[tecomsin]

It's hard to believe but legal weed has finally arrived where I live. It's almost sold out on my province's web site but still cool.

I had gone off it for awhile because of psychoses but relapsed. Still take an AP (Rexulti) every day so no delusions, or hallucinations, but I am tired all the time.

What do people think of legal weed and bipolar?

[SorryShaped]

There are people, including doctors, that think marijuana helps with bipolar. I'm on the fence

You both know me under a different screen name.

I smoke pot and it helps me relax so much. However I lost my prescription because they wont give it to people with bipolar anymore. If you are prone to psychosis, it can bring that out in you or make it worse. I do not have psychotic episodes and manage just fine.

Its really individual, just like any of the meds we take. Works well for some and not for others. It also depends on the strain you take and CBD vs THC contents.

[tecomsin]

I've had massive psychoses whilst smoking weed but not taking an AP. Not sayin it is good or bad, just my preference for how I can exist in the world these days. If I were to start to have symptoms again then I've got olanzapine to take prn and call my pdoc. No doctor will prescribe cannabis because of this history even though it helps a bunch with chronic pain and lifts my mood a bit and helps to sleep. I have also become dependent on it again.

Nefarious Angel, that's a cool name.

So glad to have legal recreational pot though. I don't need to ask a doctor and get told no. Sorryshaped, I don't know if it s a good thing to do , just that a lot of bipolar people use weed and it makes our lives easier to have it be legal.

It's just a shame they use so much plastic in packaging legal weed in Canada.

[tecomsin]

I take 1mg rexulti (an AP) every day though.

[Guiness187055]

Weed gives me panic attacks really bad. I would have to smoke it with a benzo.

[Treyfrancis21]

I really believe using weed has helped me find and maintain stability. It was just voted legal for medical here and I'm already in talks with my psych nurse, who supports my use, to get me a scrip asap.

[Christopher1990]

I'd be cautious with it man and aim for strains high in cbd low thc.
Marijuana was always my drug of choice and as much as I believed it was helping me, especially with depression, it was also very self destructive for me.
There's a reason bipolar or sz isn't a qualifying condition for medicinal canabis in the u.s.
And from my extensive research, the overall consensus is that weed either makes bp extremely paranoid, manic, or psychotic.

I think another important factor is that if you smoke continue to take your regular meds.

[BastetsMuse]

[QUOTE=tecomsin;6343225What do people think of legal weed and bipolar?[/QUOTE]

It's been legal here in Nevada for about a year. I sometimes think I should get some, but I'm stingy and just don't want to spend the money.

I wonder if it would help with the anxiety? Or would I end up paranoid instead?


Plus, anything that makes me overeat is a big NO.

[tecomsin]

Originally Posted by Christopher1990

I'd be cautious with it man and aim for strains high in cbd low thc.
Marijuana was always my drug of choice and as much as I believed it was helping me, especially with depression, it was also very self destructive for me.
There's a reason bipolar or sz isn't a qualifying condition for medicinal canabis in the u.s.
And from my extensive research, the overall consensus is that weed either makes bp extremely paranoid, manic, or psychotic.

I think another important factor is that if you smoke continue to take your regular meds.

I agree.

Right now the selection of legal weed in Canada is heavily orientated to high THC low CBD rather than the other way around, or balanced strains, but I think that will change over time.

Anyone with a history of disordered thinking, psychosis should be on an effective antipsychotic if they are smoking THC weed, but also be honest if they are starting to have delusional thoughts and then deal with it aggressively.

I stepped on the scale a few months ago and it was the highest it has ever been but just cut portions and avoided junk food, except pizza but only in moderation, I've lost about 5 pounds slowly without thinking about it and will aim for 5 or 10 more.

Everyone reacts diffferently to cannabis too. Look I am an ex-smoker who found out I had lung cancer after I quit by asking for a chest xray as part of a physical.

