
Breaking the High
An honest conversation about marijuana dependency
About this podcast:
I want to discover effective strategies to ease my marijuana habit while addressing the emotional challenges and stigma associated with addiction.
Episodes

#3 - Positive Shifts: Replacing Habits with Health

#3 - Navigating Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms

#2 - Mindfulness: Your Ally Against Cravings

#2 - Identifying Your Triggers: Path to Recovery

#2 - Cannabis Use Explained - How Much is Too Much?

#1 - Breaking the Stigma of Marijuana Addiction

#2 - Cannabis Use Explained - How Much is Too Much?
In this episode, we dive into the nuances of cannabis consumption, discussing how much is truly too much for your body and mind. Listeners will learn about the varying effects of different cannabis amounts, the signs of overuse, and strategies for responsible use, all while addressing the emotional challenges and …
This episode is based on the following sources:
YouTube Videos (5)
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Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Here's Why People Get Bad Marijuana TripsFound by Dr. Julia Marks
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Is marijuana bad for your brain? - Anees BahjiFound by Dr. Julia Marks
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Is Marijuana Harmful to Health? Or Helpful? ER Doctor Explains Medical Marijuana & CannabisFound by Dr. Julia Marks
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What Happens When You Quit Marijuana?Found by Dr. Julia Marks
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How Marijuana Is Good And Bad For YouFound by Dr. Julia Marks
Reddit Discussions (3)
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We are cannabis scientists and experts, specialising in psychopharmacology (human behaviour), neuroscience, chemistry and drug policy. Cannabis use is more popular than ever, and we are here to clear the smoke. Ask us anything!Found by Ben Carter
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Research shows young people who stop using cannabis or amphetamines before becoming adults experience life success at the same levels of those who have never used drugs. However, scientists found people who used cannabis and amphetamines at 30 had substantially lower levels of life successFound by Ben Carter
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Young individuals consuming higher-potency cannabis, such as skunk, between ages 16 and 18, are twice as likely to have psychotic experiences from age 19 to 24 compared to those using lower-potency cannabisFound by Ben Carter
YouTube Videos
Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Here's Why People Get Bad Marijuana Trips
Dr. Sanjay Gupta provides insight into why some cannabis users experience adverse effects, focusing on psychological and environmental triggers.
Notable quotes:
"Bad trips often occur when individuals take more than their body can handle or in unfamiliar environments."
Highlights the importance of dosage and setting in responsible cannabis use.
Is marijuana bad for your brain? - Anees Bahji
TED-Ed's Anees Bahji delves into the neuroscience of marijuana's effects on the brain, focusing on aspects like memory and attention span.
Notable quotes:
"Chronic use can lead to changes in brain structure and function, particularly in areas related to memory and learning."
Provides a scientific basis for discussing limits and risks of heavy cannabis use.
Is Marijuana Harmful to Health? Or Helpful? ER Doctor Explains Medical Marijuana & Cannabis
Doctor ER breaks down the current medical understanding of marijuana, discussing its therapeutic benefits and potential medical drawbacks, based on scientific studies.
Notable quotes:
"The impact of cannabis largely depends on the dosage and the individual's own body chemistry."
This quote emphasizes the personalized nature of cannabis effects, relevant to understanding how much is too much.
What Happens When You Quit Marijuana?
This video by AsapSCIENCE explains the physiological and psychological changes when a person stops consuming cannabis, highlighting both withdrawal symptoms and potential health benefits.
Notable quotes:
"Withdrawal symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, changes in appetite, and sleep disturbances."
This quote provides insight into the challenges faced when reducing or stopping cannabis use.
How Marijuana Is Good And Bad For You
Dr. Tracey Marks explores the dual nature of marijuana, highlighting both its potential benefits for certain medical conditions and possible risks, including addiction and cognitive effects.
Notable quotes:
"The very aspects of marijuana that can make it therapeutic can also make it addictive."
This quote ties into the discussion of how varying cannabis consumption can affect individuals differently.
Reddit Discussions
We are cannabis scientists and experts, specialising in psychopharmacology (human behaviour), neuroscience, chemistry and drug policy. Cannabis use is more popular than ever, and we are here to clear the smoke. Ask us anything!
