38 replies to this topic

[sciiaf]

i'm going to ask dr about pot, for medicinal, pain is acting up again and i really have no other options. its the burning pain i'm feeling all the time.

who here takes it medicinally only? the kind prescribed and used by dr directions? i havent smoked since i've been injured, so i have no idea but i'd like to try.

how much does it help? if any? do you take it during the day when you are at work? does it interfere with socializing and working with people?

what kind of relief do you feel? how much do you take? do you get the munchies as well?

really desperate here. going to try it but i might be going back to work so, curious as i don't want to get fired for laughing too hard at youtube emails and such

[Heretic]

I've considered using pot, but shied away because of all the other meds I have to take.

You'd be right to ask your Dr about it in case it reacts with other meds, but be aware that your Dr's default position might well be to avoid it, both for legal reasons, and because the medical evidence is still being assessed. Some cannbis-derived meds are becoming available, which might have lower health risks.

H

[dlury24]

I use it medicinally and I love it. I don't use it for pain but it does help with it. I was on antidepressants, anti-anxiety, and pain meds. Using medical marijuana completely eliminated the need for me to take any of them. I only use the weed now. It helps me with appetite and depression. The biggest difference is in my anxiety and depression. Wow whenever I get down or stressed out I just smoke and problem is solved. It also helps me to not think about the pain so I don't feel the pain. Different strains help for different needs. I dont work so I am not sure how it affects that. But I do most everything else except for drive and I am fine. I smoke whenever needed and I smoke a bowl at a time or until I am "high'. I would recommend it. I think getting off of rx pills and moving to something 100% natural and organic is the best move I ever made.

[In The Wind]

I grow my own. Best spasm meds there is, period. Pot is not going to interfere with any other prescibed meds. The problem will be with
A) Your Doctor
Local laws and/or regulations

There are variants that will work better for pain, and it can be an individual thing. It really does not interfere with my work, but I have a creative job (Electrical systems engineer-Net admin) and pot can be a blessing. I do get the munchies. If you're worried about weight gain then when you get munchies, don't take the first bite, and you'll be ok. It does not interfere socially for me, but it might for some.

I'm pretty open on here about my use of marijuana for symptom control, but just in case,

There is NOTHING BETTER for relieving a great deal of the symptoms resulting from a SCI. It WILL RELIEVE most of the physical pain, emotional pain, spasms, burning, tummy problems, you name it. But it can be a very individualized thing, and of course there can be legal ramifications, but in my experience LEO will understand medical use if you get caught (But don't depend on it).

As for health risks, the only risks are a result of smoking. But pot works best eaten anyway.

Try some at home first.

Enjoy!

[sh1wn]

I live in a state where it is legal and have had my card since I was injured, it works great for my nerve pain, spasms, sleep and makes it so I can eat. There is no way it can hurt you or cause problems with other pills. I got tired of choking trying to smoke so I make a tincture and just shoot it down my feeding tube. The best way to find out if it works for you is to try some.

[sciiaf]

thanks guys,

i'm craving it...

for those of you who it helped ease the pain, for how long? just while you were high? or does it carry through? like if i smoked it at night would it help with pain the next day.

and yes, i'm in oregon so lucky me

[wheeliebear75]

I got hurt back in 1990 when I was just 14 so no I have not smoked it for recreation.

I've been on pain meds of all sorts & even tried a ketamine(sp?) nasal spray (ketamine is what the vets use to knock out critters of all sizes including horses), anti-anxiety drugs (I have a sensation like I'm wearing a pair of electrified stockings & someone has dumped angry fire-ants in them), anti-nausea meds....

