Cannabis as medication for anxiety?

[RandomStudent873]

Hello members of AnxietyForum!

I hope that everyone is doing well today.

I am conducting some research about how cannabis interacts with levels of anxiety. I would love to talk to y'all about it!
Basically I am here to ask if anyone has any experience with using cannabis as a treatment for anxiety in the past, and if it has worked or not.
I would also love to hear some stories from non-cannabis users about their perceptions of how cannabis can be used as a treatment.

Honesty guys, ANY feedback would be greatly appreciated. I just want to hear some anecdotes about cannabis use and anxiety levels.
Thanks in advanced!

[pigsquiggle]

When my friend smoke cannabis either for the first or second time, she had a really awful experience. She felt like she was in hell and I was on the phone to her and she kept saying she thought she was going to die. She also self-harmed whilst being 'high'. From what I could tell, it was petrifying for her, she said she felt like she was spiralling down into nowhere.

I thought cannabis was a stress reliever and that's why she smoked it because I told her as she had a lot of stress going on and I have a history of drugs that I don't want to talk about. I guess you have to be in the right frame of mind to relax when smoking cannabis.

[gypsylee]

Hello members of AnxietyForum!

I hope that everyone is doing well today.

I am conducting some research about how cannabis interacts with levels of anxiety. I would love to talk to y'all about it!
Basically I am here to ask if anyone has any experience with using cannabis as a treatment for anxiety in the past, and if it has worked or not.
I would also love to hear some stories from non-cannabis users about their perceptions of how cannabis can be used as a treatment.

Honesty guys, ANY feedback would be greatly appreciated. I just want to hear some anecdotes about cannabis use and anxiety levels.
Thanks in advanced!

Cannabis makes my existing anxiety skyrocket, as in the immediate effects of it. My brother was the same, so it seems like a certain brain chemistry. I've had it many a time because I've hung out with smokers half my life but I never liked it at all. So I wouldn't consider it a very good "treatment" for anxiety.

:)

[TiamatBreeze]

It depends on the strain. If you live in a state where it's legal, and you get an indica, it will work for you, but sativa dominant strains give you a head high and should be avoided. The problem is that no one knows if their strains are indica or sativa if they get them form a street dealer, plus they could be laced, which makes things really dangerous.

[drac16]

I've taken hemp oil via a vaporizor pen and it worked wonders. Unfortunately, the only way to get it is by ordering it online and when you add in the shipping costs, it was not [and still is not] feasible for me to continue vaping hemp oil indefinitely. CBD is the part of the plant that helped relieve me of panic attacks and anixety attacks. Just a few good rips and I'd be good to go. The hemp oil I used is very low in THC, so it's not going to get you high-- it's strictly for the medicinal benefits of the CBD.

[franklyput]

The only times I took cannabis it made me unbelievably paranoid and I was sweating profusely. That was a long time ago, though. I was wondering if a tincture from a medical dispensary would be different, but I am scared to try it because of my previous experience.

[PurpleStarGirl]

Indica-based strains work best for anxiety. Sativas may contribute to it. I occasionally smoke cannabis and I find that indica-dominant hybrids and pure indicas work great for calming anxious minds but I'm always paranoid that it might heighten the anxiety instead of calming it.

[LK89]

For short term, may be YES!

For long term, certainly NOT!

It's better to stay away from it and stick to your prescription medicines.

[raggamuffin]

As stated by LK89 above. Short term you might find it helpful. I did - I smoked it for 7 years daily. But towards the end the laziness, the paranoia and anxiety was mounting. Then I had my first ever panic attack. A year later my second (which lasted 1 hour). From then on it was 24/7 symptoms, aches and pains all over my body every moment of every day. That lasted 5 years. Trust me, it's not worth it. Since then i've quit smoking weed and tobacco. Took several cold turkey attempts but I finally nailed it.

Unless a drug is needed to physically keep you alive, my thought is that any drug - whether legal or illegal won't really solve your issues - they might bury them, but they can't heal or cure them. You can overcome anxiety or depression or many other health issues through self improvement, willpower, determination, knowledge. i know these sound cliched, but I can guarantee to you they're true.

I went from chronic pain, fear and worry to maybe 1 or 2 aches a day that last a handful of minutes at most. Anxiety is a tool - prompting you to CHANGE as a person. It'll actually empower you once you realize and dig deep into why it's here. Many of us think anxiety comes along overnight and look for a quick fix or cure. I'm afraid the journey is longer than that.