I still have residual side effects from chemo including a low grade nausea. I had started eating a lot of junk food at night, which is why I gained weight. I'm also at risk for metabolic syndrome from the AP so even a few pounds can make a difference.

It seems safer than drinking whiskey. My father is an alcoholic bipolar who is still getting arrested for domestic violence into his 80s. I cut off relations with him long ago. It would be easy for me to be an alcoholic so I stay away from it.

We all have choices to make and that of course will affect how things turn out in the long run, but some of it is also just plain luck.

[tecomsin]

Originally Posted by BastetsMuse

It's been legal here in Nevada for about a year. I sometimes think I should get some, but I'm stingy and just don't want to spend the money.

I wonder if it would help with the anxiety? Or would I end up paranoid instead?


Plus, anything that makes me overeat is a big NO.

There's no way to tell how it would affect you without trying it, but it might help with anxiety. It certainly helps me cope with anxiety, or at least it seems that way.

It doesn't make me overeat as long as I don't keep junk food in the house.

My experience so far in Canada is that legal weed is signficantly more expensive and not as good as what you could get online before legalization, of online dispensaries. They would collect id to prove you were over 19, but you didn't need a doctor's approval. It was in a grey area and largely tolerated by the government.

[Christopher1990]

Originally Posted by tecomsin

I agree.

Right now the selection of legal weed in Canada is heavily orientated to high THC low CBD rather than the other way around, or balanced strains, but I think that will change over time.

Anyone with a history of disordered thinking, psychosis should be on an effective antipsychotic if they are smoking THC weed, but also be honest if they are starting to have delusional thoughts and then deal with it aggressively.

I stepped on the scale a few months ago and it was the highest it has ever been but just cut portions and avoided junk food, except pizza but only in moderation, I've lost about 5 pounds slowly without thinking about it and will aim for 5 or 10 more.

Everyone reacts diffferently to cannabis too. Look I am an ex-smoker who found out I had lung cancer after I quit by asking for a chest xray as part of a physical.

I still have residual side effects from chemo including a low grade nausea. I had started eating a lot of junk food at night, which is why I gained weight. I'm also at risk for metabolic syndrome from the AP so even a few pounds can make a difference.

It seems safer than drinking whiskey. My father is an alcoholic bipolar who is still getting arrested for domestic violence into his 80s. I cut off relations with him long ago. It would be easy for me to be an alcoholic so I stay away from it.

We all have choices to make and that of course will affect how things turn out in the long run, but some of it is also just plain luck.

I'm sorry for your struggles. I found that vaping cannabis oil was the cleanest way of smoking. Also, it gave me the clearest high I've ever experienced and never felt any kind of paranoia when vaping. I was also getting the best sleep of my life and my ibs completely went away. There are so many benefits for cannabis..
its Ridiculous how there is such limited information and research on it.
I used to love to smoke before I played a basketball.

I also think it can help you lose weight and make you more healthy. It increases your hunger, but if you eat and drink healthy it seems to give you motivation to do so.

Oh and the pain relief benefits.. its like the only thing I've ever found to relieve my lower back pain..

[Treyfrancis21]

If you're concerned about smoking I have a suggestion. I made myself cannabis infused oil with a super simple recipe and made myself capsules to take instead of smoking. Super easy, effective, and stores really well so you can make a bunch and be set for a few months.

[jaysmotogp]

Originally Posted by Christopher1990

I'd be cautious with it man and aim for strains high in cbd low thc.
Marijuana was always my drug of choice and as much as I believed it was helping me, especially with depression, it was also very self destructive for me.
There's a reason bipolar or sz isn't a qualifying condition for medicinal canabis in the u.s.
And from my extensive research, the overall consensus is that weed either makes bp extremely paranoid, manic, or psychotic.

I think another important factor is that if you smoke continue to take your regular meds.

What he said^

[tecomsin]

It has made me extremely paranoid, psychotic and manic all at the same time when I was not on an antipsychotic. That's why I take an antipsychotic every day. Then I stay sane.

