Mannn i ate some shrooms last year and never smoked WEED again.. I’ve been more motivated, threw out a lot of harder substances, and a lot of my anxiety and underlying guilt is completely gone. It was so magical and so full of love, changed my life for good. In the most positive way possible.

Getting on weed saved me. Getting off weed also saved me too.

"Start hanging out with people with common futures instead of common pasts" damn 💀

I quit smoking two months ago when I realised my high state cost me a promotion at work. In a nutshell I failed strong eye contact during an interview even though my last joint was a week before. Constant smoking had fucked me up to where I was socially awkward and I couldn't even control it which was terrifying to realise. Constant blinking shuffling avoiding gazes, I knew the interviewer could see right through me and I was never going to get it and I didn't. Enough is enough. 2 months without weed my head is clearer my dreams are back and while I grieve the last couple years I spent in the dark cell of THC, I am grateful that I've stuck my head out the tunnel and taking control of my life again! Weed came into my life during grief and the irony is it was threatening to cause me even more down the line if I didn't have the reality check at work! My speech is getting better too. Less and less mumbling and jumbling up my words looking like an idiot and freezing mid sentence. Can't put a price on that! Never Again!

1 Year sober, best decision i ever made. My life improved drastically, after 13 years of smoking. Kind of insane, life is actually enjoyable now. Don't give up hope!

Been sober off weed and alcohol from close to 6 months this is the best I’ve ever felt

Day 1 sober wish me luck fam💪

I’m 5 days off cannabis after smoking everyday for the last 4 years. I lied to myself forever that I need it and it makes me feel better… It’s been a little rough with withdrawal but I’m a man on a mission and will get this thc out of my system for good. Thank you for sharing your story.

2 days sober 20 y of smoking 💪💪💪💪💯

1) brain "healed" 2)improved quality of life 3)improved mental health 4)improvement in relationships 5) "beautiful gift of recovery"

Smoked my entire adult life, now at 39 years old finally gone 6 months without weed or nicotine. So worth it! Basically the interactions i have with others has improved so much. My self confidence has improved. Ive always worked out, but my physical well being has improved, mental clarity has improved. If you’re just starting to get clean or are thinking about getting quiting the devils lettuce, i encourage you to do it. It sounds silly but do you love yourself? Do you want to see how good things could be? Treat yourself right, only one life, dont live it holding yourself back because you like smoking. Be better, be who youre supposed to be!

I quit weed 2 years ago for around 9 months to get back in shape and get my first big boy job out of college. Once I got the job, got more money, amazing shape, I thought I could relax and smoke again. Here I am 2 years later, out of shape, not doing my best in my job, etc. Quitting for good, can’t afford to he handicapped like this

I went to jail for weed-related charges when I was 19 and was there for several months. I’ve been serious about quitting ever since, but ultimately unsuccessful at staying off it. I actively struggled for over a decade without breaking free- but I never gave up on sobriety. Now I’ve finally hit a turning point and have been off weed for nearly a year. Life has consistently gotten better for me in many of the ways you described. God speed brother!

I started smoking since my teenage, got addicted to cigarettes. Spent my whole life fighting Cigarettes addiction. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Not until my wife recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

Been sober for 6 weeks now after a 5 year haze. I am never going back. I love having vivid and meaningful dreams again.

I’m sober 16 months now… let’s get it!

Thank you ❤ I’m on day 5 sober and I can already feel my eyes opening up to the amount of opportunities that can come from sobriety, I want this so bad.

1 week sober after 16 years! I feel like im finally back in my body its insane, never going back hopefully

One of my professor on the first day of lecture said "Bad habits are your masters and good habits are your slaves". 10 days ago I decided to quit this after being an everyday regular for past 12 years. Have gone through the rough phase of insomnia, shakes, chills and what not after it. This made me realize how much of a servant I was to it. Watching this video made me more motivated to quit. I just hope I do not relapse. Thank You!!

weed gives you fresh ideas but prevents you from getting anything done..

Yeah, that's typical addiction, doesn't matter that much which drug. The brain will heal, mental health gets better, everything gets better. I have 4 and a half years off drugs.