I spent years convinced my aches and pains were diseases and imminent death. It took 3 or 4 years before I could accept these aches and pains were because of stress and anxiety. Later I realized some core beliefs i'd been holding onto from a long time ago and set about changing that. Anxiety feeds off fears and worries. If you convince yourself you're always in danger or ill your fight or flight response works over time. Causing inflammation and stress to the body - hence the symptoms and aches and pains.

A good step is cutting junk and processed foods from your diet. Get exercising, this is hard at first. I had many excurions on my bike or simple walking where I was scared to be away from home, terrified of the aches and pains I qwas getting and sometimes having full blown panic attacks. When you're so amped up and paranoid over every little ache or pain your body may associate the symptoms of exercise - raised heartrate, breathlessness, aches etc as an anxiety attack or "disease".

Building a strong foundation of knowledge is the basis to overcoming anxiety. Many become hypochondriacs with all the Googling of symptoms. That can be destructive - it was for me. But you can always take a good from a bad. After years of Googling symptoms and disease and endless GP and hospital visits I realized the symptoms I had were anxiety. Again, it's all about knowledge.

Once you understand anxiety you can then piece symptoms and issues back to anxiety. Then you dig to see what situations make you anxious, what you FEEL in such situations. Not the false beliefs and paranoia. Dig to the core beliefs and address them.

It's also good to get out of your comfort zone slowly but surely. I used to hate leaving the house. Anything from driving to going to the shops or waiting in a queue would provoke serious symptoms - chest tightness, palps, dizziness, sweats. I hated it. But I started going out more and more and more. What started as 9 times out of 10 getting symptoms has gone down to 1 out of 10 times. But symptoms aren't as intense and I can RATIONALIZE the symptoms and not respond with false beliefs of disease or fly into a panic.

Anyway that's my 2 cents.

Ed

[sashanicole]

Hello :)

I just joined this forum but your thread caught my eye.

Cannabis is actually one of the things that caused my anxiety to get to the level it is now. I always had anxiety growing up, problems with being sociable etc. But when I was 18/19 I started smoking weed, it was fine for a while, and I must admit, it did chill me out and actually took away my anxiety for a long long time, but as I got more and more hooked on it, it did the opposite and caused me to have some of the worst panic attacks I've had. Obviously it was enough to make me quit all together, but I'm sad to say I've never been the same since.
I know a lot of people who have smoked it in the hopes it will help with their anxiety, but most of the time it seems to just enhance it, I think if you're in a good place, mentally, it can be fine, but I've seen a lot of friends really struggle.
That being said, my mum and her boyfriend both suffer with it, and they smoke a lot, and it really helps them!
I think it really depends on the state of your mind, but overall, I'd say it's not helpful :(

[GageSA]

I too was intrigued by this question and just joined this site. My personal experiences with cannabis have all been positive. I was a moderate smoker in my late teens. I was one who stated I would never touch drugs. Until.... the anxiety/ocd/depression came and hit hard years before. When I got to a point that I just didn't care about life or anything, I tried it. I had someone who was experienced with it at the time let me know NOT to smoke more than a few puffs. I believe that is why lots of people get paranoid heavily their first few times, or first time, and have a bad experience. They quite possibly smoke too much.
Anyway, my anxiety went from a 10 down to a 4 or so, depression lifted away, it was great for me. Too bad it's illegal in so many states still. It can definitely help some people. That has been proven. But as stated above, it is not a front line medicine. Plus the type indica/sativa can play a decent role in how you react.

[DrStrangeluv]

Just dont...

There s a common pattern between stoners and that is self denial, pot is an ILEGAL DRUG, used only as a last resort to treat ONE type of cancer...when there's nothing else to do, no better than opiates.. period. I don't buy the medicinal crap propaganda... It affects your mind and body with its over 400 chemicals, so... you have to ask yourself this question.. it s your life so bad that you really need to resort to a GATEWAY drug to escape reality? And if your life is so great why should continue y doing it in the first place? Why are you not facing the real issues, like your inability to cope with REAL life, and being yourself with no ARTIFICIAL ingredients. The worst part is that it rewires your brain in such a way that the thought of quitting is the same as not breathing. That's why people smoke it for years thinking it's ok, and if you tell them to quit to go on a rage trip, it ain't addictive, right... Pot smokers are numb to the fact that their lives are passing them by, they lack motivation because they are tricking they brain into thinking everything is OK when it fact it s NOT. So i have anxiety/depression. a job, a LIFE? Doesn't matter i'll just hide it in this cloud of thc... And then i need to get my next fix, and next fix, and sometimes it's not enough, gotta try LSD, shrooms, etc, just to make it all away....

