The problem is that you can't accurately diagnose someone with bipolar when they're doing drugs or doing pot because you don't know if the gross chemical imbalance is naturally occurring or induced by a substance. People who do drugs of any sort can look like they have bipolar when they actually don't have it. I mean the symptoms can be identical. I'm not saying I agree or disagree with the diagnosis you have (because I am not a doctor), but I am just making a general statement.

On top of what I said, pot and other substances can exacerbate mood swings. Some people are okay with pot, but others get psychotic, for example.

I do commend you, though, for wanting to become a counselor and use your experiences to help others. That is very noble of you!

I did grad school w/o meds (I have BP 1 w/ psychotic features) and I was alright, but I struggled a lot and it wasn't easy getting my degree.

If you need specific grad school tips, I can help. I graduated not too long ago, although it was in computer science (so a completely different field).