POT

I only use Rx for sleeping or BAD days. I am less dopey appearing AND FEELING than when I take the Rx. It's like other meds; if you take just what you need to deal with the pain & NO MORE than chances are you won't get to that goofy STONER point. Personally I'm usually in so much pain smoking a little pot is almost the only way I can eat a decent size portion. If you're worried about SMOKING it there are a few dispensaries who sell edibles, your co-workers wouldn't think anything of you eating 1.5-2 cookies would they? I live in California & here it isn't that I get a prescription from my Dr. & I go pick some up & hand in my copay; my DR. backs me up medically that I have issues that benefit from pot, I then have to obtain & pay for it on my own.

Pot....cheaper is NOT better. You want to go through someone who knows their herb. There is a body high & a head high & you'll probably want mostly body with a little bit of head high so you just don't care that your body feels like shit....or at least that's my mix. Do NOT skimp & go with the mec,commercial, Mexican (it's usually kinda brown & has lots of seeds & stems in it), you won't get much benefit from that ! Chronic is a lot more $ but that is what will make the pain go away, help with a # of other ailments. The little hairs are what gets you "high" & if you do choose to smoke it I suggest a water pipe or a vaporizer.

For me pot takes the nausea away better than anything the Dr. can write me. It takes the pain & makes me not care so much whereas the Rx just make me sleep through the pain. The muscle spasms I can stop those without any sleepy muscle relaxers OR having to take anything 365 days a year for the 100 days I actually had any spasms. I don't take ANY anti-anxiety meds anymore; it was very unnerving to feel like there are ants crawling all over my legs & between them, not to mention the pins in needles in my butt & backs of my thighs.....the pot helps settle that crawling sensation down sooooo much! It's an absolute God send.

Oh almost forgot....I didn't start using pot til 2003 so Rx for 13 yrs (1990-2003), smoking for the past 8 but with less Rx = less time SLEEPING & more time to enjoy the company of friends & family.

[Stand]

Can't wait until it's legal in Pennsylvania!

[In The Wind]

wheeliebear75, on 12 July 2011 - 01:08 AM, said:

If you're worried about SMOKING it there are a few dispensaries who sell edibles, your co-workers wouldn't think anything of you eating 1.5-2 cookies would they?

Lemme Chime in here...Hard candy MAY BE a better option. The suckers taste great and give you better control over dosage. Eating MMJ produces stronger, longer lasting effects than smoking.

wheeliebear75, on 12 July 2011 - 01:08 AM, said:

Pot....cheaper is NOT better. You want to go through someone who knows their herb. There is a body high & a head high & you'll probably want mostly body with a little bit of head high so you just don't care that your body feels like shit....or at least that's my mix.

Me again.. "Body high" = Cannabis Indica or just "Indica" or "Indy. Very relaxing, "couch lock". Tends to make you sleepy and not wanting to do much more than eat sweets. Very good for muscle spasms and pain.

"Head high" = Cannabis Sativa or "Sativa or "Sat" Very much a "Cerebral" or "Head" high. Not so much of a body stone, good for going to work. Good for headaches and some pain.

wheeliebear75, on 12 July 2011 - 01:08 AM, said:

The little hairs are what gets you "high"

Yoo-Hoo, You know who... Actually marijuana produces a resin, actually a complex of resins, on the surface of it's flowers. The "little hairs" are actually the pistils of the flower. On MMJ that's been the subject of modern breeding programs, the resins actually cover a great deal of the surrounding leaves as well. These resins contain the psychoactive componets. Hashish- "Hash" is the seperated resin. This resin is soluble in fats like butter or milk which are the basis for most cooking done with MMJ

wheeliebear75, on 12 July 2011 - 01:08 AM, said:

For me pot takes the nausea away better than anything the Dr. can write me. It takes the pain & makes me not care so much whereas the Rx just make me sleep through the pain. The muscle spasms I can stop those without any sleepy muscle relaxers OR having to take anything 365 days a year for the 100 days I actually had any spasms. I don't take ANY anti-anxiety meds anymore; it was very unnerving to feel like there are ants crawling all over my legs & between them, not to mention the pins in needles in my butt & backs of my thighs.....the pot helps settle that crawling sensation down sooooo much! It's an absolute God send.

