar sentiments. His use of cannabis eases his panic attacks but highlights a troubling dependency that leaves him wondering about his identity when sober. I feel like I was able to process my thoughts better a year ago. Now, I can only do it when I’m high, which is scary, Kyle admits.
As communities seek solutions through forums and support groups, the dialogue continues about the nature of dependence, celebrating legalization’s victories while recognizing its potential dangers. Without careful guidance and education on responsible use, the cannabis landscape poses a new challenge for health practitioners and users alike.