Part of the mechanism for why weed amplifies anxiety is because weed dehydrates you. When you smoke, you're essentially introducing "contaminants" (THC, etc.) into the blood through the lungs, and in order for your body to clean everything up (aka become sober), it requires resources (water, minerals, vitamins, etc.). One of the most important minerals that you lose during this process is MAGNESIUM. Without sufficient magnesium, your sense of "calm" gets eroded and anxiety can easily skyrocket given the right environment and triggers. It also ties in with irritability and other mood disorders, but primarily, your thoughts will be scattered, you'll be less focused, more paranoid, and more fearful. Obviously this depends on your personal health status, hence why some people have absolutely no issue with anxiety or paranoia when smoking (at least not yet). This is also why long-term smokers have such higher likeliness for mental health issues. Each time you smoke, you're not only altering your brain and the way you think, but your body has to use vital nutrients to recover (note that this happens with ANY drug), and because you're high, your diet isn't the greatest anyway, so it's just a matter of time before you become chronically deficient in one thing or another, which will lead to various mood disorders and mental health issues, not to mention potential physical health issues. How do I know all of this? I spent years studying nutrition and biochemistry (especially magnesium), as well as weed, after going through severe anxiety and insomnia which I was able to completely reverse naturally (no big pharma) with proper supplementation, diet, and lifestyle. I have no doubt that my regular weed use (1-6 times a week) was a major contributing factor, because once again, it DEPLETES minerals, especially MAGNESIUM

5 months sober and it’s the best thing I ever did to fix my life. Yall can’t imagine how your life will change for the better once you put drugs aside. Before I used to think my life was hard. Nah bro, I was making my life hard and miserable. Now I’m happier than ever and I don’t need no substance to change my mood and fix my way of thinking. The only think you have to accept is that you are AN ADDICT. AND THATS WHY YOU FEEL THAT WITHOUT WEED YOU JUST WONT BE ABLE TO BE HAPPY. ITS NOT TRUE. LIFE STARTS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF ADDICTION.

Psilocybin containing mushrooms save my life. They drastically reduced my benzodiazepine withdrawal allowing me to quite illicit pill addiction after three years of heavy daily use before it would had became medically dangerous to quit

this made me cry in two different parts. this is great i really appreciate you sharing your experience with the world . the amount of depth, honesty, and emotional vulnerability really made it hit home for me.

Weed =Breathing problems. Forgetfulness. Laziness. Memory off. Crabby when not high.

I am so glad people are finally starting to talk about weed this way...i am so tired of hearing all the rhetoric around how amazing it is...and yes, I do feel it has some good things about it but wow, it is being overused and people are self-medicating an alarming rate...with weed that is stronger than ever. I support your path to healing. It is not easy.

Weed can be a lifesaver, but it is wise to listen to our body when it tells us that we don't need it anymore. Good things can also become bad things. Thanks for the video

thank you so much for this video! I am a 36 yr old male that has been high and stoned for 23 years straight everyday multiple times non stop! today it is 12/10/23 and it is my second day weed-free! its the most heaviest thing I've ever had to overcome but I seriously believe the universe popped your vid on my KZfaq home page for the motivation and understanding about bettering ourselves for ourselves so we can better situations and relationships with friends and family! your the man Doug! I appreciate you a lot and I'm very very proud of you! Aloha from Maui!

One of the best and possibly most vital life changing video I've watched. All three of my kids are addicted to cannabis and its destroyed us. Thank you so much for your hard work and for sharing.

I quit smoking after doing it multiple times everyday for years. And I finally found myself again, the part of me I didn’t realize I had left behind but truly needed. I’ve changed in so many ways for the better. My advice to anyone who smokes like this and tells themself that it’s what they need, you have no idea what you’re missing.

I’ve been a weed smoker for about 20yrs. Only time I was sober for the yr I was on probation. During that time my art, music and spirituality exploded. But right after my yr was up I went right back. Now a few yrs later I’m ready to quit on my own. I have slowed down but haven’t completely stopped yet. This video helped me realize more it’s worth it

I'm 4 days sober after 10 years of smoking!! i can do it

Thanks, Doug! As a Certified Peer Support Specialist who works alongside Recovery Coaches, your 5 Gifts video is an excellent positive and empowering message about not just the benefits of cannabis cessation, but the joys and tremendous consequences of recovery in general. Thanks for sharing your clarity!😀

Thanks for that, today is my first day and just happened to come across your video, it's what I needed to hear to stay sober

29 days sober from weed, it’s been a rough road but I’m stickin to it

I’ve had a love affair with weed for many years just like you brother, I feel so good that I don’t do it any more, my new hobby is going to the gym and staying fit, to anyone reading this you can do this, just put your mind heart and soul into it! ☮️❤️🙏🏼

Thanks for sharing. Im on the same path and haven't been smoking for only a month now. Im starting to feel many of the things you talk about in this video and it is highly encouraging to know that from your experience it does get better. I really appreciate it.