Discussion in r/IAmA
Community voices:
"Smoking anything is bad for your lungs. Vaping is better than smoking. Edibles are better than vaping (for your lungs)."
This provides actionable advice on healthier consumption methods, aligning with themes of responsible use.
"It is well established that THC can produce anxiety, with higher doses of THC causing high levels of anxiety. Many of the strains you can find now in the US and Canada are, as you say, far higher in THC than most cannabis you would typically find growing wild."
This expert insight highlights how modern cannabis strains may affect mental health, providing important context for responsible use.
Research shows young people who stop using cannabis or amphetamines before becoming adults experience life success at the same levels of those who have never used drugs. However, scientists found people who used cannabis and amphetamines at 30 had substantially lower levels of life success
Discussion in r/science
Community voices:
"The data was collected from pregnant women at age 21, asking about their drug use. Turns out the mothers who got off drugs by the time they were 30 were 'more satisfied' with their lives. The mothers who were still using drugs were 'Less happy' with their lives."
This brings personal satisfaction into the conversation, illustrating real-life consequences of prolonged use.
Young individuals consuming higher-potency cannabis, such as skunk, between ages 16 and 18, are twice as likely to have psychotic experiences from age 19 to 24 compared to those using lower-potency cannabis
Discussion in r/science
Community voices:
"Wouldn't this be similar to the links found between other psychedelics and psychotic experiences? My understanding has always been that psychedelic substances can cause schizo-effective disorders to present earlier than they otherwise would have, and of course amplifies their severity for a period of time."
This offers a unique perspective by comparing high-potency cannabis with psychedelics, adding depth to the discussion on mental health effects.
"It's not reasonable to expect a respondent to be able to accurately estimate cannabis potency, especially years after the fact."
This captures the challenge of understanding cannabis potency over time, emphasizing the complexity of determining 'how much is too much.'
Articles & Blog Posts
Are You Smoking Too Much Weed?
Discusses the transition from casual cannabis use to addiction, including withdrawal symptoms and treatment options.
Key insights:
"Long-term drug abuse causes changes in the way the brain functions including an inability to control the impulse to use drugs despite adverse consequences."
Highlights the difficulty of breaking dependence, which Dr. Marks might explore in the podcast.
"If the weed user can commit to abstaining from using for a designated period of time then the individual is probably not addicted."
Guides listeners on assessing their own usage patterns.
How Much Cannabis is Too Much?
This detailed guide explores what medical providers should know about cannabis, its potential to lead to psychosis, and criteria for diagnosing use disorder.
Key insights:
"DSM-5-TR remains gold standard for determining use disorder."
Supports a scientific approach to recognizing disorders, essential for informed podcast discussion.
"Cannabis is one of two substances most likely to cause psychosis and lead to schizophrenia among other health risks."
Adds a medical perspective to the debate on cannabis use and mental health.
What Is Considered a Chronic User of Weed?
Examines the criteria that define chronic cannabis use and its potential impacts, such as cognitive impairments and addiction risks.
Key insights:
"Heavy cannabis use is associated with cognitive impairments, particularly affecting executive function and memory."
Provides a basis for discussing mental health considerations in cannabis use.
"A chronic weed user is a person who uses marijuana daily or near daily for an extended period of time."
Helps frame the discussion on identifying when use becomes excessive or problematic.
5 Effects of Smoking Too Much Weed: Can You Overdose?
Discusses the five main side effects of consuming too much cannabis, including white-outs and paranoia, and provides tips for managing such situations.
Key insights:
"It is virtually impossible to consume such a huge volume of THC via inhalation, although there is speculation that it is possible to overdose on THC if it is administered intravenously."
Clarifies the distinction between different methods of consumption, providing factual content for audience understanding.
"Too much cannabis can cause a 'white-out,' where the color drains from the face, followed by weakness and nausea."
Illustrates a specific physical effect, aiding in discussion about recognizing signs of overuse.
"Cannabis consumption might not cause fatal overdose, but it's still possible to take too much."
This highlights the common misconception about cannabis' safety, which Dr. Julia Marks might explore to educate listeners.

