The legalization of cannabis in most states means increased access and availability of the drug. With numerous claims and misconceptions about marijuana in the tech field, it is necessary to understand what is true and what is not. Whether you use cannabis for recreational purposes, or health reasons, having the correct information about cannabis can help you understand its effects on your career as a programmer. Read on for more information about programming and cannabis so you can make informed decisions regarding its use.
Cannabis Enhances Concentration
Most developers admit that cannabis helps them stay focused by enhancing their concentration. Marijuana contains THC, which impairs your ability to concentrate on multiple tasks and allows you to focus on one thing at a time. While this may not boost your ability to code, it enables you to pay attention to details.
When learning a programming concept, the concentration and focus resulting from using cannabis can enhance your learning experience and make it more successful. However, you need the right amount of THC in your system as too much may result in sedation, and you may experience couch lock. If you are a programmer who gets easily distracted, using some cannabis before coding can help you stay ahead of your game.
It Helps with Mental Health Problems
Programming requires you to be in a good mental state for successful coding. If you suffer from stress, anxiety, or even depression, cannabis can help you feel relaxed and improve your mood. Therefore, it can alleviate symptoms that may jeopardize your ability to complete your programming tasks. The chemicals in marijuana interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system to produce calming effects in the brain, improve your mood and make you feel happier.
Since psychological issues may impair your sleep, aggravate your mental health, as well as ruin your productivity, cannabis with high THC levels can help you beat insomnia and help your sleep better. As a programmer, cannabis may help you maintain a clear head so you can code successfully.
Cannabis Influences Your Perspective
When programming, using cannabis can help you come up with new ideas. It can also help you find solutions to problems quite easily. Marijuana contains terpenes known as pinenes that enhance memory and learning. The pinenes can help you change your perception about how you approach coding if you are stuck when writing a code.
Adjusting your view allows you to get creative with problem-solving and devise other ways to handle the task at hand. The cannabis characteristic is also useful when learning new programming concepts as you get to retain what you learn. The divergent thinking that results from marijuana use spurs uninhibited self-expression and leads to creative breakthroughs.
Cannabis Has Its Downsides
Although cannabis has notable positive effects ranging from managing chronic illnesses to triggering creativity and enhancing focus, it has its downsides. It is advisable to avoid using marijuana when debugging as it can impair your judgment and prevent you from catching all the errors in your code. If you suffer from mental health conditions like anxiety, too much marijuana use may aggravate the problem instead of alleviating it.
Also, you shouldn’t use marijuana if you have a THC allergy or work in an office that conducts regular drug tests if marijuana consumption is against company policies. Note that cannabis does not necessarily make you good at programming if you have not yet perfected your coding skills.
Best Strains for Programmers
Marijuana affects everyone differently. One of the main factors that determine how you interact with cannabis is the strain you use. With this in mind, understanding the various strains of cannabis and its effects can help you get the best out of it. If you are looking for productivity and creativity, you should consider CBD-dominant strains as they result in a mind high. What’s more, CBD promotes focus and has no psychoactive effects.
Therefore, you can enjoy the benefits of marijuana without getting high. THC, on the other hand, has deep sedating and relaxation effects. It is best for evening or nighttime use when you don’t plan on working. It is also ideal for managing insomnia and pain. Some of the best strains for programmers that drive productivity include Sour Diesel, Harlequin, Durban Poison, Jack Herer, and ACDC.
The relationship between programming and cannabis varies from one person to another. With this in mind, the only way to find out what works for you is by experimenting. However, ensure that your state allows cannabis use to avoid getting into legal problems with the law. Also, note that most places outlaw marijuana for kids below 18 years unless for medical purposes. However, for kids interested in tech and programming, consider enrolling them in a coding school so they can pursue their interests and prepare for the future workplace.
