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Which is Harder to Quit, Coffee or Cannabis?
What’s harder to quit, cannabis or coffee?
Two of life’s great pleasures – good coffee and good weed. For me, these botanical bounties pair together like wine and cheese. The perfect harmony of focus from a fresh French roast followed by unwinding with a flavorful Indica. Truly an unbeatable combo!
I’ve enthusiastically partaken in both daily for years. In many ways, quality coffee and cannabis form the yin and yang foundations of my routine. The crisp morning productivity of an expertly pulled espresso followed by the relaxed contemplation from a smoothly rolled evening joint.
At this point, I’m what you might call a “caffeine addict” – already on my third straight black coffee just to write this piece! Yet I also deeply appreciate cannabis for its inspiration and stress relief. Moderation and mindfulness with both remain key, but I just can’t imagine life without these staples.
Which is exactly why I’ve decided to temporarily give up both starting October 1st!
That’s right – in homage to the popular “Sober October” trend, I’m going one step further by nixing my morning cup o’ joe as well. Call it a personal experiment in detachment from substances I’ve used for decades. How difficult will it be to detach from these habits? Let’s discuss…
Some interesting facts about coffee
Before analyzing how difficult it may be to quit, it helps to understand some fascinating facts about my morning elixir of choice – coffee! Here are some intriguing stats and tidbits about the world’s most widely consumed drug:
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Coffee is the single most popular beverage globally – even more than water! Over 2 billion cups are enjoyed daily. Think about that – people choose coffee more than hydration. Now that’s an addictive substance.
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Its status as a drug is well deserved. The caffeine in coffee is a powerful psychoactive stimulant. A typical cup contains around 100mg of caffeine – enough for noticeable effects, and potential dependency with regular use.
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Speaking of addiction, the majority of regular coffee drinkers experience withdrawal effects if they miss their usual dose. Headaches, drowsiness, irritability – I know those symptoms all too well if I don’t get my morning cup.
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Coffee actually originated in Africa, not South America. The high-energy beans spread along trade routes, which is how coffeehouses sprung up across the Middle East. The brew only arrived in Europe in the 1600s.
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The Dutch were the first to start the plantation model for coffee in Java. Yet despite the name, Java is just one of countless varietals. Others like Arabica, Robusta, and Kona each have unique flavors and properties.
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An elaborate trade system evolved around harvesting and distributing beans globally. This gave rise to commodity terms like “java” for Indonesian origin, “mocha” for Yemeni, and “kopi luwak” for the infamously cat poop coffee!
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Speaking of weird versions, the most expensive coffee in the world is an Indonesian brew called Kopi Luwak. It gets over $700 per pound due to the beans being fermented in the digestive system of Asian palm civets!
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Finland consumes the most coffee per capita globally, averaging 12kg of coffee per person annually. That’s nearly 2.5 cups per Finn per day! Must be helping them cope with those long winters.
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Despite its popularity, coffee has a long controversial history. It has been banned at times in various places, especially in religious cultures. But the crackdown never lasts long – people need their fix!
The more you learn, the clearer it becomes that coffee is no mere beverage – it’s a powerful drug ingrained in countless cultures, with an amazing history. Now I’m wondering if I can even survive a month without it!
What are the Expected Withdrawal Symptoms?
Now that we’ve built up the indispensable roles quality coffee and cannabis play in daily life for so many, what happens when you remove them? Let’s explore the potential withdrawal symptoms that may arise when quitting each substance cold turkey:
Cannabis Withdrawal for most cannabis users, abstaining doesn’t lead to serious or dangerous withdrawal. However, some common symptoms include:
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Mood changes – without your usual stress relief puff, anxiety, irritability, and agitation can increase. Patience may wear thin.
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Sleep disruptions – many users report insomnia and vivid dreaming when stopping heavy cannabis use. Quality rest suffers.
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Appetite shifts – the infamous munchies vanish. You may eat less overall and find food less appealing.