I'm talking from experience, I was one.

[GageSA]

Your response to the OP's question is beyond retarded. Besides your horrific use of the English language, you clearly have no idea what you are talking about. From experience? My man, you must have dropped way too much acid and MDMA to sound this stupid. The only propaganda going on is the shit you watch on television making up the decisions for you. Stop watching TV! Stop reading bullshit books! There seem to be so many people on this forum that have jobs, a wife/husband, kids, etc. Their anxiety cannot be that bad. For christ's sake, these people are complaining like they cannot even leave their house. Yet they get to work everyday, feed their kids, go to church. I actually thought for a minute that this place might be useful. Instead, its just more bullshit. Fuck y'all! I'm out.

[Ponder]

Hey, come on over to my thread ... Most of the people we know are either dieing, in prison, hooked on drugs, - I'm always failing at this or that - I have several outbursts a day, rave on about hey loving I am one moment, and then apologize for being a raving lunatic the next. It's not an easy job being fucked up - whilst on the subject or work ... half the people in my thread work pretty hard ... I'd say coming to places like here helps many of them keep their jobs. Anyways man, if you want a good dose of despair come on over to my place. I am pretty sure I can accommodate ... only thing is ... for now I seem to be picking up despite the ongoing drama of life I seem to make for myself ... or live in the one others make for me - hmmmmm damn it ... I'm staring to short out again.

If you make it back ... you can catch me in the social phobia section of this forum ... pull up a chair and give me your best and your worst.

Take care man.

All the best - please do drop in if your reading this.

Edit --- I do understand where your coming from - you'll be right ... keep looking and you will find what your looking for eventually. Some of us are still under rocks is all. Mine has a toothpick holding up an opening for those small enough to fit in. Sometimes I have a bad habit of blowing the roof off. I can make room if I have too.

[JohnC]

smoked it for thirty years and its all about the type ( strain ) and ones state of mind. If its not legal where you live then you will have a hard time getting the strain you need. Today's weed is very strong and 99% of the time it's going to increase your anxiety.
The increased risk of damage/cancer if your smoking it and as RM said laziness and paranoia are some of the ill affects.
I QUIT ..................

[mrslizzyg]

Your response to the OP's question is beyond retarded. Besides your horrific use of the English language, you clearly have no idea what you are talking about. From experience? My man, you must have dropped way too much acid and MDMA to sound this stupid. The only propaganda going on is the shit you watch on television making up the decisions for you. Stop watching TV! Stop reading bullshit books! There seem to be so many people on this forum that have jobs, a wife/husband, kids, etc. Their anxiety cannot be that bad. For christ's sake, these people are complaining like they cannot even leave their house. Yet they get to work everyday, feed their kids, go to church. I actually thought for a minute that this place might be useful. Instead, its just more bullshit. Fuck y'all! I'm out.

Hmm. As much as I disagree with the post above this, I also equally disagree with this.

I struggle with GAD and depression, I have a husband and a full time job. Did you know that my marriage has been through hell and back because of my anxiety? Or that getting out of bed and going to my job every day is literally a struggle?

I went through a period of two years where I didn't work really. I just wouldn't get out of bed. My husband and I fought so much we were better off being in different rooms.

I also know there are other people on this forum that have a lot of struggles, they are just doing what they need to face them. It does not mean things are easy because to you their life seems "normal." You can't judge a book by it's cover.

So please, don't make generalizations about all of us based off one post. We are all entitled to our opinions and you aren't going to agree with all of them. The beauty of this place is that we are all different.

As far as marijuana goes- I think it's a personal choice. If I already have anxiety and I smoke, it makes mine worse. But I like to smoke on occasion when my anxiety isn't very high. I find it super relaxing and even fun.

If you can function day to day and smoke weed- if it helps you- I say go for it. If it starts effecting other areas of you life: works, relationships, etc.. Then it probably isn't worth it.

