Is Marijuana Useful for Lucid Dream Induction?
If you smoke marijuana and you're interested in lucid dreaming, of course you want the answer to this FA-Question to be "Yes!" But the answer is a loud "No!" (With an important exception.)
Marijuana, when used responsibly, is great for the type of inspiration useful in artistic endeavors, whether for writing, drawing/painting, playing instruments, rapping, jiu-jitsu. However, the type of executive functioning necessary for lucid dreaming is diminished by the cannabis trance. Also, cannabis suppresses REM-Sleep. But...if you are "addicted" (may not be a so-called physical addiction, still though) and you can get yourself to stop smoking, over the next few nights you will likely experience a REM-Rebound like nothing you have experienced before. My first lucid dream happened under these circumstances, and I have heard this phenomenon several times from others. Along with the dream rebound your executive functioning may be heightened because your brain is suddenly unencumbered. This is not limited to marijuana; REM-Rebound is likely when abstaining or quitting from many drugs (because many drugs immediately or eventually inhibit REM-Sleep). This rebound can be hard to deal with and may actually interfere with the success of quitting. Nightmares are a real obstacle in most of these situations. Remember, anything that increases the strength of dreams will probably increase the incidence of perceived threat in dreams (since dreaming is a threat-simulation mechanism, primarily). If you can face your dreams bravely, and recognize them as the simulations which they are, it may be a good time to take a break from your habits! |