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Boredom – your habit of sparking up to relax or pass time leaves a void. Activities may feel dull and unengaging.
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Cravings – the psychological desire for the ritual of smoking can be intense for some in the beginning.
These effects are mild for light users, but more pronounced for those consuming heavily, especially strains high in THC. I’ve taken cannabis breaks before with only mild boredom and trouble sleeping. But for heavy medical users, effects likely will be more severe.
Coffee Withdrawal Caffeine withdrawal often packs a bigger punch:
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Headaches – likely the most infamous symptom. Without your usual vasoconstriction, blood vessels in the brain dilate, pulsing and pressing. Pain ensues.
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Fatigue – the energetic boost coffee provides disappears. Without stimulation, expect strong drowsiness, yawning, and low motivation.
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Brain fog – concentration and focus decline without caffeine stoking your synapses. You may feel cloudy and absent-minded.
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Irritability – cranky moods and emotional reactivity emerge as your brain misses its usual lift. Short temper and negativity manifest.
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Nausea – digestion seems off, and some feel outright nauseous without coffee’s biological effects. Upset stomach prevails.
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Depression – coming off long-term caffeine usage can significantly disrupt mood via neurotransmitter changes. You may feel down.
Symptoms peak 2-3 days in and last 1-2 weeks for most. But effects can linger for multiple weeks in heavy drinkers.
This won’t be a cakewalk – but that’s the point of my experiment!
Coping Mechanisms for Quitting Coffee
This laundry list of daunting withdrawal symptoms may have me second-guessing my coffee cleanse. But I’m no quitter – it’s only 30 days, and there are ways to reduce the misery. Here are coping strategies I plan to use:
Tapering Quitting cold turkey maximizes shock to your body. I’ll start slowly tapering my intake over a week pre-break. This gives my brain time to adjust to steadily lowering amounts of caffeine rather than immediate deprivation.
Alternate Beverages Luckily, we now have many delicious caffeine-free (or very low caffeine) coffee alternatives. Brands like Dandy Blend, Pero, Cafix use ingredients like chicory root, barley, rye to mimic flavor and ritual. Sipping these instead of water will help trick the brain.
Exercise Nothing relieves restlessness and boosts energy like exercise. I’ll be diligent about daily movement to counter fatigue. Light workouts also alleviate headaches by increasing circulation. Getting the blood pumping is key.
Meditation Centering practices like breathwork, yoga, and meditation will keep me relaxed. And I can use the extra time usually spent sipping coffee for quiet contemplation. A calm mind counters irritability.
Healthy Eating Nutrient dense whole foods provide stable energy lacking from coffee. I’ll craft healthy meals and stay hydrated to nourish body and brain. Good health habits combat withdrawal.
Cannabis (strategically) I may allow limited cannabis use in the evenings initially to aid sleep issues. And oral THC could relieve headaches without smoking. But I must be cautious not to overuse weed for energy or mood. Moderation is mandatory.
Persistence Ultimately, I’ll need grit and willpower to push through acute symptoms. But remembering it’s only 30 days and staying focused on goals keeps me on track. Some discipline goes a long way when quitting.
With preparation and mitigation techniques, I believe I can reduce negative impacts significantly while staying committed. While coffee withdrawal will still be challenging, I aim to make it manageable. It may not be fun, but growth often requires some sacrifice. I got this!
The Sticky Bottom Line
Alright, it’s time to talk about taking that leap.
I’ve been around the block, experimented with substances from cannabis to alcohol and tobacco. Coffee—it’s been the inevitable next one on the list, a leap I’ve been contemplating for a while now. Well, the time has come, and here’s why I’m going for it.
First off, let’s acknowledge the crew I’ve rolled with before. Each substance had its own story, its own quirks, and its own lessons. Cannabis, with its mellowness, opened doors to creativity. Alcohol, the social lubricant, brought unforgettable nights and wicked hangovers. Tobacco, with its calming ritual, became a companion during contemplative moments.