More people need to hear this! God bless you man, keep up the good fight!

Yooooooooooo! Thank you for this video. I'm looking to quit weed and liquor and long to feel and operate how you do with a clear mind. I relate to the beginning of your video a lot and it is exactly what I'm looking to feel like and accomplish being that it is something I use to combat anxiety. Thank you for the confirmation that everything is going to be alright since I'm trying to succeed in my business. Thank you for being a testimony IF you ever read this.

Thank you for making this video and i hope you strive towards your goal. From someone that recently abstained themself from consuming edibles, i can relate to your previous issues such as losing myself, more agitation towards others and not processing situations properly as i would now, even within few days of abstinence, i reap a few benefits already and wish to continue this habit as long as i can live. I hope everyone that’s in a similar situation as he was before can learn from this video, because it really will save yourself soo much time to work on yourself❤️

Hi Doug! Thanks so much for sharing your life and story.This is one of the best 20 minutes i've spent in a long time. I'm sharing with a bunch of friends. Thanks again!!

Having heard you completely out, and really can relate to you. I still smoke though. Having stated that, I ride with your reasoning. I also will mention how it does me different, especially in moderation. Now if someone does it with high frequency, it affects more than just the brain. I smoke to actually reduce my anxiety. I am also very active, so it cuts down opportunities to just sit around and smoke endlessly. Your take is valid to me because everything isn't for everyone, and perhaps someone who is abusing it can recognize their inner idiosyncrasies. Continue to be an ambassador. This is very helpful to many people. Kudos!

I just flushed two ounces .. this video is EXACTLY how I feel while smoking … it’s completely messing me up mentally … I’m a recovering crystal meth addict , 5 years and counting clean. That was the hardest thing I’ve ever done and I feel like giving up weed is going to be even harder and it’s giving me a terrible migraine .. ears ringing.. cold sweats … so as of right now I’m just fucking done with smoking … thanks for the video man I needed this

6 months has passed from my last joint,marihuana,I smoked it for 31years,no more panic,paranoid behavior,paranoid thinking,fear non stop,fear of normal life,blaming everyone for my mistakes,not lazy anymore,i was defending weed like its a religion,i am more confident i become day-to-day more confident, it's a fight for life.💪 Everything he is talking is true,everything.😉 And finally I can think normally. But brain damage is for life,unfortunately,31years is a long time for smoking 24/7,but now life is better than before,it's real,it's beautiful, if I did that,you can do it too.😉 ✌❤💚💙🍀🙏

Fantastic video man. Been looking for one like this. Excited for the new chapter

"I realized that I truly needed to spend time with people who have common futures andd not common pasts" this hit me right at home, very well said

I'm on a similar journey. I'm about 3 months sober. Looking forward to more positive changes. So far, it feels like calmer mind, and ability to live more intentionally moment to moment.

I hope we both learn to forgive ourselves for our individual mistakes. Peace. And congratulations.

Very timely video, thank you for sharing your story!

Wow!!! Thank you so much for sharing this! You're an inspiration!

What you shared about taking responsibility for having chosen to deal with emotions the way you did back then with drugs and stopping blaming your parents really hit. Thanks for posting this video.

I've gone a full 24 hours...it feels different lol been smoking (basically) everyday for the past 14 years. The thing that made me want to quit is the social interactions, it made me not want to interact with people because I was content in my own head....fast forward a decade and it impacted me in a way that I didn't see it, I became a bit of a lone wolf at work, at my BJJ gym. And I started getting anxiety whenever I wanted to go talk to girl..I like weee but the problem for me is I can't just smoke once a month. If I hit the bong once I got to hit more..

Amazing testimony thank you for sharing ! This hit home

Good for you brother, keep up the positivity and keep moving forward! For me, I know when I had my addictions I had a lot of the same problems, and in recovery, I received a lot of the same gifts. I do use cannabis on occasion as I never had addiction issues with that substance and can have great medicinal purposes, especially as a veteran with PTSD. But like anything in life, it's about moderation and the reason why you're doing it. If any substances take over your life causing you to have a lower quality of life, then change is needed. Glad you found hope ❤

This video came at the perfect time.. God bless you, brother 🙏 😊

I AM 6-7 months in to My recovery...

