Westword
Audio By Carbonatix
Dear Stoner: I love to read after smoking weed, but lately I can’t remember anything. I’ll smoke a couple bowls, read four or five chapters, and then barely retain anything. Have you dealt with this, and is there anything I can do about it?
Hazy Historian
Dear Hazy Historian: Long-term cannabis use impacts our memories, but there are probably a few factors at play, such as your age, THC tolerance and the herb and literature involved. My short-term memory is definitely worse as I get older, and my cannabis use increases as my tolerance grows. If you’re a regular cannabis user, it’s probably time to take a short break or reduce toking time to reset or weaken your THC tolerance.
Elsa Olofsson/Unsplash
Stick to a few hits before reading instead of multiple bowls, and make sure you’re not getting distracted by your phone or life, because stoned interruptions only weaken an already-crispy memory. Consider taking fish oil or a nutritional memory supplement, and reconsider the books you choose for weed-and-read sessions. Anything involving ancient names or sci-fi lore is a non-starter for me – ain’t no way I’m remembering that shit after a bong rip – so maybe it’s time for more traditional fiction.
We’re thankful for you. Are you thankful for us?
We feel thankful for our staff and for the privilege of fulfilling our mission to be an unparalleled source of information and insight in Denver. We’re aiming to raise $50,000 by December 31, so we can continue covering what matters most to this community.
Help us continue giving back to Denver.
Herbert Fuego is the pseudonym of a longtime Westword staffer eager to answer your weed questions. Send them to marijuana@westword.com