Now, let’s address the big question: why coffee? What’s the allure? It’s simple. Coffee isn’t just a beverage; it’s a journey waiting to be embarked upon. It’s a portal to a world of flavors, a shot of energy to kickstart the day, and a warm hug on chilly mornings. Coffee, unlike my previous companions, won’t make me lose my inhibitions or send me into another dimension. Instead, it’ll sharpen my focus and set the tone for the day ahead.
I recently found myself in a familiar scene—a friend’s birthday bash at the local bar. I had a couple of drinks, nothing crazy, and yet, the next day’s hangover hit me like a freight train. The pounding headache, the overpowering nausea, the lethargy—it was a misery I’d experienced before, a stark reminder of alcohol’s destructive side.
That got me thinking about the dramatic contrast between overindulging in alcohol and giving coffee a shot. With alcohol, a wild night might lead to a brutal hangover or worse. With coffee, you might get uncomfortably wired, but there’s no risk of alcohol poisoning or a pounding headache that makes you swear off booze (until the next celebration, of course).
So, what’s the sticky bottom line here? Coffee is different. It’s a new adventure, a chance to explore uncharted territory. But let’s talk about the elephant in the room—caffeine addiction. I’ve seen friends dive headfirst into the world of coffee, unable to function without their daily fix. Moderation is key, the same lesson I’ve learned through my past experiences.
Coffee isn’t meant to be a puppet master; it should be a companion. It’s a warm embrace in the morning, a source of energy during midday slumps, and a comforting presence during late-night creative endeavors. I’ll tread carefully, keeping it in check, and ensuring it doesn’t take control.
And then there are the flavors! Coffee isn’t just about caffeine; it’s a symphony for the taste buds. From the simplicity of black coffee to the complexity of lattes and cappuccinos, there’s a world of flavors waiting to be explored. It’s a journey in itself, one that I’m excited to embark upon.
So, here’s the deal—I’m taking that plunge into the world of coffee. It’s a new adventure, a fresh chapter in my book of experiences. It’s not just a beverage; it’s a culture, a ritual, a world of possibilities. And like every adventure, it comes with its quirks and potential pitfalls, but I’m ready.
Coffee, here I come! May you be my muse on busy mornings, my companion on lazy afternoons, and the inspiration behind countless conversations. This is it—a fresh start, a new journey, and a whole lot of coffee to explore.
Here’s to the warmth of that first morning brew, the camaraderie of coffee shops, and the endless opportunities over cups. This is me, taking that plunge, ready to embrace the world of coffee with open arms.
Cheers to the adventures that await!
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People in the UK increasingly realize that CBD vaping is quite safe. Even NHS recommends CBD vaping as one of the relatively safer ways to quit smoking. Vaping is not without any harm, but it is much safer than tobacco smoking. Even more, CBD vaping is associated with some good health effects. However, now people are realizing that THC vape pens could be an even more potent way of enjoying CBD’s health benefits.
What is THC Vape?
If readers noticed that in the introduction of this text, we talked about CBD, there is a reason for that. THC vaping is different from CBD vaping, but not entirely. It has much in common with it.
The hemp plant is rich in many cannabinoids. Two major cannabinoids are THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol). It also has many minor cannabinoids in smaller amounts, like CBG, CBC, CBN, THCV and CBDV. CBD vape pens generally have all these compounds except THC.
However, THC vape differ in the way that they also contain small amounts of THC along with CBD, minor cannabinoids, and other beneficial organic compounds like terpenes for added flavour and enhanced vaping experience.
So, why do some of the vape pens have added THC in small amounts? After all, THC is known to be addictive and has mind-altering properties. Well, the explanation is simple: the secret is in the dosage. In smaller and legally permitted dosages, THC does not cause a high; it is safe and can have many health benefits.