Oh almost forgot....I didn't start using pot til 2003 so Rx for 13 yrs (1990-2003), smoking for the past 8 but with less Rx = less time SLEEPING & more time to enjoy the company of friends & family.

:thumbs:

Edited by In The Wind, 12 July 2011 - 09:15 PM.

[In The Wind]

here's an example. the sugary-looking substance are the resins on the surface of the flowers and leaves. The white projections are the "hairs" spoken of above. This is last years homegrown..

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[mellowgator]

In The Wind, on 13 July 2011 - 10:50 AM, said:

here's an example. the sugary-looking substance are the resins on the surface of the flowers and leaves. The white projections are the "hairs" spoken of above. This is last years homegrown..

sweet bud!

[wheeliebear75]

In The Wind, on 13 July 2011 - 10:50 AM, said:

here's an example. the sugary-looking substance are the resins on the surface of the flowers and leaves. The white projections are the "hairs" spoken of above. This is last years homegrown..

I prefer the orangy hairs myself. NICE farming!

[pinkcloud]

I wish I could cope with smoking th weed, from what I have, the side effects are lower than them listed on a am-i-tripping-lyn tablets

Having dated a stoner, theres only 2 major troubles i see of it as a loved one.

1. Buy some before you run out, them mood swings, the way they chase it, they seem more excited about seeing weed than any one of their family/friends and meself.
2. The weed quality is not always the same each time.
3. It can be rather expensive and if theres none about due to a 'dry' period, the agony you will go thorough, as well as the boredom for not bein 'high' will be rubbish.

I think growing ya own is a great idea if this is legal in your country, then theres no drawbacks to you or them close to you.

And without the anxiety of getting stuff is all but gone.

[wheeliebear75]

pinkcloud, on 15 July 2011 - 03:18 PM, said:

I wish I could cope with smoking th weed, from what I have, the side effects are lower than them listed on a am-i-tripping-lyn tablets

Having dated a stoner, theres only 2 major troubles i see of it as a loved one.

1. Buy some before you run out, them mood swings, the way they chase it, they seem more excited about seeing weed than any one of their family/friends and meself.
2. The weed quality is not always the same each time.
3. It can be rather expensive and if theres none about due to a 'dry' period, the agony you will go thorough, as well as the boredom for not bein 'high' will be rubbish.

I think growing ya own is a great idea if this is legal in your country, then theres no drawbacks to you or them close to you.

And without the anxiety of getting stuff is all but gone.

Pink me love.....what you're describing is AN ADDICT! People who choose to get HIGH are different from those who choose to use marijuana for TRULY MEDICINAL USE.

Personally I'm quite the opposite from "a stoner" rather than sitting around staring at the patterns in the carpet I'D much rather go DO SOMETHING! It's much like booze or even Rx pain-killers; an addict will ABUSE IT to get their jollies/HIGH, a person who doesn't have that addictive tendency AND is using it for the intention of relieving PAIN they on the other hand will have a totally different attitude towards these same substances.

Historically, addiction has been defined as physical and psychological dependence on psychoactive substances (for example alcohol, tobacco, heroin and other drugs) which cross the blood-brain barrier once ingested, temporarily altering the chemical milieu of the brain.

Addiction can also be viewed as a continued involvement with a substance or activity despite the negative consequences associated with it. Pleasure and enjoyment would have originally been sought; however, over a period of time involvement with the substance or activity is needed to feel normal.[1] Some psychology professionals and many laymen now mean 'addiction' to include abnormal psychological dependency on such things as gambling, food, sex, pornography, computers, internet, work, exercise, idolizing, watching TV or certain types of non-pornographic videos, spiritual obsession, self-injury and shopping.
(Copied verbatim from ----> ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction

What you described with constantly having thoughts centered around marijuana is classic addictive behavior & attitude. I have unfortunately bumped into people via on-line whom I THOUGHT were like myself....legitimately suffering from chronic pain, but then once they got COMFORTABLE with me I'd start hearing stuff about purchasing Rx pills from neighbors or other people who they knew got prescription narcotics from their Dr.s., obviously they're all participating in illegal use of "legal narcotics". Only reason I can see to put yourself in danger of being arrested for "a legal substance" is cuz their Dr. wont give it to them. IF they're in that much pain & have a 100% legitimate need why wouldn't their Dr. give them what they need? Cuz they're getting A HIGH of the Rx pain pills & their Dr. would NEVER write them a sript for that much DRUGS that's why! Also I have a friend who worked in pharmacy for YEARS.....and they get pretty good at spotting those who are fiending for some drugs vs. those who are actually in PAIN & therefore NEED them. She said people who come in and are addicted to the prescription pain killers have an almost panicked look about them, people who are genuinely in need of their medication to control pain tend to have more of a saddened look while waiting on their order to be filled. ADDICTS come bug them every few minutes "Is it ready yet? Is it ready yet?", people in PAIN usually just sit there til their name/# is called OR they only ask after like 10-20minutes.

Drawbacks of marijuana: #1 depends on how illegal or legal it is for MEDICINAL USE in YOUR AREA (California is the BOMB prop 215), it IS expensive unless you're able to grow your own & no insurance is going to purchase it....YOU are on your own with that cost, it's true that each batch/crop is different & may have differing effects (it's not like with pills where each pill will work the exact same way as the others, marijuana varies from plant to plant & even from one nugget to another from within the same batch), it is not as socially acceptable to light up a joint as it is to pop a handful of pills, & as pink said.....when things go "dry" (crops aren't harvest-able yet and/or the authorities have managed to confiscate the majority of what IS/was out there.

Benefits of marijuana: #1 there is really no such thing as ODing meaning that if the pain kicks in 4.5 hrs after you smoked it's OK to smoke again without fear that you'll stop breathing with Rx if the pain kicks in @ 4.5 hrs after you took your last Rx dose you're stuck waiting another 1.5 hrs before you can take any more. #2 ONE drug/medicine (pot/marijuana) for control of pain, spasms, nausea, the anxiety of feeling like there are ants crawling all over (neuropathy can create that sensation and often does to me), insomnia, & some even claim it helps with depression, nobody disputes that marijuana will often MAKE YOU hungry & for people who don't eat often enough due to pain this can be a MAJOR bonus. PERSONALLY I feel less drugged with a few hits of pot than with a bunch of pills in my gut....but this is ME....I am NOT saying marijuana is for everyone who suffers from pain, but I do think marijuana has a legitimate place in pain control.

If anyone has questions about the use of marijuana feel free to ask me; I've been through the pain management program through my insurance AND I completed their course in pain management(an 8wk course of 16 classes/sessions), AND my Dr.s are fully aware of AND APPROVE OF my use of marijuana....in fact we discuss "How's the pot working for your pain & nausea?".

[sh1wn]

wheeliebear75, on 16 July 2011 - 01:30 AM, said:

pinkcloud, on 15 July 2011 - 03:18 PM, said:

I wish I could cope with smoking th weed, from what I have, the side effects are lower than them listed on a am-i-tripping-lyn tablets

Having dated a stoner, theres only 2 major troubles i see of it as a loved one.

1. Buy some before you run out, them mood swings, the way they chase it, they seem more excited about seeing weed than any one of their family/friends and meself.
2. The weed quality is not always the same each time.
3. It can be rather expensive and if theres none about due to a 'dry' period, the agony you will go thorough, as well as the boredom for not bein 'high' will be rubbish.

I think growing ya own is a great idea if this is legal in your country, then theres no drawbacks to you or them close to you.

And without the anxiety of getting stuff is all but gone.

Pink me love.....what you're describing is AN ADDICT! People who choose to get HIGH are different from those who choose to use marijuana for TRULY MEDICINAL USE.

