Social distancing and sheltering in place rules to stop the spread of Covid-19 are changing our behavior patterns in multiple ways, including more alcohol and marijuana consumption while waiting out the pandemic. But as more people turn to these substances to counter stress and fear or to simply relax while isolated, a psychoanalyst warns that pot and booze are a bad combination for lockdown. They can offer temporary relief and comfort, but the benefit is usually short-lived and ultimately can be self-destructive. Both can contribute to psychological distress, fatigue and even paranoia when used regularly. What’s more, smoking or vaping pot everyday can exacerbate despair, insomnia and panic attacks—and can also lead to addiction that will outlast the virus.
There’s no panacea for the anxiety and depression the pandemic is causing but alcohol and marijuana tend to make these things worse, rather than better. And finally, Colorado was the first state to legalize marijuana but it is now in go-slow mode when it comes to allowing widespread home delivery of pot. While a new state law would allow home delivery, it requires individual municipalities to opt in, and so far only two cities—Boulder and Superior—have done so, forcing residents of Denver, the largest city, to fend for themselves (although some rogue businesses are delivering illegally). City officials say they want to enact the law only after careful and thoughtful deliberation and with public feedback, which is a win for community control of marijuana distribution.