Now that cannabis is legal in some states, I asked my pdoc if I can try a brownie crumb or cookie crumb. He said Not a good idea, or No that it might do something my meds, or something. But today a friend said she knows a lot of people who take medications and smoke pot, and it doesn't make any difference in their medications. (I didn't tell her I'm bipolar, though, even though she asked what medications I take.)

Have any of you who take bipolar meds ever use a little bit of pot? And, what do people's pdocs say about the possibility of using it occasionally in small amounts?

[Wander]

I have used a little pot, I have used a LOT of pot. Everyone reacts differently but I found in small, occasional doses cannabis had no impact on my mental health or medication. Problem was I couldn't stop there and ended up smoking from wake-up to sleep-time. That did have a negative impact on my mental health and most likely interfered with my meds. I have a love/hate relationship with cannabis, and an addictive personality. After smoking heavily for a few years I quit last May and haven't smoked since and I must say I feel better for it. But I was smoking a huge amount.

My T was always ok with moderate use but all pdoc's I have seen wanted me to not smoke at all, saying it interfered with my meds and exacerbated the bipolar in any amount. Some people have bad reactions to it but many benefit from it as it can calm anxiety, lift mood and generally balance things out. If I could smoke it only occasionally without being tempted to go all-day everyday, I probably would. When smoking a lot it did worsen my anxiety, caused me to isolate myself and put me in danger as i did reckless things. It also may have led to several BAD mixed episodes. I must add that I smoked or vaped it, never ate it. That affects you differently altogether so I can't comment on it. Why do you want to try it?

[usehername]

My personal experience has been that my docs want me off of it.
Eaten, I'm less likely to get a psychotic reaction (yes, I said PSYCHOTIC). That is usually what happens when I use it, so I tend to avoid it. But that's just me, bipolar 1 w/psychotic features...

[bioChE]

I stay away from cannabis these days. For me it eventually causes psychosis.

[Sad Mermaid]

I used to use edibles for sleep. I stopped after 2.5 years because I stopped all sleep meds as part of a CBT for insomnia program. I do not have an addictive personality (my pdoc says that I have a strong GABA system), so I can stop without withdrawal. I loved it. I plan to use it occasionally, and I think the new pdoc would be OK with that.

note: when I have endogenous psychosis, I lose insight so when I see a hallucination, I think it is real. Under THC, I retain insight and I know that I am seeing a hallucination. I know that it is not real. Maybe for the first few seconds it seems real but then I figure out that it is not.

I will update this thread once I try using it occasionally, on weekends.

note that there is also CBD marijuana, which is not psychoactive. It is remarkably good for sleep, without any morning grogginess. It is so much better than Seroquel, for instance. but it is expensive.

[Wild Coyote]

I have had 2 friends (with BP2) go the cannibas route.
They think they are doing well.
My own observation/opinion is their moods are more erratic than ever.
Both are hooked on cannabis now, smoking day and night,
Their personal lives are deteriorating while they each feel life is better than ever.


WC

I used to be a stoner and was high probably 70+% of my waking hours. During that time I was also rapid cycling and had severe psychosis. I'm not saying it was the cannabis that caused my symptoms (it actually helped with mania short term) but now that I'm comparatively clean (using maybe three-four times/year) I'm doing much better and have been free from psychosis and full blown mania/depression.

My pdoc at the time didn't have a problem with the weed use but he also didn't know the extent. I should also mention I would occasionally use other recreational drugs at the time.

[bioChE]

The only way I'm able to stay stable is to avoid both alcohol and drugs, including cannabis. Before I was diagnosed I would use small amounts of cannabis to even out my moods - both to bring me up from depression, and to even out mania. I used to smoke a bit before studying for my engineering exams, simply because it would slow my racing thoughts enough to let me think and study. After exams I would get depressed and spend three days of black depression, or smoke a bit of cannabis and become functional again. After my diagnosis was when the problems started. I would go on sprees of being stoned for weeks at a time, and these would inevitably lead to psychosis. After the psychosis had been taken care of with meds, I would spend around six months in terrible depression.