Personally I'm quite the opposite from "a stoner" rather than sitting around staring at the patterns in the carpet I'D much rather go DO SOMETHING! It's much like booze or even Rx pain-killers; an addict will ABUSE IT to get their jollies/HIGH, a person who doesn't have that addictive tendency AND is using it for the intention of relieving PAIN they on the other hand will have a totally different attitude towards these same substances.

Historically, addiction has been defined as physical and psychological dependence on psychoactive substances (for example alcohol, tobacco, heroin and other drugs) which cross the blood-brain barrier once ingested, temporarily altering the chemical milieu of the brain.

Addiction can also be viewed as a continued involvement with a substance or activity despite the negative consequences associated with it. Pleasure and enjoyment would have originally been sought; however, over a period of time involvement with the substance or activity is needed to feel normal.[1] Some psychology professionals and many laymen now mean 'addiction' to include abnormal psychological dependency on such things as gambling, food, sex, pornography, computers, internet, work, exercise, idolizing, watching TV or certain types of non-pornographic videos, spiritual obsession, self-injury and shopping.
(Copied verbatim from ----> ) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Addiction

What you described with constantly having thoughts centered around marijuana is classic addictive behavior & attitude. I have unfortunately bumped into people via on-line whom I THOUGHT were like myself....legitimately suffering from chronic pain, but then once they got COMFORTABLE with me I'd start hearing stuff about purchasing Rx pills from neighbors or other people who they knew got prescription narcotics from their Dr.s., obviously they're all participating in illegal use of "legal narcotics". Only reason I can see to put yourself in danger of being arrested for "a legal substance" is cuz their Dr. wont give it to them. IF they're in that much pain & have a 100% legitimate need why wouldn't their Dr. give them what they need? Cuz they're getting A HIGH of the Rx pain pills & their Dr. would NEVER write them a sript for that much DRUGS that's why! Also I have a friend who worked in pharmacy for YEARS.....and they get pretty good at spotting those who are fiending for some drugs vs. those who are actually in PAIN & therefore NEED them. She said people who come in and are addicted to the prescription pain killers have an almost panicked look about them, people who are genuinely in need of their medication to control pain tend to have more of a saddened look while waiting on their order to be filled. ADDICTS come bug them every few minutes "Is it ready yet? Is it ready yet?", people in PAIN usually just sit there til their name/# is called OR they only ask after like 10-20minutes.

Drawbacks of marijuana: #1 depends on how illegal or legal it is for MEDICINAL USE in YOUR AREA (California is the BOMB prop 215), it IS expensive unless you're able to grow your own & no insurance is going to purchase it....YOU are on your own with that cost, it's true that each batch/crop is different & may have differing effects (it's not like with pills where each pill will work the exact same way as the others, marijuana varies from plant to plant & even from one nugget to another from within the same batch), it is not as socially acceptable to light up a joint as it is to pop a handful of pills, & as pink said.....when things go "dry" (crops aren't harvest-able yet and/or the authorities have managed to confiscate the majority of what IS/was out there.

Benefits of marijuana: #1 there is really no such thing as ODing meaning that if the pain kicks in 4.5 hrs after you smoked it's OK to smoke again without fear that you'll stop breathing with Rx if the pain kicks in @ 4.5 hrs after you took your last Rx dose you're stuck waiting another 1.5 hrs before you can take any more. #2 ONE drug/medicine (pot/marijuana) for control of pain, spasms, nausea, the anxiety of feeling like there are ants crawling all over (neuropathy can create that sensation and often does to me), insomnia, & some even claim it helps with depression, nobody disputes that marijuana will often MAKE YOU hungry & for people who don't eat often enough due to pain this can be a MAJOR bonus. PERSONALLY I feel less drugged with a few hits of pot than with a bunch of pills in my gut....but this is ME....I am NOT saying marijuana is for everyone who suffers from pain, but I do think marijuana has a legitimate place in pain control.