[Tucson]

Is there even a modicum of evedence that weed can stabilize mood? Or is this simply wishful thinking? Even if this ability to stabilize mood is true, there are other hurdles that would need to be considered.

https://www.psychiatryadvisor.com/bi...rticle/791645/

“Among patients with bipolar disorder, cannabis is the most commonly abused drug. Lifetime use of cannabis among bipolar patients is estimated to be around 70%, and 30% present a comorbidity of cannabis abuse or dependence. The risk for psychotic disorders increases with the frequency and intensity of cannabis use. Researchers have found that cannabis use is also associated with a younger age at onset of first manic episode, increased manic and depressive episodes, increased risk of rapid cycling, poorer outcome, and poorer treatment compliance.”

Keep in mind we are just talking about how the use of marijuana complicates the treatment of bipolar, not that the canabis is being used actually as a mood stabilizer. Furthermore, more at the heart of this issue:

“Yes. It can complicate the management of bipolar disorder by virtue of causing mood instability and psychosis in certain patients with bipolar disorder. Cannabis is a known psychotogenic drug for some people, although the majority of people who use it do not develop psychosis. But, among those that do, there seems to be a higher risk for conversion to schizophrenia and bipolar disorders, unfortunately. Moreover, it's not uncommon for me to see patients with bipolar disorder relapse into mania with recent cannabis use. Observational studies have demonstrated a correlation between cannabis use and hypomanic and manic relapse in bipolar disorder.”

However, antedotal evidence from the user suggests otherwise, at least for some people. Still I would trust the pdoc more because this is what he *objectively* witnessed in his patients. What these articles also have made clear is that it is used by some people as another form of self-medication, like the use of alchohol would be considered. The risks are significant, so I would suggest to be careful.

Perhaps one needs to focus on the CBD element of the plant. There are actual studies that suggests the success of handling mood stability. This can be taken in the form of an oil, and I think even as a pill. So smoking is not necessary. But I do not think this form would be desirable to many people. IMHO I think there are users that are going for the “high” as much as they are thinking that it is helping them with their MI. After all, the “high” is desired by many people even without a MI. IMO This may not necessarily be a bad thing for some users. I suspect a mild high may help relieve anxiety. But there may be etter ways in dealing with anxiety without needing to be “high”.

Medical Marijuana Card | Easy Online Process

“It turns out that CBD has an effect on the firing of these neurotransmitters—dampening their signals to the brain when they become overactive. Researchers think that this property can have mood stabilizing actions that have applications in bipolar disorder.”

FWIW

Additional articles:

Can Marijuana Treat Bipolar Disorder?

http://adai.uw.edu/pubs/pdf/2017mjbipolar.pdf

[tecomsin]

I found that the cbd strains just make me very tired and since I already have a long term problem with fatigue (post-chemo and chronic pain) it just doesn't work for me.

Every day I ask if I am sane, if I am hearing things, or having unusual thoughts and the answer has been 'no', as long as I take my antipsychotic every day.

Pot used to make me feel happier and more productive but I don't get that kind of buzz anymore. It just sort of numbs the uncomfortable and sad thoughts of my existence. I still think it is safer than alcohol for me.

I'm not using it as a 'mood-stabilizer'. I don't think it helps 'my bipolar'. I just prefer to be mildly buzzed than not. It's my little refuge.

It is like any med would be -- problematic for some, not for others. I use it to help sleep, which helps me use much less xanax (very little in fact).

It is legal here. To me it is no different than someone having a glass of wine with their dinner, or after work. No one makes a big deal about that. Sure, some people will use either too much. LOTS of things this is true of, right down to sugar. But responsible use I see no problem with. So what if people also happen to enjoy the relaxing properties or buzz? Again, just like the glass of wine with dinner. Is anyone worked up about that? As you might be able to tell, I get sick of both it and the people who use it being demonized.

I don't care much for drinking (which is hugely often over-consumed and abused). I am glad to have an alternative for a bit of relaxation.

