Replying to a Major Publications Article on Weed

An individual holding a written report next to a laptop

Written by, Param D.

Today an article called “Review of Medical Cannabis Use Finds Little Evidence of Benefit” that was published by a major news outlet. I started to read the comments, many of which denied  that weed could be addictive or harmful. It prompted me to write a comment of my own.

“I’m a weed addict. It’s not a joke, but I don’t mind if you laugh. I appreciate this article.

It took a few years of trying to quit unsuccessfully before I realized that I needed help to do so. I’m grateful that my psychiatrist took my inability to quit seriously, and encouraged me to seek help for addiction. Chronic bronchitis and driving my child around stoned were my reasons to quit.

Like many other addicts, I find that attending 12-step meetings through Marijuana Anonymous is crucial to maintaining my abstinence from weed. I have found that the condition that I was trying to treat with weed (anxiety) only improved after quitting and detoxing from heavy marijuana use. Surveys report alcohol use is down. I suspect that many drinkers are switching to weed. As marijuana use increases, we will see more incidences of people trying to quit who cannot do so. We will see more instances of CHS (cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome). As with other substances and addictive behaviors, marijuana use can be fine and healthy for some folks, but for others it crosses over into compulsive and obsessive use.”

Published in A New Leaf – April 2026

More Articles

  • Gifts of the Program

    Written by, Terri R. I got my nine month chip at a Glendale MA meeting this week. I am the type of person who reflects on my progress whenever I reach a milestone like this. Course, I am very proud of myself. However, I’m also thinking of all the gifts I received from the program…

    Gifts of the Program
  • Love and Understanding

    Written by, Terry M. In the book, “The Road Less Traveled,” Scott Peck defines love as “the will to extend one’s self for the purpose of nurturing one’s own or another’s spiritual growth.” One of the first things I remember being told when I reached these rooms was “we will love you until you learn…

    Love and Understanding
  • Thoughts from the Field 

    Written by, John H. I believe in myselfI believe that every action for myselfgives value to myselfand if you are willing to actin love of youI believe in you The story of my recovery is the story of desire. What I desired was life, for I was living without desire. I did not know who…

    Thoughts from the Field 
  • “Let your drug of choice be life”

    Created by, Callie B. Published in A New Leaf – September 2025

    “Let your drug of choice be life”
  • Shared Steps

    Written by, Cheryl B. You didn’t flinch.I noticed.Even when I unraveledlike thread pulled too far. You didn’t rush to fixor offer polished truths.You just stood—still,present. That mattered morethan you’ll ever know. I spilled stories,pixelated and flickering,sent across flat screensand silent hours. You received themwithout question,without recoil.Patient as a treein soft wind. I expected judgment—maybe even…

    Shared Steps
  • Summer Days

    Written by, Michael M. For me, sunny summer days were made for using. At the pool. Before work. After work. For BBQ’s. For hikes in the woods. My friend used to say that weed was a “guaranteed good time.” And for addicted me, summer was prime “party” time. My mind wants to reminisce about how…

    Summer Days