It took me about a decade to figure out that pattern. I'm sober and sane now, and my plan is to keep it that way. I am a big proponent of legalization for both medical and recreational use, but for this of us with bipolar and/or addictive personalities it is a very slippery slope.

I do and it is fine for me. I don't have an addictive personality, so I don't get "attached" to substances. (For instance, people always say quitting smoking regular cigs is hard. Nope. Just stopped. Didn't care. Never tempted in the least. I've had a super strong anti-addiction mindset since I was a kid.)

My PHP is fine with it. I'm transitioning psych providers right now, but in my intake they bypassed me from substance issues work/commentary because it would be ridiculous for me and they recognized that.

I find it (the right strains) good for sleep. I switch off with my benzos, so I take them even less. I don't like to make a habit of anything.

(Sad Mermaid, interesting. I have a similar reaction insight-wise.)

[Cdnstargazer]

I smoke occasionally. I have a green card at a dispensary. However, I find that if I smoke sativa I can feel super anxious and almost manic? If I smoke indica, I feel exhausted for days after.

I try to stay away from it. But a little bit isn't too bad (a little bit for me is one hoot from a joint or small pipe.)

[BipolaRNurse]

I once made the mistake of smoking weed when I was depressed, and I wound up seeing black and grey cats running underneath the linen carts in the ER. Never again will I smoke while in a mood episode. At other times a toke or two is fine, I don't have any ill effects.

My husband used to smoke regularly, and I occasionally joined him; now I don't use anymore even though it's legal in my state and there's a pot shop on every corner. I have an addictive personality so it's probably best that I don't use much. On the rare occasions when my daughter and son in law visit, we all go outside and pass the pipe around, but other than that I stay away from it. Since my husband died I just don't think about it.

Originally Posted by Wander

I have used a little pot, I have used a LOT of pot. Everyone reacts differently but I found in small, occasional doses cannabis had no impact on my mental health or medication. Problem was I couldn't stop there and ended up smoking from wake-up to sleep-time. That did have a negative impact on my mental health and most likely interfered with my meds. I have a love/hate relationship with cannabis, and an addictive personality. After smoking heavily for a few years I quit last May and haven't smoked since and I must say I feel better for it. But I was smoking a huge amount.

My T was always ok with moderate use but all pdoc's I have seen wanted me to not smoke at all, saying it interfered with my meds and exacerbated the bipolar in any amount. Some people have bad reactions to it but many benefit from it as it can calm anxiety, lift mood and generally balance things out. If I could smoke it only occasionally without being tempted to go all-day everyday, I probably would. When smoking a lot it did worsen my anxiety, caused me to isolate myself and put me in danger as i did reckless things. It also may have led to several BAD mixed episodes. I must add that I smoked or vaped it, never ate it. That affects you differently altogether so I can't comment on it. Why do you want to try it?

Hi! So I've had pretty much the same exact experience as above. I've been a daily smoker for a few years now. Most of the time it helps, but sometimes it doesn't, and unfortunately I tend to use compulsively.
I know that I'd probably be better off without it, but I worry about sudden abstinence triggering an episode. What was your experience like when you stopped daily use? I know it has no real physical addiction but I imagine it would have an effect on mood.

[Wander]

Originally Posted by jupiter3

Hi! So I've had pretty much the same exact experience as above. I've been a daily smoker for a few years now. Most of the time it helps, but sometimes it doesn't, and unfortunately I tend to use compulsively.
I know that I'd probably be better off without it, but I worry about sudden abstinence triggering an episode. What was your experience like when you stopped daily use? I know it has no real physical addiction but I imagine it would have an effect on mood.

Hi. When I stopped I went IP as I was in a mixed episode so it is difficult to tell what effect i had on me. I didn't really crave it and my symptoms didn't change though.

Sorry in advance for the lengthy reply. I will keep this as short as possible.

