Marijuana Really Helps Me

[Jade-]

I live in a state where marijuana is totally illegal, even for medicinal purposes. I was hoping it would be on the ballot last month and I would be able to smoke it legally, but it didn't even make it that far.

It really does help me. When I smoke, it takes away all my anxiety, takes away bad thoughts and I don't have flashbacks or anything. It slows down the constant images in my head and makes it easier for me to concentrate. It doesn't really make me high(well,depending on how much I smoke) it just makes me feel 'normal'. I can do the things I need to do, like go grocery shopping, pay bills, etc. and I'm not all stressed out.

It also makes me more productive. I can get everything done that needs to be done without becoming overwhelmed. If a problem arises, I can remain calm and rational. It helps in just about every area that I have problems with, including sex.

My husband likes for me to smoke. He says it makes me pleasant to be around. We can spend time together, joke, and have meaningful conversations. He can walk in a room without having to announce himself first(he normally has to do that or I jump and scream) and I don't take everything he says the wrong way. We really enjoy being around each other when I smoke.He has even offered to move to a different state just so I can get it legally. I thought about it, but I really don't want to leave my home, friends, etc. just so I can smoke.

Sometimes I feel guilty for it. I am risking going to jail, losing my job,etc. just to feel better. But if it truly does help me, is it really so wrong?

 

[intothelight]

Hi Jade,

I don't think you a "wrong" at all. There are actually research studies that have shown the beneficial effects of medicinal marijuana use on individuals suffering with PTSD (Google Scholar search). Unfortunately if you live in a state where it is illegal, then you need to make your own personal decision as to whether the risk outweighs the benefit.

On a personal note, I am always happy for someone when they find "something" that works for them, whether it be medication, therapy, etc. It is not a matter of "moral" judgment, as no one walks in your shoes but you. Only you can decide what is best for you.

Wishing you peace.

Debbie

 

[Jade-]

Thanks ITL. I seem to do so much better when I smoke. I had completely stopped because it is illegal and I didn't want to risk being arrested. But then all I did was drink. I personally think smoking is less harmful than alcohol.

On Friday, I decided to 'wake and bake', just to see how much of a difference it actually does make in my symptoms. I started smoking after I woke up, smoked all day long until I went to bed, and I had a really good day. I did everything I needed to do that day, plus spent time with my husband and didn't have a bit of anxiety, no flashbacks, no mood swings.....and it felt great. It REALLY does make 100% difference for me.

My T. knows I smoke. He sees no harm in it. He said if medical marijuana ever passes, I will definitely be able to get it. He also said if it came in pill form, I would be able to get it. There actually is a pill form of THC (marinol) but right now it's just prescribed for those going through chemotherapy and those suffering with Aids. I know alot of times meds are prescribed for off-label use. I don't know if I would be able to get the pill form or not. I also don't know if it would have the same benefits as as smoking.

 

[Redtail]

Although I don't want to comment on the illegal aspects of marijuana use, I can tell you I have spoke to users of Marinol and it is about 50/50 for those who smoke the plant version. Some have said it works the same and some have said it is not the same. I also know it is prescribed off label but not very common. From my experience, to get it prescribed it seems you have to go to a certain doctor and basically request it.

 

[Trinomial]

There was a speaker at my school, talking about marijuana legalization and Marinol came up. From what I understand, it is different than smoking. For example, when you inhale, it is instant and it isn't straining your internal organs like the digestive tract, kidneys, and liver. And an interesting point the speaker made, "if there weren't any medicinal value in the THC of marijuana, why would they be synthesizing it in labs?"

Since it is illegal where you are, use with discretion. It is a personal choice and if it helps you cope, do what you need to do. I try to keep up with NORML, I think it's called, they keep track of what is going on with the legalization of it and they promote medicinal legalization, etc.

Also, just a little tip--smoking can be harsh on the lungs. Have you heard of a vaporizer? It actually vaporizes the THC and doesn't waste anything from burning it, and it doesn't smell so strong--if you need to keep the smell on the down-low.