If anyone has questions about the use of marijuana feel free to ask me; I've been through the pain management program through my insurance AND I completed their course in pain management(an 8wk course of 16 classes/sessions), AND my Dr.s are fully aware of AND APPROVE OF my use of marijuana....in fact we discuss "How's the pot working for your pain & nausea?".

Thank you, you explained that way better than I could. My doctor was very happy when I told him about tincture and how I didn't have to smoke it. It sucks that doctor are not taught more about it in school.

Quote

the agony you will go thorough, as well as the boredom for not bein 'high' will be rubbish.

Sorry pink but this is untrue, you might be bored but it's far from agony. Running out of pain pills would be agony, running out of pot, no big deal.
I don't think it's some wonder drug that will cure all problems but it does work for some of mine.

[dreamerr]

dlury24, on 11 July 2011 - 04:49 PM, said:

I use it medicinally and I love it. I don't use it for pain but it does help with it. I was on antidepressants, anti-anxiety, and pain meds. Using medical marijuana completely eliminated the need for me to take any of them. I only use the weed now. It helps me with appetite and depression. The biggest difference is in my anxiety and depression. Wow whenever I get down or stressed out I just smoke and problem is solved. It also helps me to not think about the pain so I don't feel the pain. Different strains help for different needs. I dont work so I am not sure how it affects that. But I do most everything else except for drive and I am fine. I smoke whenever needed and I smoke a bowl at a time or until I am "high'. I would recommend it. I think getting off of rx pills and moving to something 100% natural and organic is the best move I ever made.

Same think here. I got off all the drugs said above and smoke. It helps with all the things that dlury said as well as panic attacks. The great thing about smoking is it is fast. You can also eat, vaporize or take pills but the effect is different. I like the pills because they last for around 5 hours so I can go out and not have to worry were I can smoke. I don't smoke to get high so driving is not an issue for me. It also helps greatly with spasms. You need to watch which strains you take or you will get the munchies and as we know gaining weight is not good for us. If I do get the munchies because I need a certain strain at that moment I try to defer the hunger till later and then just grab a small snack so I don't keep going.

I hope this helps

[Scooby Gimp]

I ditched oxy and all spasm meds last year, at age 51, and just use weed now and i am so much more healthy. Puff puff, please legalize the stuff
.

[dreamerr]

In Texas you may be waiting a while. All the states around you are legal.

[wheeliebear75]

If medicinal marijuana is NOT legal in your state than you may want to find out if you can help get the subject on the polls for the next vote....that's what people did here in CA with prop 215.

[4kriyaan]

Not legal in Trinidad but opiods such as pethidine and drugs like ketamine aren't working. W,hat do u guys use

[wheeliebear75]

As for medicines of one sort or another....

(for pain)
Marijuana
Percocet

(for muscle spasms)
Marijuana
Flexarill

(for nausea)
Marijuana
Phenergan

(for anti-anxiety....I get a sensation like I'm wearing a pair of stockings several sizes too small, with an entire anthill full of those angry red fire-ants!)
Marijuana
Valium

Generally....I try to just smoke (yes I know smoking is "bad" but it's what works best for ME....I don't have to worry about keeping down a "special brownie" or THC-tea.) a bit of pot otherwise I have to take 4 different Rx medications to get a break from the pain.

Edited by wheeliebear75, 20 October 2011 - 11:08 AM.

[trynity7]

i just recently have been trying it. i dont smoke til i get stupid high. usually s few hits will have me ok for a few hours

[dreamerr]

hmmmmmm percs do nothing for me.

[paul1404]

You do know Smoking is very bad for you!

Edited by paul1404, 25 October 2011 - 08:19 PM.