When small amounts of THC are added to CBD, minor cannabinoids, and terpenes, it results in much more powerful health benefits. That is why some of the CBD-based clinically approved drugs also contain THC.
THC vape pens may also have some distinct benefits not experienced with CBD vape pens. This is due to “the entourage effect.” The entourage effect is a bit different from synergy. Synergy is like two-plus-two equal to five, meaning that using some compounds together results in a more potent effect, yet safety is not compromised. However, the entourage effect means combining two compounds may result in some unique health benefits not seen when those compounds are used in isolation. So, the entourage effect is more powerful and unique than synergy.
Therefore, using THC vape pens means some unique health benefits, although these vape pens contain THC in small amounts.
THC Vape: The Dangers
It is no secret that THC is the main compound responsible for all side effects of the cannabis plant. This substance is addictive and, at higher dosages, causes euphoria, has potent mind-altering properties, and may cause hallucinations.
However, there is one important thing to understand. All these effects of THC are seen at much higher dosages than those in legally produced THC vape pens.
Legally produced/sold vape pens in the UK, like those by CBDoilking, do not contain THC more than 0.2%. This is significantly lower than cannabis indica or marijuana, which may contain 25% or even more THC. So, there is no comparison between legal THC vape pens and marijuana. At these small dosages, THC does not cause euphoria or other side effects and has no addictive properties. It only has mild stress-relief properties at these dosages.
Secondly, THC vape pens sold by CBDoilking follow other important UK guidelines and legal requirements, which means that THC vape pens cannot contain more than 1 mg of THC. Hence, it is not just about low concentration but also about low amounts, thus ensuring its safety.
Safe and Potent THC vape pens
THC vape pens are for health-conscious individuals who would like to vape on a regular basis. It is safe and may have beneficial effects like reduced anxiety, improved mood, and enhanced sleep, and it may also help reduce pain sensation.
THC vape pen is even better than your regular CBD vape pen for quitting smoking. This is because it is better at reducing tobacco cravings.
CBDoilking sells one of the strongest THC vape pens in the market (75-80% CBD plus CBG along with THC in permitted amounts), and yet all pens sold on the platform follow strict legal guidelines. All the products undergo third-party testing and are proven to contain THC, CBD, and other minor cannabinoids within legally permitted and safe limits.
Another good thing about CBDoilking is that these excellent THC vape pens come in many flavours. These flavours are not due to some artificial substances but rather due to their content of terpenes. Terpenes are plant-based aromatic compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
CBDoilking offers vapes that are based on science, combining different natural compounds in the right ratio. This is both about safety and potency. So, these products are really good for those looking for something better, potent, and yet safe.
The Bottom Line
CBD vape pens have been around for some time, and their safety is well-established. They are an excellent way to quit smoking and also enjoy CBD’s health effects. However, some people are looking for something more potent. THC vape pens are good for such individuals. These contain all beneficial compounds present in the cannabis plant but in the right proportions.
THC vape pen is a new way to enjoy vaping. It is unlikely to cause any side effects as these products are made for regular use. Of course, one should not overdose on THC or CBD. It is important not to have more than a few puffs a day. Rare side effects like nausea or stomach issues might occur but are transient and short-lived. Such issues are rarely the cause of concern, except in a very small number of cases.
Thus, if you are looking for something better to reduce stress and overcome pain and anxiety, then a THC vape pen may be the right choice. Choosing something strong like the one offered by CBDoilking may be a good idea. Despite being strong, these vape pens contain THC only in legally permitted amounts and in concentrations proven to be safe and not cause euphoria.
To sum up, if you are already an experienced CBD vaper, it may be a good idea to give THC vaping a try.
CBD VAPE OIL SAFETY, READ ON…
Thailand To Change Weed Laws Soon?
It’s Still Weed Paradise Right Now, So Go If You Can
Sure, weed is already legal in most of the United States.
