I cant quite get it.

[therapist]

i'd like to start by saying that I've read almost every link I could before posting, and I apologize for the verbosity you're about to endure. I try every night, and day (during the time i've allotted myself to attempt LD). I've got zero problems relaxing. I've combined a couple different things i've read from different threads to try to maximize the chances for a LD, so this what my routine looks like: I wake up every morning without need for an alarm at 4:30 give or take to use the restroom. I've taped a huge sign on my bathroom door that reads: "Recap on your last dream out loud, stretch, and remember to WBTB!" I dont ever have trouble with motivation to WBTB or remembering the last dream. I climb back in bed after, stretch my muscles to avoid stiffness and the urge to fidget. I put on some .mp3's that have supposedly been tailored to aid in LD, a voice in the 30 minute track (that i have looping from the time i lay down till the time i get up for good) repeats suggestions that "I'm dreaming", "do a reality check" etcetera. Then, I picture myself climbing a couple flights of stairs in my old house as i count every step i take. I find myself starting to forget what I'm trying to do around the time i reach step 200 or so (around 700 if I'm making an attempt during a mid-day nap). I start to see coloured splotches and then my body starts to tingle, i find it very hard to move my body (i dont know if this is sleep paralysis, or if that actually inhibits your ability to move if you wanted to). Sometimes i get excited and my heart starts to race a bit because I'm really eager to succeed. Next I feel the tingles go away and I'm more aware that i'm lying in bed with a task in mind. A few minutes later the tingles come back and I feel as if I could sink through the bed. I then start to hallucinate (mildly). I tell myself that I'm very close and try to maintain conciousness by counting, then without warning, I'm either asleep or wide awake again. (This might be the cause) I am (actually and truthfully) a medical marijuana patient. I've read that pot really shortens (if not inhibits completely) REM. So i've limited myself to smoking (tolerating the pain that results) to only weekends for the sole purpose of increasing my chances for LD. So my questions are as follows: 1) In regards to the first topic, I cant find real links with people having the same issue, let alone a solution. Is this typical for a beginner? I can expand on any bit of information if needed. 2) In regards to the second topic, do i need to keep pot out of my system entirely to succeed? Or can people smoke once in the early morning and still LD when they go to bed at night? 3) I'm pretty sure I'm taking all the right steps, can someone tell me if my technique is fubar'd? I read so many different things in so many places, so as i said, I decided to combine some of them. I'll look forward to hearing your responses tonight! Thanks for your time. - Edit - I think the IRCd thinks my handle implies that i am a rapist, and wont permit me to join. Seeing as how it requires you to use valid credentials from the site also, I'm hosed. Can I have my handle changed, or should I just re-register? (P.S. lol)