In Brookline, Massachusetts, 75-year-old Miguel Laboy has found himself caught in a cycle of habitual cannabis use, reflecting a broader trend across the country. Once a casual consumer, Laboy's daily routine now revolves around cannabis, highlighting how normalization can sometimes lead to dependency.
Experts claim the increasing availability of high-potency cannabis products is shifting users’ experiences. With products now containing THC levels between 80% and 95%, many find themselves struggling to recognize when relief has turned into compulsion.
The rise of users like Laboy, who turned to cannabis for relief from anxiety and depression, showcases the complex relationship between mental health and substance use. As they navigate through societal shifts and personal struggles, the need for education and awareness about the risks associated with cannabis consumption becomes paramount.
Dr. Kevin Hill, an addiction specialist in Boston, urges informed decision-making among consumers, emphasizing that while cannabis can be beneficial for many, the risks often outweigh the benefits for users like Laboy, who feel trapped in their habits. As more people face similar challenges, communities are forming to support those wanting to cut back or quit altogether.