[Allison willcox]

I get really bad nerve pain to , the burning and cutting and all of that .I was agianst drugs but since i have no other chioce since i take the highest dose of lyrica and tried every pill the doctors have given me . Pot helps heaps it changes the pain in my legs which is a relief for an hour or two .I smoke it just before i go to bed just to get to sleep and not feel as intense pain

[Scorpio81]

I've found all the posts on this subject very interesting - it seems that for a lot of you, marijuana really helps with your symptoms. I have tried smoking it a couple of times in the past (once was with a few friends and the other time was in Amsterdam where it is legal) and I have to say, it really relaxed all the tight muscles in my back (muscles I didn't even realise were tight) and gave me a feeling of wellbeing - I didn't get stoned, just nicely relaxed.

However, it is still illegal here in the UK - a few years ago it was downgraded to a class C drug, although the laws and boundaries were very blurred and confusing, but then the government in all their wisdom put it back up to a class B. There have been some clinical trials run by pain clinics, testing Sativex, though I think that's only mainly been aimed at people with Multiple Sclerosis and other serious progressive neurological diseases. They seem to have overlooked the many people who suffer with neuropathic pain for reasons other than MS etc.

The main problem is that Marijuana has been demonised for so long, and there is no distinction made between people who use it for medical purposes and people who use it purely to get high/stoned. The anti-weed brigade say that smoking pot inevitably leads to taking stronger drugs (like heroin and cocaine), but in my circumstances it would actually be a bit of a downgrade from the strong stuff i'm taking now! It's totally crazy that I can get prescribed as much morphine (or any other opiate) and diazepam (valium) as I want, but I would be breaking the law if I so much as smoked a joint. That said, i've only ever smoked it and I don't like the taste/smell so wouldn't be up for smoking it again. However, if it was offered to me in another form, like tablets or a tincture, I would give it a go, but that's not very likely the way things stand over here as it is.

It's always amazes me that alcohol is so readily available and socially acceptable, despite it being responsible for so many bad things, like violence (Saturday night in my city centre shows a perfect example of this) as well as the long term damage it does to the mind and body, not to mention the effects alcoholism can have on families and relationships. I've never seen anyone glass someone in the face after a couple of smokes, but the same can't be said for someone who's had a skinful of booze. Alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs around, but they'll never ban/criminalise it, not in a million years!

Another thing that's commonly referred to is that marijuana use actually causes mental health problems in the long term - is there any truth in that? Or does that only apply to people who are predisposed to things like depression anyway? I'm genuinely interested in opinions on this.

[RioBlaze]

sciiaf, on 11 July 2011 - 09:45 AM, said:

i'm going to ask dr about pot, for medicinal, pain is acting up again and i really have no other options. its the burning pain i'm feeling all the time.

who here takes it medicinally only? the kind prescribed and used by dr directions? i havent smoked since i've been injured, so i have no idea but i'd like to try.

how much does it help? if any? do you take it during the day when you are at work? does it interfere with socializing and working with people?

what kind of relief do you feel? how much do you take? do you get the munchies as well?

really desperate here. going to try it but i might be going back to work so, curious as i don't want to get fired for laughing too hard at youtube emails and such

Good for you!!!! I used to smoke but it is not legal where I live. I smoked it for about 15 yrs. I am now taking oxycontin, percocet, soma, ambien, lyrica to name a few. I HATE the side effects of Rx meds. I hope one day it will be accepted and legal EVERYWHERE!!!

The best that I ever used was in Amsterdam. It was actually not marijuana but hashhish. It tastes so good and the relief I got was incredible. The drawback is that the effects of the MJ only lasted for about three hours maximum.

So anyway, here's hoping you get relief from your pain.
Rio

[RioBlaze]

Scooby Gimp, on 15 October 2011 - 04:01 PM, said:

I ditched oxy and all spasm meds last year, at age 51, and just use weed now and i am so much more healthy. Puff puff, please legalize the stuff
.

I too live in a state that makes possesion or use of marijuana a misdemeanor. So with all the money I save not buying the smoke, I spend on lots of guns. I find the relaxation of shooting takes my mind off of the pain temporarily.

