To ask how common is cannabis smoking?

[Netcurtainnelly]

Brothers son smokes it. Holds down a job and his financial commitments.
Hasn't progressed to any other drugs.
Been doing it for some years.
Its never spoken about. I just know he does.
I dont really have anyone to ask but i just thought I'd ask you mumsnetters.
It is common. He's mid thirties.

Apparently less than 0.5% of weed users get psychosis according to studies. By contrast the WHO says 7% of adults worldwide meet the criteria for alcohol abuse disorder.

Not taking sides but that's the data apparently.

I live in California so it is legal. No one I no ok now actually smokes weed but pretty much takes gummies regularly or occasionally, there are lots that have only a trace of THC and really help with sleep so they are very popular with middle aged women! THC drinks are also popular since more and more people don’t want to drink alcohol because of the bad sleep and headaches.

I know of a few people , but there’s prob more. One of these has smoked since their twenties no issues, then had a traumatic event late thirties and now his life revolves around smoking weed, no understatement. Destroying his marriage and relationship with his teenage kids. I was pretty indifferent to it before I witnessed all this.

So much casual ignoring of the dealing/ criminal activity/ trafficking/ modern slavery aspects.

I know, it’s crazy. I won’t even have half a pint if I’m driving; I don’t know how they can feel safe to drive.

As with all data you need to look at further data

the numbers being admitted to mh wards due to cannabis use, the impact on people’s mh that are not psychotic but certainly struggle to function, the increase particularly with serious mh issues with younger people

spend a little time working in mh services you will see the terrible impact of such wide use cannabis is now having. The issue is often down to the very Hugh thc levels in what people (particularly younger people) are using

I can promise you no kids are taken into care purely because their parents smoke weed. It doesn’t meet threshold for social services intervention on its own. As part of a wider issue of neglect/abuse sure but not just for that.

No not purely. Usually linked with neglect.

We do occasionally, maybe once a month with friends if the kids aren’t in the house. I know quite a few people who smoke it regularly

Legal where I live too. My social circle is full of it. And as a middle-aged woman, sleep gummies have been a life saver. Businesses that sell cannabis products are ethical, usually. They know they’re largely selling to the middle classes and appeal to them. I’ve never felt so seen as a consumer. You’re ID’d at least twice before being able to purchase and if you’re under 21, forget it. If kids are getting access to weed from the legal stores then they’re getting it from adults. Much, much stricter than liquor stores. They don’t sell the mad shit. Font understand why it’s not legal in the UK, it’s a pain in the arse not to have access to it when I’m over.

Any time I mention w-e-e-d on this site, my “reply is hidden til the MNHQ team can have a look at it”

What are they looking at? Weed is legal where I live, can I not talk about that?

Professionally I know a very high number of people who essentially medicate trauma with it. It’s not the best treatment at all. They are legal and much more effective ones - both medication and talking therapies Go to your GP if you’re reading this and know that’s you.

I haven't been able to smoke weed of any sort for ages because health. But I was very enthusiastic about it back in the day ! However I do remember being able to get AMAZING weed / hash when I was a young 'un. Went to Morocco twice and stayed in the Rif on a farm - which was an education. Found out how Double Zero was made (the pollen rubbed straight off the flowers) Gradually as the 'skunk' hybrid took over I could not enjoy it any more, My friends used to be comatose. Not my style ! And very damaging for MH etc. It is legal where I live, in small amounts / personal.
But I think about those early days when we had that choice and how small the world has become, YES I am sure there is a lot of illegal trafficking etc. It doesn't stop millions of people taking inferior cocaine which means they literally have blood on their hands.
I loved being sweetly stoned and lolling around in my garden listening to a robin or whatevs....no lie, it's nature's medicine. To be respected.
Edibles are bloomin' brilliant but I have to be very careful with dose ! 🤭

I wouldn't say its common but there are certainly different social groups using it.

A quiet spliff at home then whatever. Its not for me as I find people become seriously dull after having smoked it.

But walking round in public with a spliff is your twat end of society. That's just not acceptable at all.

Our neighbours smoke it every evening - you can smell it in our garden and it's revolting.

Unsurprisingly, theirs is the only house on the street with foot high grass, curtains closed all day and rubbish stacked up in the front garden. It's almost always smoked by wasters, no matter how they try to convince you otherwise.

I used to work with a man who admitted to smoking it each night when his very young child was in bed at night. He went way down in my estimation after admitting that.

If there was a way to purchase legally for recreational use I would. It slows down my ADHD brain and helps me sleep. But as I know the impact of modern slavery and there's no way to currently confirm quality, none for me any more.

Once I retire and no longer need a DBS, I'll grow my own for personal consumption. Quite looking forward to that actually.

My brother tried it once in Amsterdam then shortly after was diagnosed with schizophrenia-could be complete coincidence ofc but I've never risked using the stuff. What is the appeal, what effect does it have?

I think it’s going to depend on your social circle. Neither DH or I smoke (I tried it once at uni, he never has) and I don’t know anyone in my social circle who does either. We generally talk about these things, so I can’t imagine they are all lying. I must admit, I’m yet to meet a regular marijuana smoker (and I know plenty as acquaintances or through work) who I’ve admired or wished I was more like, even those who are working and have kids. Most of my social circle aren’t drinkers either, so I don’t think any of us are particularly inclined to self medication or addiction.

ADHD is an eligible condition for a legal prescription.

If not coincidence then VERY unlucky/rare.

it makes the senses come alive, food tastes better, music sounds better. I find I have my most insightful and compassionate reflections on life/relationships etc.
it makes me appreciate the small things in life we often don’t notice and find an increased sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of nature/art.

it also makes me want to reach out and connect with others, like I’ll want to message my friends instead of just watching the tv.

I’m in my 60s and genuinely can’t think of a single person I know who smokes (weed or tobacco), though of course some may do so without my being aware of it.

Lots of friends experimented in their youth though.

It's shocking. Those taking it for medical reasons or somewhere where it's legal (and getting hold of it legally), then it's personal choice but those risking their own and others' lives buying street drugs, is pretty harrowing.

I buy it from someone who grows it fairly large ish scale as a (very successful) business. No youths on scooters shotting being controlled by county lines involved - just straight from manufacturer to consumer.

It's extremely common, not sure how widespread it is though

Most regular cannabis smokers would be over the UK's drug drive limits most of the time. I can never understand people who rely on their driving license for their livelihood, risking being over the driving limits for drugs or alcohol. But they do and some get caught and then they are sorry.