I hope you come back and give this place another shot. :)

[ShaunAlex]

I'd say it's an awful idea. Far from the relaxing feeling some people experience, it encourages anxiety to spiral

[MiST]

It varies from person to person. I have never had a single negative experience with weed in the 20+ years either smoking or consuming it. It's not for everyone though that's for sure.

[gypsylee]

Your response to the OP's question is beyond retarded. Besides your horrific use of the English language, you clearly have no idea what you are talking about. From experience? My man, you must have dropped way too much acid and MDMA to sound this stupid. The only propaganda going on is the shit you watch on television making up the decisions for you. Stop watching TV! Stop reading bullshit books! There seem to be so many people on this forum that have jobs, a wife/husband, kids, etc. Their anxiety cannot be that bad. For christ's sake, these people are complaining like they cannot even leave their house. Yet they get to work everyday, feed their kids, go to church. I actually thought for a minute that this place might be useful. Instead, its just more bullshit. Fuck y'all! I'm out.

We're devastated.

[Ahlstrom]

Before I developed anxiety disorder when I was around 17 or 18 I used to drink, but one night I drank far too much on Lexapro and then hit a joint, sent my ass to the hospital, when I got out the next day I decided to smoke a bowl and BAM, first anxiety attack, starting going nuts, thought I was dying. I didn't smoke for around 2 years.

One day, years later, I worked up the courage and put my brain to the test. I drove two hours to the city to hang with my friends, and smoked a bowl... and felt amazing. Overtime however I've noticed that my daily smoking habit can actually sometimes make me more anxious. I usually avoid pot if I'm feeling really anxious. However, I'd consider myself a heavy pot smoker (atleast once a day, sometimes up to 5 times a day on weekends or when I have nothing to do.) I recently ran out of money and can't afford to buy any weed, and I've noticed that I definitely feel much more anxious overall. Looking back, I think that for me personally marijuana is a very very effective medication for my anxiety (plus it gets you high and you can jam out to amazing rock n roll - NICE!) But yeah, I definitely avoid smoking when I'm having panic attacks, also I take maybe 2 tokes and leave it, smoking too much marijuana can definitely freak me out and make me worse. But overall I'd say it has a positive effect on my anxiety. I think the release that it gives me mentally is extremely useful and keeps me from getting nervous and depressed in general. It definitely helps my anxiety, but I don't think it helps me in the same way that benzos or anti-depressants help me, catch my drift? I should note that indica strains are much easier on me than brain-altering sative strains. It's borderline impossible to tell what kind I'm getting though, since it's still illegal where I live, hopefully when it's fully legalized in Texas I'll be able to give more insight as to what strains affect my anxiety and how.

I've always smoked pot for recreational use and music, never intentionally used it for my anxiety. I love the sweet leaf!

[James Boelter]

Depends on strain and person really. Some report very negative results as their first time experience and form a lasting opinion on something they had no understanding of the "why" it happened. It the same as drinking Jack Daniels for your first alcoholic drink and having a terrible time and hang over, then forming the opinion that all alcohol is bad and evil (in some cases). The truth that the person stopped pursuing is that, in moderation, beer was delicious and pleasurable; but they'll never know that and keep telling everyone they know that it was terrible and should be banned, not touched, prayed against, etc..etc. EDIT: as evidenced by the posts below, they didn't even read this.. LOL

Sativa, yup.. that MAY drive you nuts with paranoid thoughts if you smoke it. Indica, is it's opposite sister strain which gives you the feeling of chill and relaxation. BOTH smoked in large (and I do mean large!) quantities can cause paranoia. Taking 1 puff or 2 of an Indica strain can relieve anxiety.

Here's one real issue: Other than getting cannabis in states that it is legalized (unless you know what you're looking at), you do not know which strain you are buying or smoking! You cannot possibly know what you are talking about when you report back to the general public about 'Satan's Cabbage.' Absolutely, uninformed and clueless.

Screaming, "Stay on your meds, cannabis is bad!" is really quite moronic. Yes, stay on your meds, if they work for you cannabis is NOT an ALTERNATIVE! However, did you guys actually read your meds? Do you know what they CAN do to you? So it's a little hypocritical to support one and down the other with no real information.

Now, it's traditionally taboo to speak of cannabis, but not meds used to stop anxiety...and to stop seizures.... (seems a little broad of a range to cover for 1 med) FACT: The anxiety use for Klonopin was an afterthought. I've read a lot of labels for medications suggested by my doctor and for the most part, they go something like this below.

