Finding Inner Peace Without Drugs Offers a Viable Alternative to Recreational Use
Nineteen states now have legalized marijuana for recreational use. A recent article in Neuroscience News reported on a study conducted by researchers from The Western Australia University.
"The paper describes cannabis as a “genotoxic” substance because it damages a cell’s genetic information, which can lead to DNA mutations, accelerated aging, and increase the risk of cancer. '
It went on to say, 'this genotoxicity may be transmitted via damaged egg and sperm to the cannabis user’s offspring, making the risk of cannabis use trans-generational."
The study is about addiction biology and makes the following conclusion:
Cannabis use damages cellular energy production by inhibiting mitochondria
Mitochondrial dysfunction drives chromosomal damage
That damage shows up as increased rates of cancer, accelerated aging, and birth defects.
Marijuana is to Cannabis as ...
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Heath, the word “cannabis” refers to all products derived from the plant Cannabis sativa. The cannabis plant contains about 540 chemical substances. The word “marijuana” refers to parts of or products from the plant Cannabis sativa that contain substantial amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Harmful, Helpful, or Both
In that same Neuroscience News issue, research by scientists at another university in Australia - the University of Sydney identified a constituent in the cannabis plant that improves sleep. "Researchers have demonstrated that cannabinol (CBN), a compound found in aged cannabis, improves sleep in rats. The study revealed that CBN increased both NREM and REM sleep, leading to more total sleep time with effects comparable to zolpidem, a common sleep medication." Read full article.
Proponents for the legalization of Cannabis for recreational use say it causes fewer harms than alcohol. Others worry that the legalization of cannabis has outpaced the research. Also, that it could have severe Impacts on the brains of young people because they are still in the developmental stage.
Cannabis vs Alcohol
Now there are more daily users of cannabis than alcohol, according to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, by Jonathan Caulkins, a Cannabis Policy Researcher at Carnegie Mellon. In 2022, the number of daily and near daily users outpaced daily users of alcohol.
Is it Possible to be Peaceful and Joyful without Drugs?
People may use drugs to feel good, self-medicate uncomfortable emotions, enhance performance, or to simply experiment.The reliance on recreational drugs can be understood considering the difficulties and challenges of daily life.
It is entirely possible to experience peace and joy without the use of drugs by cultivating mindfulness and meditation practices. These ancient techniques help ground us in the present moment, allowing us to move beyond stress, anxiety, and emotional turbulence. Meditation, for example, involves focusing the mind on a single point—such as the breath, a mantra, or a visualization—quieting the mental chatter that often clouds our sense of inner calm. Over time, this practice helps to rewire the brain, promoting greater emotional stability, improved focus, and a profound sense of well-being.
Mindfulness, on the other hand, involves bringing full awareness to the present moment without judgment. Whether through mindful breathing, walking, or simply observing thoughts and sensations as they arise, this practice encourages us to develop a compassionate and non-reactive relationship with life’s challenges. Studies have shown that mindfulness and meditation can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure, and even enhance our capacity for joy. Together, these practices remind us that peace and happiness are not external pursuits but states of being we can nurture from within.
While cannabis is often promoted as a natural remedy for stress, anxiety, and other conditions, there remains a significant lack of comprehensive research on its long-term effects. Questions about its impact on mental health, cognition, and overall well-being are still largely unanswered, leaving users with an incomplete understanding of potential risks. This gap in knowledge highlights the urgent need for more rigorous studies to provide clarity and guide responsible recreational use. At the same time, it underscores the importance of promoting non-drug alternatives like mindfulness and meditation, which offer safe, accessible, and evidence-based methods for achieving lasting peace and joy. By fostering a deeper understanding of both cannabis and holistic practices, we can empower individuals to make informed choices about their mental and emotional health.
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