Switching Gears for a Bit

Most days I am a quit smoking coach, assisting clients to quit tobacco for better health, but as of October 17th with the legalization of marijuana, I am adding pot to the list. I want people to be aware of what they are putting into their bodies and lungs, and just because marijuana is a plant, and just because it is a legal product, it doesn’t mean there can’t be harm from smoking, vaping or ingesting it.

I’m here to dispel the myths, and not because I am some kind of expert on pot, but because I want clients to feel the benefits of being smoke-free and drug-free, and I can assist with that.

Marijuana Fast Facts (for the last 3 months in Canada):

15% of Canadians (15 years and older) used Cannabis in the last 3 months, with the highest use in B.C and Nova Scotia.

6% of those use Cannabis daily or almost daily.

Males are more likely to report daily or almost daily use.

25% spent more than $250.00 on Cannabis in the past three months. (3% spent more than $1000).

Inhaled starts working within 10 minutes and effects last 2 to 4 hours (but can be longer). Edibles start working in about one hour and effects last 4 to 6 hours (but can be up to 24 hours). Vaping and edibles are likely safer than smoking.

-smoking marijuana increases your risk of lung cancer by 200%

– on average, marijuana smokers develop Chronic Bronchitis and other respiratory problems at the age of 41, 20 years sooner than tobacco smokers. There are higher concentrations of tar and harmful chemicals in marijuana than in tobacco.

– young people (under the age of 25) exposed to marijuana are more likely to experience long-term mental health problems. Teens who used cannabis over a long-term suffered decreases in their working memory, processing speed and reasoning.

What to Watch out for:

(Side effects for cannabis are higher than most prescription medicines)

-very common side effects (10 to 30% of users) include intense happiness/uneasiness; sedation/relaxation; difficulty speaking; numbness; disconnected thoughts; muscle twitching; changes in heart rate/blood pressure.

-common side effects (1 to 10% of users) include impaired memory/confusion; blurred vision/visual hallucinations; loss of touch with reality and self; problematic cannabis use such as difficulty cutting down, continued use, despite harm.

-uncommon side effects but serious (less than 1%) include intense/prolonged vomiting; loss of motivation.

-long term side effects are largely unknown.

– AND despite what people say, Marijuana can be addictive. 1 in 6 people who use marijuana during adolescence will develop an addiction.

The good news is that quitting tobacco and quitting marijuana are very similar. When you are using a drug like THC or nicotine to treat emotions or symptoms you are experiencing, you are missing an amazing opportunity to figure out what you really need. That’s where I come in!

I am here to help you uncover what is stopping you, slowing you down, or keeping you stuck in a rut with your tobacco and/or pot use.

I will help you develop a powerful vision of what being tobacco and pot free will feel like, and believe me when I say you can and will feel fabulous.

I will also help you uncover why tobacco and pot are zapping your energy and fabulousness and what to do about it, and….

You’ll get crystal clear on a step by step plan to quit tobacco, pot or both.

Plus you can quit one, or both, from the comfort of your easy chair. I have two online programs:

1. Breathe Easy Boot Camp is for those who want to quit tobacco
2. A Natural High – Minus Marijuana is for those wanting to quit pot

Both programs are a series of easy-to-listen-to videos which will guide you to creating your very own personalized quit plan (also provided), and for a limited time, both courses are just $39.00 each.

Check it out here.

Or set up a time to chat.