I've always been frustrated by my inability to have lucid dreams as I've heard other people describe them with such awe.

Well, I smoked marijuana all day everyday for 4.5 years. I quit two months ago and started to have more realistic dreams but I couldn't attain lucidity.

Then, a week ago, I experienced sleep paralysis for the first time in my life, complete with one hell of a visual hallucination. It was very surreal, reminded me of psychedelic trips I've had, and I liked it. Then, last night, I had the MOST INTENSE, VIVID, REALISTIC dream I've ever had and briefly became lucid before I panicked and twisted my body out of it, after which I had a false awakening with dream control but very little awareness.

I'm hooked. I can't wait to get back to sleep.

I'm wondering, though, is it weird that I've had these two first-time experiences during the same week? Maybe all traces of marijuana have finally left my brain and I'm dreaming like I should have been years ago? Is this a sign that I'm ready to do some serious dream exploration, or might it just be a set of fluke occurrences chalked up to recent depression/anxiety and abnormal sleep patterns (or perhaps the downer-type pills I've been taking?)

I'm just a little scared that this will be a one-off thing...I can't describe how beautiful and clear the dream was and I want more!

Still pissed off at myself for getting scared and prematurely aborting what may end up being my only chance at exploring the dream world...