Cannabis Can Help During Hard Times, but Don't Depend On It

Dear Stoner: I could use some weed that helps me forget this bullshit going on the world. Got anything that takes care of that? Watching Trump tear our country down is getting stressful.
Prius Primus

Dear Prius Primus: It's hard to judge people who find themselves in front of the bar or bong more often these days with everything going on in the world. Reading national news has become scary and joyless, as if life as a grunt isn't stressful enough. I'm hesitant to recommend anything that will get you so high that you're removed from the world, but here are a few strains to help you get outside and fall asleep:

Chocolate Diesel from SPCY Canna and McLaren rosin by Mighty Melts have kept me happy and hungry since May, but they also bring upbeat highs that are great for walking the dog, hiking or going to the park. Blue Zushi, a popular nighttime strain in Denver, has been doing the exact opposite before bed, and it tastes like a Baby Bottle Pop. Toke any of these, young Padawan, and the Force will reignite within you. Dear Stoner: I've had a rough few months and find myself smoking more weed. Nothing crazy, but more than the usual one bowl at night before bed. At what point does it become dependence?
Chris

Dear Chris: Cannabis isn't scientifically addictive like meth or heroin, so it's harder to gauge when regular use becomes a serious problem, especially since cannabis also has medical benefits people rely on. But anything can be psychologically addictive, and smoking weed definitely carries that risk. When you do it on a daily basis because of relationship problems or life's roadblocks, it's probably time for self-assessment.

Hey, most of us have been stuck in ruts before, and there could be another one around the corner. While it's generally better to smoke weed at home instead of turning to alcohol or hard drugs, we need to be aware of when we're doing too much. Whether you're smoking small amounts or still feel productive is irrelevant; if your mind is constantly wondering if cannabis consumption has become a problem, chances are it is. Don't be hard on yourself, but it's time to listen to that voice in your head, find other things to do, and take a break from the plant. This is when having some sober friends comes in handy.

Herbert Fuego is the alias of a longtime Westword staffer. Send him questions through [email protected]