I smoked pot as a teenager a bit and enjoyed it. Gave it up to pursue bigger and better things such as employment, school, raising a family. I didn't think too highly of adult pot smokers. A lady I worked with told me she used it nightly to sleep and I had nothing good to say about it. Everyone who knew me knew I wasn't a fan of those who smoked it. Fast forward to my early 30's when I became very chronically sick. I was diagnosed with several injuries and illnesses and was in non stop chronic pain and sickness. Doctors also diagnosed me with fibromyalgia. I joined support forums for Fibromyalgia and cannabis was often mentioned as effective in treating pain. It planted a seed of thought but I still looked down on pot smokers. Funny cause I didn't mind getting an alcohol buzz once a week. A few years past and I got sicker. My doctor was giving me psych meds to treat it and help with sleep. Side effects were terrible and no relief ...not even in the depression the pain caused. My parents had 2 friends who also had Fibromyalgia. My mother gave me the number of one gentlemen and told me to call him to ask advise. He told me that cannabis is the most effective for pain and to avoid psych meds at all cost. He was convincing. I talked to my mom and husband and they encouraged me to try it. I declined. I felt like I'd be a second class citizen. My mothers other friend with fibromyalgia also confided in her she uses it and confessed how helpful it was for her. I was getting progressively worse and considering suicide from the pain on a frequent basis. I researched it for a few years and finally decided I had nothing to lose so I made an appointment with a doctor and tried it. The first time I smoked I had a panic attack, felt I'd ruined my life and the life of my family. It wasn't the pot that caused the panic attack, it was how I viewed people who used it. My friend talked me down from the panic attack and helped me see it as medicine and nothing to be ashamed of. Next time I smoked it was undoubtably helpful in relieving my pain. I didn't use it for my mood but it definately helped that too. I told my doctors and they didn't have much to say.

I do not have an addiction to it. I can easily stop and often do because it's expensive. I stopped recently and a few weeks later I went into severe crisis (unrelated to stopping). My husband kept telling me to get some while I was in crisis but I kept saying "that's not going to help". I will spare you the gory details of my breakdown but my husband had enough and ran over to my neighbors and got me some. I smoked a little and was instantly better and not suicidal. It was miraculous. I'm a believer in it.

Edibles are unpredictable as THC content does not always match up to what's listed on the package. Also, it can effect people more strongly when processed orally. It also takes awhile to take effect. A few puffs works for me. It's instant and I don't feel or act "high". You would never meet and talk to me and know I'm using it.

There is a lot of prejudice surrounding it. I bought into that prejudice which I'm now ashamed of. It keeps people from getting the relief they deserve. Cannabis is safer than most prescribed medications. As with any medication, you should be cautious when seeing how it effects you. You should be smart and use common sense but that goes without saying. It's not for everyone but it's not the evil plant it's been made out to be by a long shot. I researched it for years before trying and wish I would have tried it sooner.

There are different strains and each might effect you differently. You have sativas which are uplifting and can even be energizing and indica which is more sedating. I'm not an expert on cannabis but I do know more than most so if you have specific questions, I might be able to answer them.

I hate knowing that I once contributed to the stigma surrounding cannabis but in my defense, I was a victim of propaganda. I hate knowing that many people who it can help won't consider it because of the misinformation swarming it. Lithium isn't safe for everyone and neither is cannabis but I don't think having a mood disorder automatically makes it unsuitable for a person. Good luck with your decision.

It's MUCH safer than alcohol and that goes without saying.

Just remember there is a difference between medicinal and non medicinal marijuana. Just because it is legal to obtain it doesn't mean you are getting what is right for you. A strain that is good for helping anxiety may make depression worse, etc. It is still wise to go through your doctor for a prescription for the proper strain.

My psychiatrist (Canada) does prescribe it. He has offered to talk about the option when I feel ready to discuss it. The option is basically there should I wish to pursue it.

[zijax]

I used medical mj several years ago but I did it to cop a buzz. I liked this stuff called 'blue dream'-it was not a body high but a mental one. I don't think it affected the bp either way. It was useful for anxiety but I was unable to drive on it at all or think very well. It was rather addictive and it blew the day but it was nice too. I think it's great for some people and certainly it was less harmful for me than alcohol but in the end I wanted to be clean off of everything.

[usehername]

Originally Posted by bioChE

I stay away from cannabis these days. For me it eventually causes psychosis.

