Maybe you've only recently started smoking weed and are trying it out, or maybe you've been smoking for a while, but not that often.

For you, smoking weed is something special and you only smoke it on special occasions. It doesn't take up much of your time – you don't smoke weed during school hours or at work. This means your performance doesn't suffer and you don't have any problems. You only smoke as much as you intend to, and you can stick to it.

Most of your friends don't use cannabis, and you have enough friends who don't use it to make up for it. You wouldn't neglect your friends because of smoking weed because they are important to you. The same applies for your hobbies. You don't neglect them because of it.

When it comes to important things, you make sure you keep a clear head.

So far, smoking weed has mostly been fun and relaxed, and you may be wondering what the problem is. Basically, there is no problem with smoking weed, but always bear in mind that it is associated with health risks.

If you have only recently started smoking weed, the future is quite open, but you should be aware of the risks.

For example, the earlier you start smoking weed, the greater the risk of problems.The use of cannabis is very dangerous, especially for young people. This is also true of all addictive substances, including alcohol and cigarettes. When you're 13, 14 or 15, there are so many exciting things happening, like your first job, your first girlfriend or boyfriend, and moving out from your parents, that it's easy to lose track of things.

Maybe you're one of those - by the way, the majority of young people - who decide to quit after trying it out, or you might start smoking weed just sometimes as you get older.

Perhaps you enjoy smoking weed consciously. But you probably smoke more than you want to.

This means you belong to the smaller group of young people who smoke pot. Most young people and adults don't smoke pot.

At cool parties or other special occasions, you have problems controlling the amount you smoke. You notice it the day after, and if you notice negative consequences, that would be a reason for you to be careful and smoke less or not at all.

You probably smoke weed  in unfavourable situations and it has become a habit. It's no longer an exceptional pleasure.

Sometimes, when you're under a lot of stress, the joint "helps" you to relax. Or you smoke weed in situations where you would have been better off not, for example during school days when you have to listen and concentrate. This is why you may have underperformed in exams.

Are you aware of the risks? Using cannabis is very dangerous, especially for young people. This is also true for all addictive substances, including alcohol and cigarettes.The earlier you start smoking weed, the greater the risk of developing problems. This is also true for all drugs, including alcohol and cigarettes. When you're 13, 14 or 15, there are so many exciting things happening, like your career, your first girlfriend or boyfriend, and moving out from your parents, that it's easy to get carried away.

To avoid taking your own consumption too lightly, we suggest that you take a break from smoking weed for at least two weeks. Take a moment to think about your situation again. After the break, you'll be better able to decide whether you're taking too many risks by smoking weed or if you're enjoying it in moderation.

It's important for your well-being to think about the benefits of smoking weed, to know yourself and to be aware of the risks and dangers of cannabis.

Do you need help? Get anonymous online advice via email or chat: 

Online counselling DigiSucht

Don't hesitate to contact a local counselling centre. Some counselling centres offer discussion groups for young people who smoke, think about it or want to change. Professionals can help you to focus on your wellbeing and smoking.

Talking to someone close to you is just as important. This is what young people who have been or are in the same situation have told us.

Click in, find out:

Weed Users withour worries

Weed Users with reservations

Smoking weed is causing you problems, even if you don't want to admit it.

You may use it to 'cope' with stress, boredom or other unpleasant feelings. Or cannabis is a source of pleasure and sociability.

When it comes to important things, it can happen that you're stoned and not clear-headed. This can affect school, for example. You may not do as well as you used to, or be as motivated as you used to be.

Maybe your friends have told you to cut down. Or maybe you have thought about it yourself. But because it's been easy for you and you don't feel any negative consequences, you don't see what giving up cannabis could do for you.

Smoking weed is an increased risk to your health. Your use is probably harmful. You probably don't find it easy to admit that the way you smoke is problematic and that it's time to change.

If you don't want to run the risk of trivialising your use, you need to take a break. After the break, you will be able to distinguish better between pleasure and risks.

For your well-being, we recommend that you talk to someone you trust. Think about why you smoke cannabis, what it does for you and the risks involved.

Do you need help? If you need a helping hand, you're more than welcome to get some friendly and anonyous advice online via email or chat:

Online counselling DigiSucht

Don't hesitate to contact a local counselling centre. Some counselling centres offer discussion groups for young people who smoke, think about it or want to change. Professionals can help you to focus on your wellbeing and smoking.

Click in, find out:

Weed Users without worries

Weed Users with reservations

Cannabis is important to you. Smoking weed is part of your everyday life, whether you are alone or with friends.

You may be less active than you used to be. Your performance and motivation may be affected in general.

Smoking weed is likely to 'help' you get rid of unpleasant feelings. Whether you're angry or stressed, bored, looking for companionship or relaxation, smoking weed may make you feel better in the short term because you can distance yourself from your frustration.

But if you do it regularly, you lose the ability to change your mood for yourself. You run the risk of becoming more and more dependent on the effects of drugs.

You may also have conflicts with other people who don't accept your cannabis use. You don't change your behaviour because of these conflicts or just because smoking weed is unpleasant. After all, you don't want to give up the pleasurable effects of smoking weed.

You may also have doubts about smoking too much. You may have already decided not to smoke so much, but (often) you don't succeed.

Conclusion:

You smoke too much weed. You smoke weed repeatedly in unfavorable situations. Your current consumption is risky. It is associated with harmful consequences.

It is not easy for you to admit that your way of smoking weed is problematic and that it is time to make a change.

For your well-being, we strongly advise you to talk to a trusted person or contact a counseling centre. You can also seek help anonymously online via email or chat:

Online counseling DigiSucht

Think about why you smoke weed, what you get out of it and deal with the risks and dangers of cannabis use.

Don't hesitate to contact a local counselling centre. Some counselling centres offer discussion groups for young people who smoke, think about it or want to change. Professionals can help you to focus on your wellbeing and smoking.

Click in, find out:

Weed Users without worries

Weed Users with reservations