Chapter 17 - Timing

Beyond the obvious that quitting marijuana is beneficial now, timing can help ensure success. Society treats marijuana as a harmless habit, but it's a damaging addiction that ruins lives. Escaping now, while committed, gives you the best chance of freedom.

First, identify when you most depend on marijuana - relaxant, sleep aid, social lubricant, creativity enhancer, etc. Then choose a period where those needs are less pressing to begin your quit journey.

If you mainly smoke when bored, pick a busy time. If you rely on it to unwind, aim for vacation time. Take the attempt seriously, planning ahead to anticipate potential failure points like parties or trips.

Don't try to gradually reduce beforehand - this will only strengthen addiction's hold and the illusion marijuana is precious. In fact, it helps to increase marijuana use leading up to your quit date. Pay close attention to how unfulfilling the high becomes with frequent use. Observe the disappointment of expectation vs reality, increased laziness, antisocial tendencies, and lack of motivation in between sessions. Remember how wonderful freedom will feel.

Don't just say "not now, later" and put it out of mind. Commit fully and plan now, looking forward to a clear mind. You aren't giving anything up, only gaining positives.

Medicine long considered marijuana harmless, unaware of today's potent strains and extraction methods. While the chemical addiction is conquerable, the greater challenge is addressing the years of personal brainwashing around cannabis. Individual users have unique illusions addiction feeds on. Communicating insights is key to realizing you can find quitting not only easy, but enjoyable.

This book controversially advises continuing using marijuana until finishing. Many thought this prolongs reading or prevents even starting. But advising immediate quitting results in many not opening the book at all. We tend to think stopping marijuana requires a crutch, yet for this process, that crutch is prohibited. So continuing use removes fears and mental blocks first.

Ask yourself: Did you decide when starting that you'd be dependent for life? Do you plan to remain addicted permanently? If not now, will you ever? Don't wait until the addiction worsens. Use this window of willingness to escape the trap.

We don't live as stressed as believed. Responsibility causes stress when mental health is poor from crutches, not life itself. Escaping addiction returns natural vigor, making stress manageable. And each week passes quickly - it just takes one to be free.

Know how nice life will be without marijuana hanging over you. Follow all instructions, and you won't have to white-knuckle unbearable urges. You'll find quitting easy and enjoyable.