My pdoc is aware and has no problem with it.

It all comes down to responsible use and being aware of individual response. Period.

[tecomsin]

Thanks for your post Innerzone.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by Innerzone

It is like any med would be -- problematic for some, not for others. I use it to help sleep, which helps me use much less xanax (very little in fact).

It is legal here. To me it is no different than someone having a glass of wine with their dinner, or after work. No one makes a big deal about that. Sure, some people will use either too much. LOTS of things this is true of, right down to sugar. But responsible use I see no problem with. So what if people also happen to enjoy the relaxing properties or buzz? Again, just like the glass of wine with dinner. Is anyone worked up about that? As you might be able to tell, I get sick of both it and the people who use it being demonized.

I don't care much for drinking (which is hugely often over-consumed and abused). I am glad to have an alternative for a bit of relaxation.

My pdoc is aware and has no problem with it.

It all comes down to responsible use and being aware of individual response. Period.

Thanks, Innerzone.
I currently also use it for sleep, a it is the only way I can get sleep right now.

It only makes sense that reactions vary for each individual. It's too much of a sweeping statement to state either cannabis is good for BP or not good for BP.

All of my doctors, specialists included, recommend cannabis, am aware I use it for sleep, and approve of my cannabis use.

I would like to find an alternative for sleep just because I find cannabis expensive. (I am having a sleep study soon to see what else I can do to sleep well.)

Cannabis really helps some people!


WC

[tecomsin]

Originally Posted by Wild Coyote

Thanks, Innerzone.
I currently also use it for sleep, a it is the only way I can get sleep right now.

It only makes sense that reactions vary for each individual. It's too much of a sweeping statement to state either cannabis is good for BP or not good for BP.

All of my doctors, specialists included, recommend cannabis, am aware I use it for sleep, and approve of my cannabis use.

I would like to find an alternative for sleep just because I find cannabis expensive. (I am having a sleep study soon to see what else I can do to sleep well.)

Cannabis really helps some people!


WC

That's also a very good way of putting it. I don't tell my doctors I am using cannabis because they would all object due to my history and it is pointless to argue as I am inclined to use it anyway. They would probably start sending the police around to do 'mental health checks' on me. The difference is now that I take an AP every day I am not having paranoid delusions.

Fortunately I can get it legally now recreationally in Canada. I am wondering if they will ever put a condition on some people with a mental health diagnosis to not be able to buy recreational cannabis. That would just send people like me back to the illegal market. It's much safer and healthier for the product to be legal.

[Wild Coyote]

Hey there tecomsin! Nice to have you posting again.

I totally agree that legalized cannabis is safer than illegal cannabis, in that we know what we are more likely to know what we are getting.

I don't know how anyone would ever know if someone is getting psychiatric help/care, in order to restrict access?

I hope to see you around the forums more.

WC

[MickeyCheeky]

((((Everyone)))) If it can help with MI, it's worth considering. I think it's good to always hear a doctor's opinion, though

[tecomsin]

Hey WC,

Yeah I took a break from PC for awhile.

Here the provincial government runs the online cannabis store and your record is checked against a central database, which is also run by the province. All it would take is a notation for 'mentally ill' to be transferred from the provincial health service data base. It could be as simple a notation on your driver's license, like having brown eyes or blond hair. Here the government runs health care too.

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by tecomsin

Hey WC,

Yeah I took a break from PC for awhile.

Here the provincial government runs the online cannabis store and your record is checked against a central database, which is also run by the province. All it would take is a notation for 'mentally ill' to be transferred from the provincial health service data base. It could be as simple a notation on your driver's license, like having brown eyes or blond hair. Here the government runs health care too.

Oh! Wow!
I am glad for the HIPPA laws here in the U.S. I hope these laws make a difference here. Yet, I have a feeling this is too much to hope for.

I am sorry so much info. can be shared in Canada.
I hope you will always have access to anything helpful to you.


WC