I smoked for two years and have been on a two year break.
I started my 11th grade, when I never really had any reliable and kind friends. A kid approached me at lunch (I always sat alone) and just started a casual conversation, something that was difficult for me to do at the time. After a few days he kept talking to me, he was homeschooled and was having trouble connecting with other people as well (him a hippy, I was a punk).
Eventually, he asked me if I smoked. I said no, but told him I was interested. Long story short, we smoked every weekend for a while. It made me feel very comfortable, especially since it was just me and him. I wasn't concerned about what he thought of me, which made conversing and silence very pleasurable. I gradually started to meet his friends, which was surprisingly easy since we all had something in common. I never met more than one at a time, which made it all that more smooth. They thought I was weird, but I didn't care since I was so relaxed. They asked me questions and I was able to answer them. When they laughed inexplicably, I didn't feel like it was directed at me anymore!
Long story short, I had to quit smoking for a while. We are all still amazing buddies (5 of us). I still find it difficult to approach and chat with strangers, sometimes it's crippling at places like parties. However, my attitude towards my social anxiety is that of challenge and acceptance. I believe weed made me more willing to challenge my social anxiety and accept that fact that this is a battle I will likely fight forever.
Being sober for two years hasn't changed that for better or worse. Instead, the improvements I have made I can attribute wholly to myself. More confidence there!
When I am able to smoke again, will I? Absolutely. I still feel awkward and left out when I am in the circle and have to pass it from my right to left without hitting it, but my friends are also very understanding and supportive.
Overall, it has been a wonderful tool in improving my social life. It has had some negatives like the rare paranoia, but I've since done research to figure out what causes paranoia/anxiety in marijuana and I'll be getting my med card to make sure I get the best strains for me.