Klonopin (for example:)
SIDE EFFECTS:
confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
weak or shallow breathing;
unusual risk-taking behavior, no fear of danger;
unusual or involuntary eye movements;
pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
painful or difficult urination, urinating less than usual;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or
new or worsening seizures.
drowsiness, dizziness, problems with thinking or memory;
tired feeling, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination;
slurred speech, drooling or dry mouth, sore gums;
runny or stuffy nose;
loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
blurred vision;
headache;
sleep problems (insomnia);
skin rash; or
weight changes.

REBOUND: Depending on how long you have taken Klonopin you could hallucinate and have seizures, even if you've never had them before. Paranoia is definitely present in my experience with Klonopin when trying to ween off of it. Others have reported worse when taken for years at a time.

Cannabis:
FEELING: paranoia that is short lasting with wrong strain or copious amounts ingested or inhaled.
Side effects: NONE.
Deaths: NONE.
Interactions with other drugs: NONE. (This is a VERY common misconception that cannabis "lands you in the hospital..", etc... NO, that's why there are no deaths associated with cannabis intake!! Let me go SPOCK on you all, "Logic clearly dictates that if no deaths were ever reported in association with cannabis, how can there be a drug interaction that is dangerous?" Do you know how many YEARS people have had access to cannabis? Answer: decades and yet not one associated death or drug interaction death. )
REBOUND: NONE.
ADDICTION: NONE. (Some people can form an addiction to anything psychologically, I know that argument so save it. ;) )

If you don't understand by now, I cannot help you understand, no one can. I do however wish everyone the best! Yes, cannabis is illegal in most states, I am not promoting you break the law in any way or for you to start using cannabis, I am promoting INFORMATION to stop the ill thought out and highly inaccurate perceptions about our medicine options and what both sides of the story are like.

[Davit]

Cannabis makes me worse. I don't use it or any meds.

[Kierstennotsojoy]

Cannabis has made me freak out even more. I'm trying Valerian with Passion Flower

[MiST]

Good quality weed is the key..:D

[James Boelter]

Cannabis makes me worse. I don't use it or any meds.

Cannabis has made me freak out even more. I'm trying Valerian with Passion Flower
Not a word of my post was read. LOL ;) Davit: I am glad to hear you're doing well again and that you have no medicinal dependencies. You sound cured of your anxiety / panic disorder(s)! This post (as is the OP) more or less refers to people still uneducated or that have misconceptions about cannabis and it's effects WITH anxiety problems / disorders. Good news is always nice to hear though, congrats!

[JohnC]

I am all for it but like i said and you said it's about the strain. It's up for vote in my state this Nov. and i will be voting yes on that issue so that i can pursue the strain that made me relax and lowered my anxiety. I lost my seed in a burglary believe it or not. ( no they were not going after the seed but i had them in my safe and they took that ). If it passes i will be looking.

[Nervous Ninny]

I have tried it for anxiety but when I smoke pot it does nothing for me. I live in WA st so it is legal and I tried many different strains. I used the edibles for a while it did calm me but it also dehydrated me and after awhile I got very very depressed like suicidal. I went to the Dr and she said stop eating cannabis slowly. I did the anxiety came back and the depression went away however I feel much better now. It does seem to effect people so differently.

[meow.]

Smoking marijuana was one of the main things that caused my panic attacks to begin and it has given me PTSD to the point where if I am walking down the street and I smell it, I break out in a panic attack.
It works for some, but it ruined my life.

[James Boelter]

Smoking marijuana was one of the main things that caused my panic attacks to begin and it has given me PTSD to the point where if I am walking down the street and I smell it, I break out in a panic attack.
It works for some, but it ruined my life.

Your underlying mental condition caused your panic. It gave you Post Traumatic Stress Disorder? I don't think so, sorry.

I'm just saying that this is NOT the ROOT of why you have panic attacks and PTSD is due to something larger than trying cannabis. I'm not sure if this is a troll or not at this point. Nothing you said makes any sense and has literally no connection to an existing mental condition (which, we all have, that's why we are here).