Me too. My sister uses it and vegetables to "cure" her bipolar & BPD. I don't think it's working... I can't even be around her, TBH...

I do understand it can be helpful for those less prone to psychosis than me, though.

[usehername]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

Just remember there is a difference between medicinal and non medicinal marijuana. Just because it is legal to obtain it doesn't mean you are getting what is right for you. A strain that is good for helping anxiety may make depression worse, etc. It is still wise to go through your doctor for a prescription for the proper strain.

My psychiatrist (Canada) does prescribe it. He has offered to talk about the option when I feel ready to discuss it. The option is basically there should I wish to pursue it.

I wish they'd do that here. They pretty much destroyed the medical community that existed, though it never really had doctors in it, other than, "here's your license to buy". Might help some people. I know I'm not one, but that's OK. Plus, if it were medically legal, maybe people wouldn't get fired for it... my mom opted for alcohol over antidepressants, and as a direct result, she's gone now. Maybe legal weed would've prevented that. Or depakote and less judgemental family...

If it were made medicinally legal, your human rights must be upheld. It could not be used as grounds against you when it comes to housing, employment, etc. Of course, you probably would not want to use it out in the open but there is nothing illegal about doing so. This is not to say you will not be discriminated against by those who aren't aware of the law. I would suggest, if you are concerned this may be the case, that you fill your prescription with alternatives to smoking. I am hesitant as to getting my own prescription as I don't wish to smoke it (thus far that is the only way to procure it in from a federal provider and my province has not legalized other methods to obtain it). But they are shortly going to provide medicinal varieties by other means (ie. as soon as they make edibles available I am on it).

[bioChE]

Medical pot use can and is used against people in employment situations. There have been several high-profile legal cases where the individual used medical marijuana and the employer had a no-tolerance policy. The employees have lost across the board. Google it and you'll find loads of information.

Originally Posted by bioChE

Medical pot use can and is used against people in employment situations. There have been several high-profile legal cases where the individual used medical marijuana and the employer had a no-tolerance policy. The employees have lost across the board. Google it and you'll find loads of information.

Yeah. I used to work for a government contractor... They made it very clear that we weren't allowed to do MJ under any circumstances. Then we were randomly drug screened.

It makes a lot of sense when you're building weapons of mass destruction

[bioChE]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

Yeah. I used to work for a government contractor... They made it very clear that we weren't allowed to do MJ under any circumstances. Then we were randomly drug screened.

It makes a lot of sense when you're building weapons of mass destruction

I had the same experience doing government contracting. And was randomly screened. Guess it makes sense when you're culturing anthrax. Gotta love biotechnology.

[Sad Mermaid]

Originally Posted by Innerzone

I do and it is fine for me. I don't have an addictive personality, so I don't get "attached" to substances. (For instance, people always say quitting smoking regular cigs is hard. Nope. Just stopped. Didn't care. Never tempted in the least. I've had a super strong anti-addiction mindset since I was a kid.)

My PHP is fine with it. I'm transitioning psych providers right now, but in my intake they bypassed me from substance issues work/commentary because it would be ridiculous for me and they recognized that.

I find it (the right strains) good for sleep. I switch off with my benzos, so I take them even less. I don't like to make a habit of anything.

(Sad Mermaid, interesting. I have a similar reaction insight-wise.)

and I have the same strategy regarding not making a habit of anything. right now, I am on Ambien, but then I will take CBD cannabis for a change and then back to Ambien, as to avoid forming any habit. I hope it will also avoid my getting used to and not responding to a drug anymore (in the past, Trazodone and benzos would stop working for sleep after a while).

I was not aware of the law(s) outside of Canada. I suppose I can take solace in that such a scenario should not happen here. How unfortunate that individuals there have to take such risks by simply taking their medication as prescribed.

[usehername]

Originally Posted by bioChE

Medical pot use can and is used against people in employment situations. There have been several high-profile legal cases where the individual used medical marijuana and the employer had a no-tolerance policy. The employees have lost across the board. Google it and you'll find loads of information.

Yep. My mom wanted to do it, but worked for Costco and knew better.