Stressing about Stress

Dear Annalee

I am a middle-aged, high-level executive with a demanding job and a lot of stress in my life. Recently, I started using cannabis as a way to relax and manage my stress. While I have found it helpful, I am also worried about the potential negative impacts it could have on my health and my career. I don’t want to be seen as a “typical stoner,” but I also don’t want to give up something that has been beneficial for me. What should I do?

Stressing about stress relief

Dear S.A.S.R.

It’s great to hear that you have found relief from your stress and anxiety through cannabis use. Remember, cannabis is natural, safe, and an effective option for many people. There is finally a growing body of evidence supporting its use for a wide range of health conditions, including anxiety. (We need more research and hopefully, this is coming soon!)

Cannabis is Safe

Please don’t worry about the potential negative impacts of cannabis on your health or career. While it’s true that there are still some misconceptions and stigma surrounding cannabis, it’s important to know these attitudes are based on outdated and biased information. In reality, cannabis is a very safe choice, especially for stress relief.

As a professional, you should not be concerned about being seen as a “typical stoner.” There is no such thing! Cannabis use is becoming increasingly mainstream and accepted. Many, many successful, responsible adults use cannabis for a variety of reasons, including stress management and anxiety relief. I’m one of them!

Finally, the most important thing is to find what works best for you. It’s okay to have different needs and preferences, and it’s important to prioritize your own well-being.