Just FYI:
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, or learning that a traumatic event has happened to a loved one. DSM5 defines a traumatic event as exposure to actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Examples include:

Being involved in, or witnessing, a car accident
Undergoing major surgery (bone marrow transplant, extensive hospitalization, or severe burns)
Experiencing or witnessing natural disasters (earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, or fire)
Violent crimes (kidnapping, physical assault, or assault or murder of a parent or loved one)
Community violence (attacks at school, or suicide of a friend, family member, or a child in the same-age group)
Chronic physical or sexual abuse

It sounds like it's a TRIGGER for you, not the cause. If you believe that it IS the cause, you have more searching to do. Panic disorder is IN you, not a substance. I wish you well and hope you research the cause with a trained therapist (such as the one I see.. no insult intended).

[Celina Willemse]

I wouldn't recommend this if you have anxiety. All my anxiety issues started after a bad trip when I was high on weed and that was before I even knew about anxiety and panic attacks and such. It started with a psychosis, which devolped in an anxiety disorder.

[James Boelter]

I wouldn't recommend this if you have anxiety. All my anxiety issues started after a bad trip when I was high on weed and that was before I even knew about anxiety and panic attacks and such. It started with a psychosis, which devolped in an anxiety disorder.

Once again.....


Depends on strain and person really. Some report very negative results as their first time experience and form a lasting opinion on something they had no understanding of the "why" it happened. It the same as drinking Jack Daniels for your first alcoholic drink and having a terrible time and hang over, then forming the opinion that all alcohol is bad and evil (in some cases). The truth that the person stopped pursuing is that, in moderation, beer was delicious and pleasurable; but they'll never know that and keep telling everyone they know that it was terrible and should be banned, not touched, prayed against, etc..etc. EDIT: as evidenced by the posts below, they didn't even read this.. LOL

Sativa, yup.. that MAY drive you nuts with paranoid thoughts if you smoke it. Indica, is it's opposite sister strain which gives you the feeling of chill and relaxation. BOTH smoked in large (and I do mean large!) quantities can cause paranoia. Taking 1 puff or 2 of an Indica strain can relieve anxiety.

Here's one real issue: Other than getting cannabis in states that it is legalized (unless you know what you're looking at), you do not know which strain you are buying or smoking! You cannot possibly know what you are talking about when you report back to the general public about 'Satan's Cabbage.' Absolutely, uninformed and clueless.

[[email protected]]

uppppppppppppp đê

[MiST]

No love for natures finest? This saddens me..

[AliasEQ]

Cannabis brought my anxiety out from it's cave. Smoked too much the first time - ended up with a full-blown panic attack, heart going 2000 bpm, started seeing things and hearing things etc.

Though it was laced, because as it is "well known"; weed is from nature and wouldn't hurt anyone. So I decided to try it again. Same thing minus the hallucinations, only this time, the anxiety and panic attacks stayed for 6 months longer. Weed is not harmful, they said :)

Maybe it's not harmful, but it can bring up negative sides of you, depending how you are as a person.

[MiST]

Having consumed cannabis for well over 20 years and having never once suffered an ill side effect, I'm really not understanding all these negative posts.

Weed has been nothing but good to me..:D

[JPYL]

Hi everyone...i have recently started using essential oils myself for anxiety and depression and found it to be extremely helpful to get off of SSRIs. I have had many side effects on Celexa and found these to be great alternative and natural... if anyone wants more info id be happy to help!!!

[Two One]

Depends on strain and person really. Some report very negative results as their first time experience and form a lasting opinion on something they had no understanding of the "why" it happened. It the same as drinking Jack Daniels for your first alcoholic drink and having a terrible time and hang over, then forming the opinion that all alcohol is bad and evil (in some cases). The truth that the person stopped pursuing is that, in moderation, beer was delicious and pleasurable; but they'll never know that and keep telling everyone they know that it was terrible and should be banned, not touched, prayed against, etc..etc. EDIT: as evidenced by the posts below, they didn't even read this.. LOL

Sativa, yup.. that MAY drive you nuts with paranoid thoughts if you smoke it. Indica, is it's opposite sister strain which gives you the feeling of chill and relaxation. BOTH smoked in large (and I do mean large!) quantities can cause paranoia. Taking 1 puff or 2 of an Indica strain can relieve anxiety.

Here's one real issue: Other than getting cannabis in states that it is legalized (unless you know what you're looking at), you do not know which strain you are buying or smoking! You cannot possibly know what you are talking about when you report back to the general public about 'Satan's Cabbage.' Absolutely, uninformed and clueless.

Screaming, "Stay on your meds, cannabis is bad!" is really quite moronic. Yes, stay on your meds, if they work for you cannabis is NOT an ALTERNATIVE! However, did you guys actually read your meds? Do you know what they CAN do to you? So it's a little hypocritical to support one and down the other with no real information.

