2026 Experiment: Going Substance Free
Finding out what changes in a sober year.
Hey gang,
Hope everyone’s had a wonderful 2025!
Smart Cannabis Use is powering down its vape and putting its buds in an air-tight jar for long-term storage.
For almost a decade now, I’ve had the habit of starting each year with a 1-4 month break from all substances. I believe this not only helps keep my relationship with weed healthy, but it actually also makes me appreciate it more when I do return to it.
But for 2026, I’ve decided to go a step further and make it a completely substance-free year: no alcohol, cannabis, or psychedelics.*
My reasons:
A friend went substance free and highly recommended it.
As a mindfulness enthusiast, I want to see how my practice develops without any mind-modulating substances.
Smart Cannabis Use is all about experiments, and this is also just an experiment to see what changes, if anything, when I experience all four seasons and annual activities and festivities completely sober. What other sources of pleasure, insight, and meaning will I find?
To be clear, at this point, it’s only for a year, and it doesn’t mean I’m quitting forever. But it might also mean that – I’m keeping an open mind. I’ll be sure to update you in any case.
So, long story short: Smart Cannabis Use is going on hiatus for a year. I wish you all a very happy New Year and a responsible, life-enriching relationship with cannabis 🌿🎆
Enjoy responsibly,
G.G.
*I’ve deemed morning coffee to still be ok ☕️ My sphincter insists.