There is chemical addiction and there is psychological addiction. Weed might not be chemically addictive but it can sure be psychologically addictive which is true with most stoners.
Which category do tea and coffee fall into?
I had ChatGPT answer this like a stoner:
Dude, coffee and tea are loaded with this incredible compound called caffeine. It’s like a chemical wizard that messes with your brain in two ways: chemically and mentally. Chemically, caffeine hooks onto these receptors in your brain, blocking this chill neurotransmitter called adenosine. So instead of feeling relaxed and sleepy, you’re all pumped up and alert.
But that’s not all, man. When you consume caffeine regularly, your body becomes physically dependent on it. So, if you suddenly stop guzzling that liquid goodness, you’re gonna feel some withdrawal symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and even crankiness. It’s like your body is saying, “Hey, where’s my daily dose of that buzz?”
And let’s not forget about the mental game. Coffee and tea can be habit-forming, creating this psychological attachment. You know, that warm mug, that familiar taste, it becomes a part of your routine, man. Plus, the stimulating effects of caffeine can make you crave that buzz, that laser-focused state of mind.
So, there you have it, bro. Coffee and tea aren’t just about flavor and ritual; they mess with your brain chemistry and play tricks on your mind. It’s like a wild ride, all packed into a cup.
My God this had me rolling. This kinda shit is my favorite use of AI.
What a time to be alive where computers can do this.
I drink coffee everyday. I will rise my cup of Joe to the stoner. I get you bro.
Cheers! I’d like to pass on this info though, for anyone who enjoys both like myself:
Caffeine drinking potentiates cannabinoid transmission: interaction with stress effects - Neuropharmacology 2009
Our data suggest that the cannabinoid system is implicated in the psychoactive properties of caffeine and in the ability of caffeine to reduce the pathological consequences of stress. Chronic caffeine assumption sensitized GABAergic synapses to the presynaptic effect of cannabinoid CB1 receptor stimulation by exo- and endocannabinoids. The synaptic effects of caffeine were slowly reversible after its removal from the drinking solution. Furthermore, although exposure to caffeine for only 24h did not produce measurable changes of the sensitivity of cannabinoid CB1 receptors, it was able to contrast the down-regulation of CB1 receptor-mediated responses after social defeat stress.
I copied the rest from bloommedicinals.com, just the relevant bits. Also added the links to the studies and the pages with additional descriptions.
TL;DR:
- Low levels of caffeine can help to maximize the effects of THC, but too much caffeine can lessen the impact of your cannabis
- Caffeine and THC can both increase dopamine levels, but too much at once can trigger anxiety, agitation, and paranoia
What Happens When You Smoke Weed and Drink Coffee?
Since coffee and cannabis may offer so many health benefits on their own, you might think it’s safe to assume that enjoying a little bit of weed with your coffee would be okay. The reality is … it might be safe for most, but not for all. Here’s why.
THC and coffee can boost the amount of dopamine in our systems. Although dopamine can promote feelings of happiness and euphoria, too much of it at once can trigger anxiety, agitation, and paranoia. In addition, both caffeine and THC can both increase your blood pressure and heart rate.
This is why many doctors advise that those with heart conditions and those at risk of heart arrhythmia or stroke, should not mix caffeine and THC. So, if you’re new to mixing coffee and cannabis, it’s important to consult your doctor to make sure it makes sense for you. If it does, begin with lower amounts of coffee and cannabis than you would normally consume on their own. Then if needed, you can increase your dosage slowly.
Back in 2014, a study was conducted to measure the effects of mixing caffeine and cannabis on squirrel monkeys. The results of this study were published in the Journal of Neuroscience. (also described here)
The monkeys were given the ability to self administer cannabis whenever they wanted. All they had to do was to pull on a lever. When the monkeys were given low doses of a substance similar to caffeine, they seemed less likely to reach for the THC. But, when they received high doses of caffeine, they seemed to reach for that lever more often.
Then in 2018, a study led by Marilyn Cornelis at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine seemed to back up these findings. This time, the study examined the effects of mixing cannabis and coffee on humans. It found that the more caffeine people consumed, the less cannabis their body was able to metabolize. (also described here)
So, although small amounts of caffeine can help your THC go a long way – too much caffeine can lessen its effects.
Thing is, caffeine is physically addictive. Weed is not.
But you can make a habit out of anything.
Weed is not going to ruin your life the same way like benzos and alcohol would. If you smoke everyday then you probably aren’t very productive, but you are not actively ruining your life.
Weed is dangerous because of how safe it is. It makes you ok with being bored and not progressing/growing as a person. Alcohol addiction will straight up make you homeless.
If you aren’t very productive you haven’t found the right strain… or you’re eating edibles.
Ive honestly stopped buying the different strains have different effects talk. No matter what I smoke I get stoned and lazy af. Not that that’s bad, it’s just what happens.
Same here. Tried indica because it “slows you down” vs sativa, and all the hybrids in between. All are the same affects
As someone who smokes weed way too often… I do it because I’m addicted to it and anyone who says it’s ‘habitual not addictive’ or they’re just ‘medicating’ is in denial
Anyone who says it isn’t addictive is lying to themselves and potentially harming others who may end up getting addicted themselves.
As someone else who smokes way too much… I do it because I’m addicted to it. Most people don’t realize that habitual addictions are addictions, and just because weed doesn’t have physical withdrawal symptoms, doesn’t meant you can’t be addicted.
The fun thing is, it does have physical withdrawal symptoms when you stop.
They’re just not nearly as bad some other substances.
I’d rank them worse than coffee’s withdrawal symptoms.
well I have been trying to quit and haven’t had a puff for like 3 days and I’ve been feeling like shit, whole body sore and persistent headache. I’m not sure if it’s withdrawal though or if I just caught a virus
Marijuana is absolutely physically addictive as much as people want to say it isnt. Mind you im someone who smokes the minute they leave work until they go to bed. So im not here to push any kind of anti-marijuana view point, but i do think we as stoners should be honest. Everyone i know who stops smoking weed has two very common side effects.
- They have a lot of trouble getting to sleep
- Wild/fucked up dreams.
I understand that this is a side effect of lack of REM but you cant say these aren’t physical withdrawal symptoms. Research is needed, but just because we all want it to be legal, doesn’t mean we should ignore the facts.
Marijuana is absolutely physically addictive as much as people want to say it isnt.
I mean it scientifically isn’t though. Physical addictions don’t just give you psychological withdrawals, they are physical. Your body becomes dependent on them to maintain homeostasis.
Cold turkeying drugs like opioids and benzos can kill you.
Just because the withdrawal symptoms aren’t as bad doesn’t mean they don’t exist. I said this before, research is needed. Going off of whats been said over the last 50 years of prohibition seems silly to me. And i for sure use marijuana to keep me in homeostasis. We need to stop saying psychological withdrawal doesnt have roots based in brain chemistry. I think everything we have begun to learn about mental health shows what little we actually know.