Anyway, if I were you, I would take advantage of the time you have to use marijuana. When you are feeling good, work on the healing process. I know it is easier for me after I vape a stem or two, and it doesn't make me feel high. Vaporizing is a different feeling, one with more clarity.

Good luck to you!

 

[Jade-]

I have spoke to users of Marinol and it is about 50/50 for those who smoke the plant version.

Well 50/50 isn't so bad. I have heard that some people don't like it cause they don't get high like they do when they smoke. I'm not looking for the high part of it, I like the way it reduces all my symptoms. I'm assuming it's no different than anything else, it may work for/help some and not others.

I try to keep up with NORML,

Yea, I try to keep up too. I also was involved in the rally to get it legalized for medicinal purposes in my state.

Also, just a little tip--smoking can be harsh on the lungs. Have you heard of a vaporizer?

Yep, I've heard of and have seen vaporizers, I just haven't used one yet. I have asthma, so it would probably be better than smoking.

 

[Sterre]

Hi Jadebear,
As I live in the Netherlands, marijuana is semi-legal here. There are many coffee-shops where you can buy and smoke, your marijuana of choice. Lots of people smoke it to get high, some people smoke it for medical reasons.
The marijuana sold in coffe -shops get's stronger and stronger, where you ( for 10 years ago) could smoke 2 or 3 joints and feel relaxed and a little high, now when you smoke 1 joint, you most likely will black out.The levels of the stuff that makes you high increased immensely in the last ten years, due to people who are proffesionally growing cultivating,and selling marijuana. Its big business.( The funny thing is, it's legal to sell it trough a coffee shop, but its illegal to grow and breed it :rolleyes:)

Would you live here, there wouldnt be a legal reason to feel guilty for smoking it.

I tried marijuna, but unfortunatly it increases my anxiety to the max. Otherwise I would gladly trade my AD/Xanax for a daily dose of marijuana. I hope you can let go of the guilt for using this drug to self medicate, it's a natural remedy instead of a synthetic drug.

 

[Jade-]

I hope you can let go of the guilt for using this drug to self medicate, it's a natural remedy instead of a synthetic drug.

Yes, it is natural, that's why I don't understand it being illegal. I would much rather smoke than be addicted to xanax. I'd much rather smoke than drink. too.

That sucks that it increased your anxiety. I have smoked some that has done that before, and I know it' definitely not fun. I try to smoke the ones that give a body buzz and not a head buzz.

 

[AdamAnt]

"They" want you addicted to prescription drugs. From the doctor who prescribes it to the manufacturers, distributers, pharmascists, and makers of bottles there are alot of bills to pay...and if you were to heaven forbid be able to grow something for free that would do the same thing now that would be a crime wouldn't it?...grrr...don't get me started..er.

 

[Jade-]

Yes, 'they' do want us addicted to prescription drugs. That's why doctors seem more like drug dealers than anything else.

I can go see the doctor for a scrape on my foot and come out with a prescription for some sort of antidepressant, usually the newest one that's been advertised.

 

[Di83]

I have also had great days when I would smoke, although I'm trying to go for a career change in the Law Enforcement field and there will be NO way I can do it to help cope. But I was surprised at how well smoking helped with my anxiety and depression, and I was motivated and everything! But it's illegal here so... I have stopped for many months and just continue to take medication prescribed.

BTW, the vaporizers are great. You don't hurt your lungs as much and you don't get that "weed" smell in your house either.

Guess I'll just have to wait and see if it ever becomes medically legal here in Ohio. The side effects of medication I take is so bad, it's unreal :(

Good luck and take care
Diana

 

[Jade-]

I'm trying to go for a career change in the Law Enforcement field and there will be NO way I can do it to help cope.

Yea,it probably wouldn't work out too well to smoke and try for a career in law enforcement. ;)

It really helps with my depression. I actually feel hopeful and happy when I smoke. I wish I could afford to do it 24/7.