However, for people who are in need of a holiday and want nothing to do but relax on a tropical Asian beach while enjoying a joint, the best place is still Thailand. Or at least, for now. Last June 2022, Thailand became the first nation in Asia to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes, albeit due to some governmental loopholes that allowed adult-use dispensaries to pop up like weed around the country.
Just a few days after weed was legalized, budding (pun intended!) entrepreneurs put up all kinds of weed shops and dispensaries. The smell of marijuana was soon prevalent all over, whether you were walking down a street in Bangkok or sunbathing in Phuket. These days, weed shops are as common as ATM machines or bubble tea kiosks.
We aren’t sure how long this is going to last. Over the last 1.5 years, throngs of tourists have come from all over the world to enjoy the globe’s newest weed haven. And while many cannabis businesses and farmers are thriving economically from the weed boom, some government officials are against it. As of the time of writing, the Thai government is working on regulating the cannabis industry much more tightly, so much so that smoking weed may not be such a liberal act to enjoy anymore.
Could Thailand’s weed heydays be this short-lived?
According to the news, Thailand’s health minister is set to ban recreational marijuana use completely by year end. A new bill is forecast to be discussed to parliament before session ends in October. Anutin Charnivakul, the public health minister responsible for initially proposing cannabis legalization, didn’t intend for weed to be as widely sold and consumed as it was. Instead, he explained that he merely intended for it to be used medicinally, helping farmers and other industries earn from the economic benefits of cannabis legalization.
“We have always emphasized using cannabis extractions and raw materials for medicinal purposes and for health,” he disclosed to CNN back in July 2022. “There has never once been a moment that we would think about advocating people to use cannabis in terms of recreation – or use it in a way that it could irritate others,” he added.
They likely did not anticipate or foresee that the tourism sector would experience a massive boom due to the said loopholes in cannabis law. Nobody knew that thousands of tourists would be coming from all over to enjoy partaking, and, helping to boost the tourist economy which was much-needed after the pandemic.
In a Reuters interview with Public Health Minister Dr. Cholnan Srikaew, he says that marijuana will only be permitted for medical use. Recreational users and cannabis growers who do not have a permit can expect to be charged with heavy fines, if the new bill is passed. “Under the new law, cannabis will be a controlled plant, so growing it would require permission. We will support cannabis cultivation for the medical and health industry,” he told Reuters.
The fines they are discussing are certainly steep: in the draft bill, it states that penalties of up to $1,690 can be charged to recreational users. Meanwhile, individuals who are caught selling weed or advertising its use can face a file of as much as $2,770, jail time, or even both.
The news to change Thailand’s once-ideal regulations regarding cannabis use was announced a few months ago, leaving businesses and other industries that are reliant on it, afraid and unable to make any plans for the future.
Can Tourists Still Smoke Weed In Thailand?
Until the government announces final changes to the weed law, tourists are still welcome to smoke weed and partake of recreational marijuana in various forms throughout the country. I just came from spending a few days in Bangkok, the nation’s capital, where hundreds of weed shops are still flourishing throughout the massive city.
Dispensaries are designed in fun, colorful interiors using bright colors and world-class marketing to attract smokers and consumers. We’ve walked into several different kinds of dispensaries and had no problems buying flower, edibles, vapes, and a variety of paraphernalia to consume either in the dispensary or in our hotel room. However, you do have to keep in mind that there are still rules in place.
For one, vaping or smoking weed in public places is still prohibited. Don’t be tempted to light up on the streets even if you can smell weed, because getting caught by the cops can lead to a $700 fine. That said, there are certain areas in Thailand where the law is a bit more – uh, relaxed. For example, in the backpacker central of Khao San Road, it’s not uncommon to see tourists lighting up at night. In the tourist beach areas of Krabi and Samui, there have been reports of tourists being able to easily light up a joint on the street with no problem.
Again, there’s no timeline of how long this is going to last. So if you can go to Thailand before the year end, when the new laws are expected to be set in place, go!
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