[wheeliebear75]

Scorpio81, on 31 October 2011 - 06:11 PM, said:

I've found all the posts on this subject very interesting - it seems that for a lot of you, marijuana really helps with your symptoms. I have tried smoking it a couple of times in the past (once was with a few friends and the other time was in Amsterdam where it is legal) and I have to say, it really relaxed all the tight muscles in my back (muscles I didn't even realise were tight) and gave me a feeling of wellbeing - I didn't get stoned, just nicely relaxed.

However, it is still illegal here in the UK - a few years ago it was downgraded to a class C drug, although the laws and boundaries were very blurred and confusing, but then the government in all their wisdom put it back up to a class B. There have been some clinical trials run by pain clinics, testing Sativex, though I think that's only mainly been aimed at people with Multiple Sclerosis and other serious progressive neurological diseases. They seem to have overlooked the many people who suffer with neuropathic pain for reasons other than MS etc.

The main problem is that Marijuana has been demonised for so long, and there is no distinction made between people who use it for medical purposes and people who use it purely to get high/stoned. The anti-weed brigade say that smoking pot inevitably leads to taking stronger drugs (like heroin and cocaine), but in my circumstances it would actually be a bit of a downgrade from the strong stuff i'm taking now! It's totally crazy that I can get prescribed as much morphine (or any other opiate) and diazepam (valium) as I want, but I would be breaking the law if I so much as smoked a joint. That said, i've only ever smoked it and I don't like the taste/smell so wouldn't be up for smoking it again. However, if it was offered to me in another form, like tablets or a tincture, I would give it a go, but that's not very likely the way things stand over here as it is.

It's always amazes me that alcohol is so readily available and socially acceptable, despite it being responsible for so many bad things, like violence (Saturday night in my city centre shows a perfect example of this) as well as the long term damage it does to the mind and body, not to mention the effects alcoholism can have on families and relationships. I've never seen anyone glass someone in the face after a couple of smokes, but the same can't be said for someone who's had a skinful of booze. Alcohol is one of the most dangerous drugs around, but they'll never ban/criminalise it, not in a million years!

Another thing that's commonly referred to is that marijuana use actually causes mental health problems in the long term - is there any truth in that? Or does that only apply to people who are predisposed to things like depression anyway? I'm genuinely interested in opinions on this.

I don't know about in the UK but here in the U.S. they TRIED to outlaw booze with "prohibition"....only thing that did was create a black market & give even more power to the mobsters of the 20's & 30's.

I also think it is interesting that I can pop a hand full of pills & nobody thinks anything of it. Even though the pills will make me 5x more doped up than weed could even dream of doing & only works 1/2 as well on the pain.

Many of those meds for nerve pain have to be taken on a regular basis to have a "therapeutic level" of the drug in your system, but this means you're taking something even on "a good day". I like that I can use as much or as little as I need to take care of the pain.

I have a few friends who are addicts in recovery. I say addicts in recovery because someone who WAS an addict is not someone who no longer has to worry about drugs, they're someone who cleaned out their system & will either be weary of stumbling OR they'll fall back into old patterns. One friend....so long as he stays away from drugs or those who use he's "OK" but the smell of pot or sight of some drugs on a movie can give that " " & he has to WILL HIMSELF to stay away. Those that I know who went down the path of drugs were out to get as high & f*@ked up as they possibly could. A party they had hazy memories of beer pong is great but the party you can't remember anything aside from that you went.....that's THE par-tay! The weed didn't make them want to get high-ER. THEY wanted to not just get high but HIGH & the weed wasn't strong enough.

People can also get "hooked" on pain pills which is why so many of us have trouble being seen as "drug seekers"....hard to tell where that line is & who's on which side of it.

[dreamerr]

If you make pills they last for around 5 hours and more if you smoke every so often to boost it. You can always take another pill around 3 hours in so it will take effect by the time the other pill is about to wear off.