Now, it's traditionally taboo to speak of cannabis, but not meds used to stop anxiety...and to stop seizures.... (seems a little broad of a range to cover for 1 med) FACT: The anxiety use for Klonopin was an afterthought. I've read a lot of labels for medications suggested by my doctor and for the most part, they go something like this below.

Klonopin (for example:)
SIDE EFFECTS:
confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
weak or shallow breathing;
unusual risk-taking behavior, no fear of danger;
unusual or involuntary eye movements;
pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;
painful or difficult urination, urinating less than usual;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding; or
new or worsening seizures.
drowsiness, dizziness, problems with thinking or memory;
tired feeling, muscle weakness, loss of balance or coordination;
slurred speech, drooling or dry mouth, sore gums;
runny or stuffy nose;
loss of appetite, nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
blurred vision;
headache;
sleep problems (insomnia);
skin rash; or
weight changes.

REBOUND: Depending on how long you have taken Klonopin you could hallucinate and have seizures, even if you've never had them before. Paranoia is definitely present in my experience with Klonopin when trying to ween off of it. Others have reported worse when taken for years at a time.

Cannabis:
FEELING: paranoia that is short lasting with wrong strain or copious amounts ingested or inhaled.
Side effects: NONE.
Deaths: NONE.
Interactions with other drugs: NONE. (This is a VERY common misconception that cannabis "lands you in the hospital..", etc... NO, that's why there are no deaths associated with cannabis intake!! Let me go SPOCK on you all, "Logic clearly dictates that if no deaths were ever reported in association with cannabis, how can there be a drug interaction that is dangerous?" Do you know how many YEARS people have had access to cannabis? Answer: decades and yet not one associated death or drug interaction death. )
REBOUND: NONE.
ADDICTION: NONE. (Some people can form an addiction to anything psychologically, I know that argument so save it. ;) )

If you don't understand by now, I cannot help you understand, no one can. I do however wish everyone the best! Yes, cannabis is illegal in most states, I am not promoting you break the law in any way or for you to start using cannabis, I am promoting INFORMATION to stop the ill thought out and highly inaccurate perceptions about our medicine options and what both sides of the story are like.

I'm sorry but you have no clue what you're talking about when it comes to benzodoiazepines.

[springwater]

I'd be careful using Cannabis very often for anxiety as it may exacerbate the problem instead. Best way to use it would be in very low effective doses on an as needed basis.

[Dahila]

Let's say they could have a different reaction in people. If you are already anxious and do not realize it, it will connect in your mind with major anxiety and panic attacks. I actually feel very relaxed after few puffs. If it was not for the munchies (terrible) i would use it more, I do not believe it do harm to people. No as much as most believe it.
In maybe ten years the senseless war on Cannabis will stop. Beside it makes a lot of sense to grow it, cheap source of paper, or fabric, eh

[Ponder]

I can comment later ... as my son recently start smoking pot in the house. It really fucked me up big time. I have to run for now. I have no issue with those to whom it works ... but for me, I am a case where it can really fuck me up, whilst yet seemingly give me small moments a peace/highs.

If I remember I give my side as to how it fucks my brain.

Have a good session if it's what you do though. I just ask my son to now go in the shed with the snake. ;)

[JohnC]

You guy's knew i would chime in on this one.
Here it is...... IT is not for everyone that's a given. There are different strains and potencies and all people are different. It may take you several tries with different strains before you find one that hits the "sweet" spot ( like a woman :) ) but you may have some really bad experiences getting to that sweet spot ( never had that with a woman). On the other hand some people take right to it and have no problem. I guess it just depends on if you can handle the possible side effects that DO GO AWAY with weed. If you decide to try it be responsible and take it slow, like a very little at a time.
I personally love the uncontrolled laughter that you can acquire with certain strains, Laughter is so powerful.

[Dahila]

a lot depens how terrified we are. Ponder I would never ever let anyone smoke it in the house. It stinks, My guys get out when they do, It helps some people with , heck what is that disease atrophy or muscles? It help them breath so it does to me. Having a years of problems with my lungs, it is what i notice the most , one puff and I feel like I can get as much oxygen in my lungs...........But yes it can f***ed people up totally:)
I think it should be legalized so It would stop being so attractive to youngsters. What's forbidden, causes curiosity

[MiST]

Excuse me, I'm off to get high........so high! :D

[The Intolerable Kid]

It worked for me for a long time, about 12 years. As my circumstances changed I gradually phased it out. I still think places like Colorado have it right - people should be able to choose for themselves if they want to consume that substance. It did me no harm and actually helped me stay employed and sane.