You’re telling my whole story man. I can’t believe I finally broke the chains.

Very inspirational, thank you so much for sharing this

Thanks for sharing your story. And for helping others find their way.

People also don’t realize that even if you only use once/day, there’s a big chance it is impacting you during the “other 20 hours” where you’re sober, in all the ways you detail in this video. Although I’ve noticed that is more of an issue with some people than with others.

I always liked weed but when I was raped, it was all I could think about. I couldn’t visualize myself going one day without smoking because I couldn’t take the pain of what happened to me. I’m 8 days sober and even if it’s hard, I’ll keep holding on. Thank you for making this video and giving me hope 🤍

I quit smoking weed almost 3 years ago after smoking it for almost 30 years everyday. 24 days ago I quit drinking alcohol. I feel so much better already. Doing fitness 4/5 times a week. Only smoking tobacco is left. That's gonna be my next move. I'm 51 now so about time.

Thank you so much for this. Like you have used it for anxiety and so much of what you have said resonates. I'm doing it legally but only in a few years am using it all day everyday. Two days clean and it feels scary to go out there without it as a safety blanket. What you said about family is huge. Thank you.

Very well said!! I'm on the same journey, and hearing your words gave me some good encouragement! Thanks for that! And keep it up, this new flourishing journey that you are on!👌👍

I’m a couple weeks clean from weed and a month clean from nicotine. Right now i constantly am being tested and in bad moods without. Glad to know that it gets better, I can’t wait to start feeling better. God bless all y’all ❤️💪🏻🙏🏻

I needed this today A sincere thank you for this. Thank you most for the deep down honest venerability’s shared it resonates with a human who says “I can be better “

3 min in and I feel you are talking about me. Especially avoiding family events so they don’t know I’m high. Thanks for sharing

I started smoking pot when I was in my teens in the 70s and stopped when I turned 20 but now that I'm in my 60s I've started up again because of a few health reasons but for the most part I don't actually smoke, I vape at low temps and I eat edibles and it's helping a lot where the drugs they put me on just masked the symptoms and barely did that and came with a bunch of side effects. The one thing that I have to say is weed from the 70s was weak compared to what's out there today but I opt for lower THC flower or just take less of it then I would have back in the day. Because of it I've been able to cut back on prescription and over the counter drugs and I even stopped drinking alcohol which was never a real problem but when you get older you start being affected differently than when you're younger. Chronic anything isn't good for you! Good video!

I quit smoking marijuana about 4 months ago and I’ll never go back to using it again. I used it for years. When I smoked it I never had any dreams and my sleep was never consistent. Now that I quit I have dreams every single night. I feel much better and think a lot more clearly.

Thank you for that. I'm decied quiting and after watching this video, I realized you had same issues that I was beating in my mind. Best Regards, from Brasil! Pedro Ribeiro.

thnk u so mch for taking your time to share this ! it is def helping me stay motivated as i continue to cut weed out of my life more and more as the days pass. Godbless you

Amazing Doug! I just quit 7 days ago(5 years of addiction). I can’t even tell how awesome I feel already. NEVER AGAIN!

Been sober for 13 months. I miss it every day. I was a functioning stoner, able to maintain a 9-5 and even getting a promotion for my hard work. I would only smoke during the evening. Since my depression has came back, and my performance at work is just the same as it was before but I no longer have anything to look forward too. I still go to the gym and do all the same things I have before. I’ve struggle with sleep and lack creativity. It feels like I’m dead inside and it’s hard to justify the benefits of stopping. My family hates it so my relationship with them has improved. I am between a rock and a hard place with marijuana, as I never actually had any problems with it in the first place, and It helped me crawl out of a dark place. I fear I am slowly returning

Thanks Doug Bopst, it takes lots of guts. Continue the great work. You are appreciated.

Confidence and ambition instead of anxiety and lazyness... yeah

In my opinion the problem with all substances is when it becomes a habit, or a method of finding comfort when things are difficult. I smoked weed many times a day for a dozen years. I do believe it helped me through a transitional period in my life. When I didn't need it anymore, I stopped smoking daily. I still smoke on occasion and I enjoy it, but it is no longer an escape for me. Self-awareness is the key.

Happy for you man, and thank you for sharing this!

Thanks for sharing your story. I related to all of it. I got more from your story than any NA meeting. I will now quit. The various responses from other viewers have also helped. Thank you.

