Weed culture in 2017 is really a force to be reckoned with. We've come from largely seeing the drug as an inherently negative thing, to it being just as socially acceptable as alcohol (maybe even more so depending on where you are). The narrative which comes with this is the fact that unlike other drugs, cannabis is non addictive. However is this factual?
While it's true that you cannot develop a physical dependence to marijuana, don't listen to anyone who tells you it's impossible to get addicted, because this is absolutely not true. Weed is a drug, and like all drugs you can foster an addiction to it. The only caveat is that your body won't become physiologically dependent. Your mind however is another story entirely. Some people can use large amounts of drugs and experience no cravings or dependency whatsoever, I'm generally one of those people. Other people however can easily fall prey to drug usage, allowing it to spiral out of control. I'm one of those people when it comes to weed.
I've never felt as if I were not in control of my usage of any drug other than cannabis. This may sound ridiculous, especially as I've used traditionally addictive drugs such as opiates, stimulants, and benzos in the past. But none of these have ever held any true power over me, only weed. I've done regrettable things, continuously engaged in activities I knew to be self harmful, and neglected important responsibilities in order to procure and consume marijuana in the past. This is the main reason why I never allow myself to use the drug on more than a weekly basis, because I simply have no self control with it. There have been countless times where I've purchased a new piece or vape, determined that this time would be different, but always found myself at the same place. Hopelessly dependent and withdrawn from everyone around me. Unable to eat, sleep, or laugh sober. The most illogical part about this is that given the choice I would much rather take a psychedelic, some kratom, or hell even an Oxy rather than smoke weed. It's just that when I have it I'll get no rest until it's all gone.
I know that if I were to say right now that I would never smoke, vape, eat, or otherwise consume the drug ever again for the rest of my life that it would have a massively positive impact, however I'm unable to do that. Which is a characteristic of addiction. I'm aware that it's bad for me personally, but am unable to stop. Now I don't use it terribly often, normally only three to five times a month. I'm just unable to go without it for longer than around 30 days at a time.
Now I'd be willing to wager that I'm in the minority here, as most people consume THC with none of these issues whatsoever. However with this post I just wanted to bring attention to the fact that it is entirely possible to become addicted to weed, despite what the masses may tell you. So it's important to always be mindful and keep your usage in check. In other words, "do the drugs, don't let the drugs do you." Now if you have an addictive personality and are dead set on using drugs, marijuana is without a doubt one of the better choices. Just don't naively believe that you're somehow immune to dependency because you're only smoking weed.