Introverts haven’t always been graced with the same level of respect as extroverts. We, for whatever reason, have been labelled as boring, snotty, unfriendly, and have been denied opportunities for “not being more outspoken.”
Have these opinions changed in the past decade? Yes, but slowly. However, it’s not to an extent where it’s miraculously easier for us now to find our place in society.
My introversion has taught me a lot about myself and the world, and with cannabis, I was able to dig even deeper. It’s the harmonious solution we introverts have been scouring the galaxy for (or at the least the inside of our house), and now it’s here and somewhat legal, depending on where you are in the world of course.
Introverts have so much to gain from this therapeutic plant, and it’s time we talked about it.
There’s no question the wheels in the mind of an introvert are constantly turning, and often at full speed. A barrage of questions, both deep and bizarre, can swim on and on without ever being spoken or answered.
As introverts, we don’t experience the world as many extroverts do daily. Loud noises, crowds, and the death sentence that is after-work gatherings and work-social events quickly deplete us. Rather than igniting our inner social butterfly so we can seamlessly weave through the evening, our 110-year-old spirit is dying to curl back under an oversized blanket while watching the same YouTube video for the literal 100000th time.
We aren’t people who can always stay on-the-go or find peace in life by dancing and/or drinking our weekends away until Monday. There’s no shade or criticism to those who do find enjoyment in that, but this kind of ‘relaxation’ just doesn’t fall under the Introvert Terms of Service. Our minds need quieter moments. They need extensive self-care and unapologetic rest.
Introverted minds need their own continent is basically what I’m saying.
And yet, the one thing that can ground us and make all the external noise slightly duller is cannabis. It unravels the extroverted mask we wear every day to get along in society and creates a mental environment that’s engaging enough without being overwhelming. We’ll ponder about topics that go far beyond, “How was your weekend,” and can be entertained by our brains for hours.
Without so much noise and energy-suckers, we can reflect on our day, feelings, and not feel guilty about becoming one with the force...and the couch.
Seriously, beds and couches are an introvert’s unspoken lovers.
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: an entire group of employees walks into a bar after work, and then the introvert sneaks out the door and drives home for a read and weed session.
Yes, we’ve all made the astute observation that introverts were the people God created to ruin Satan’s good time. We don’t like loud parties, we can’t handle constant conversation (boring ones anyway), and we’ll probably be looking pissed off in a corner somewhere. To be honest, though, that last one is probably because the cat or dog we found at the house party finally got tired of playing with us for the last hour.
Now here’s the thing, not all introverts are anti-social, but we just can’t interact in such a stimulating environment like an extrovert can. Smoking cannabis does more than take the edge off. It lets us stay present and enjoy ourselves. We don’t keep stressing the whole night about how we look or what we said in the last conversation we had.
Do you want to get us out to an event? Make cannabis one of the party favours!
Picture it: Sunday morning. 8 a.m. An introverted toker is taking in the morning sun with a pen and pad, drawing book, or their other favorite artistic item, and gets lost in the scenery.
Not every introvert has to be artistic, but the ones who are can get behind cannabis as an inspirational tool. My little fingers can type until I get carpal tunnel if I’m super focused on what my topic is, and smoking opens the floodgates for more creative freedom.
There’s not the pressure of needing something to be perfect or stressing over our talent by comparing it to someone else’s. It’s simply about connecting with a piece of our personality that doesn’t get enough exercise when life is constantly dividing our attention. Cannabis frees us from the absurd expectations we tend to put on ourselves sometimes and reminds us how special we are by simply existing as we do.
No period of time should exist from here on in where people feel ashamed of their introversion. Our reality is, in fact, the opposite of what it is for more than half the world. Plus, consistent access to technology only heightens the anxieties we already feel about not doing or investing enough in ourselves, even when we’re already trying so hard.
Until recently, introverts were meant to feel ashamed. We were meant to feel lesser than our extroverted counterparts because we weren’t as outgoing with an innate need to be constantly out and about.
The modern workforce stares at us with contempt. Let’s not pretend otherwise. But always being part of a team can sometimes hinder our progression rather than advance it. Teamwork is an integral part of society; we never doubt that. What we doubt is the need to make our coworkers part of our holiday celebrations or after-work bar clatch.
Cannabis is a true friend to us introverts. It doesn’t force us to focus on the things we don’t like about ourselves. It propels our creativity and allows our wandering thoughts to find a stable home without judgement.
If you’re an introvert who is curious about cannabis, I highly encourage you to take on that experience. There’s no one way to enjoy cannabis nowadays, so make sure to do some thorough research and consult a physician or a mental health professional if your interest has peaked, especially if you are on any other kind of medication (and that you’re in a legal state of course.)
My introversion has become my superpower with the help of cannabis. Self-love and acceptance are easier than before and there’s not a person on Earth who has the right to criticize our way of naturally healing. The only way to normalize both is by starting the dialogue.
Yes, introverts, we need to talk to other people. We’ll get through it though, don’t worry.
Alyna Paparazzi is a content writer with experience in the digital marketing space. She's authored multiple articles for the Traveling Vegan Cannabis Blog and works as a freelance cannabis writer for other online publications. Her writing aims to inform, educate, and enlighten the public on the benefits of cannabis for physical and mental health.
Social media links:
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