Thanks for the pep talk day 3 no pot 🎉 first day completely suked day 3 still craving but better mood and very hopeful. Thanks

Initially I stopped bc I was looking for a job…it’s now day 12 and I feel amazing… I can’t believe it but I’m good on that Mary Jane…even after the drug test…I’m good! I feel high off life and realized how much more I get done now, I think clearer and I’ve even lost weight …y’all know them munchies are crazy 😅 Good luck to all ✨

Very nice video bro, thanks for sharing your perspective, empowering brother, keep doing u!

I’m just starting my journey, 2 days in and it’s real! What has helped me most is hearing from people like you, who have been down the path and willing to help others through their experience. Thank you so much for sharing!

For the last 25 years I did not understand what boredom was until I quit smoking for 5 months. There maybe benefits for most people bit quitting for me was torture. How anyone can do this world sober is beyond me.

I have been working on quitting weed lately, it's not easy I have smoked it for more than fourty years, I do notice when I slip and smoke a little then anxioty really set's in, I will not give up on quitting!

Amen! Your video is so honest! thank you for making it!

Cheers, thanks for sharing, thank you for this perspective😊

00:03 Quitting cannabis led to my brain healing and better cognitive function. 02:07 Quitting weed improved my brain function and quality of life. 04:07 Quitting weed improved overall quality of life and mental health 06:24 Quitting weed led to improved mental health and self-confidence 08:39 Quitting weed improved mental health and relationships 10:46 Quitting weed allowed me to improve my relationships and choices. 12:51 Learning to prioritize self-discovery and surrounding myself with supportive relationships. 14:41 Quitting marijuana led to improved relationships and self-connection. 16:55 Recovery has brought me numerous gifts and opportunities 18:42 Quitting cannabis brought healing, improvement, and hope

Stoppwd now for almost 3 weeks, and the most impactful thing so far is clarity of thought, and way better memory.

Thank you so much for this video, I have been struggling with quitting weed, all you have said is facts and encourages me to stay more disciplined. Seriously thank you!

Made the choice to change my relationship with cannabis. 7 days since I went cold on smoking it. There’s much better ways to have cannabis in your life instead of smoking it. It’s been a awesome reset after those first 3-4 days cravings. Stay strong guys, you got this too 💪🏾

Wow. I also went to the hospital twice from panic attacks from pot.

I’ve been a chronic user for 10+ years but have wanted to quit for a long time now. I’m unable to get through the initial withdrawal every time. It keeps me trapped in this shame cycle of trying to quit and feeling like a failure because I can’t, then feeling shame for continuing and repeat. I constantly question what things would be like if I could ever stop? Now no time ever feels like the right time because I can’t control my emotions when withdrawing and take it out on the people I care about. Just stuck in my own high paranoid head all the time.

Thanks for sharing and repeating the benefits/gifts multiple times.

Brother, you have no idea how much it feels like you're describing my situation. I recently quit weed(over a month ago) I can literally feel my brain slowly healing itself(smoked weed for 11 years) everything you're describing, including life /relationship stuff is ON POINT, exactly matches what I'm going through currently. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Just use it 4x a month in forest for self love self development self realisation,, i mostly use it for learning new things, and keep tolerance level as much as possible

Weigh the pros and cons to quitting. I quit while hiking the PCT. It takes about four days to get over bouts of anger or whatever. You know it was fun for a while on weed, but then it takes a toll on your circulatory system. I used to drink as well. It was fun for a while, but I just did dumb things on drugs and alcohol. I would get sleepy and not think clearly. So much wasted time!

I needed this. Thank you for sharing 🙏

Great video, thanks for sharing your story.

I don't think marijuana was intended to be used 24/7, in the same way alcohol shouldn't be used 24/7. If you drink alcohol every day, especially in larger doses, if you have a sudden withdrawal, you will shake with seizures while seeing pink elephants. Weed is a mild hallucinogen, and should be used with respect like with any other hallucinogen, with the proper set and setting. In the 60s a term for smoking weed was 'getting high'. Then when stronger Columbian pot was used in the 70s, it changed to 'getting stoned'. Then when modern Indica sinsemilla came along, it was 'getting faded' But now that its legal, its lost the underground cult atmosphere of rebellion and secrecy, with the clique of friends that banded together to share their special interest and ways of obtaining. Now that you can buy it at a store, its become conventional and boring, certainly not something to inoculate yourself with like a masochist.