[Snakeadelic]

A'ight, time for my two cents!

Although I was around marijuana as a kid (my dad was in a rock band...it's like being raised by wolves, kinda) I didn't smoke recreationally until I was 25. It was hilarious, by the way--two friends who knew I could give a rip how they spent their time and money were smoking, and one of them got spacey and handed me the pipe, so I took a hit and passed it along. About the third time this happened, the guy who'd been handing me the pipe, who by then had known me the better part of 8 years, suddenly whipped around and said "Hey, wait a minute! You don't smoke!" So I took a hit, passed the pipe, and answered "I guess anything can change, right?" I miss that fella, who was killed in a non-drug/alcohol-related auto accident in 2007.

Recreational use only made me paranoid when I was doing stupid things like going to sci fi conventions with greenage and paraphernalia on my person. It always helped pull me back from the yawning brink of depression and disaster when the then-undiagnosed panic would take hold.

On the STRONG recommendation of my therapist, later this week I'll be seeing one of 2 doctors in my county who signs "green cards". My therapist was very specific about suggesting I try edible preparations, which would be a necessity now anyway. One of my neighbors has been ignoring my artificial scent allergy for about 6 years now, and her dryer vent's directly below the only way in or out of my apartment. I racked up 3 emergency room visits and 2 emergency followups with my primary MD in FOUR DAYS last week, which ya might recognize as Christmas week. Turns out ALL of my allergies (smoke, artificial scent, neoprene, ACE inhibitor drugs) can now turn lethal at any time for the rest of my life and they do NOT have to warn me first.

I've never had a problem putting the smokable down and walking away, and I'm the same with alcohol. I've taken diazepam for 16 years without noticeable ill effect other than sleeping too much and waking up not feeling rested ever if I have to take it for too long. So far I have managed to fail to develop tolerance to diazepam, for which I am profoundly grateful. And when I don't need it, it's another thing I have no problem walking away from. The only 2 things I ever had trouble getting off my back were cigarettes (cured by salmonella...somehow...my life is WAY WEIRD like that) and methamphetamine (moved to Canada for about 6 months, had no money for drugs, and back then Vancouver BC was ALL about crack and heroin). I remain optimistic, and I'll be happy to share my experiences here if I do get approved.

[Snakeadelic]

Discovered one little secret useful to anyone in a state with medical-use laws. When you apply, send everything Certified! That way, it turns out, not only does someone have to sign for receipt of your paperwork, they're required by USPS regulations to open it in front of the carrier before the transaction can be listed as completed. Got denied on my 1st round because I didn't sign up to be my own grower/processor on the grounds that to do so is an automatic-eviction offense according to my lease. I didn't have a provider to sign the alternate form, because the paperwork made it sound like there was a state-maintained list of providers that would be mailed to me. Turns out they expected me to "just look it up on the internet"! Ummmmm...no. Just NO. Luckily, someone I trust knows a licensed provider and using the recommendations that provider made I was able to find someone with time and room in their client list, so the amended paperwork is on its way back--Certified Mail again! Timing could hardly be better, really, since I've just developed a physical health issue that may lead to both minor AND major surgeries so my stress level is going up sharply. Fingers still crossed...

[BertyG]

I've noticed (I've only smoked a few times) that small amounts of marijuana don't do much for relieving anxiety however it does give me a little happiness and keeps my mind occupied for a while. However I had a one very bad reaction once and will never touch the drug again.

[JenXO]

Pot just gives me panic attacks I used to be able to smoke it not anymore I prefer to drink! Still a depressant I know but it does not make you anxious whilst under the influence which is why I prefer it.

[Snakeadelic]

It does take ALL kinds of people to make the world go 'round, and a lot of people do not do well with cannabis. Sometimes it's about the format; I know at least two people who find it beneficial for non-anxiety problems. One of them cannot smoke and so (until the state jacked her permit renewal from $50 a year to $470) used edibles, primarily hard candy. The other also cannot smoke and must be VERY careful about other formats due to pancreatitis and allergy to chocolate. No brownies, fudge, or candy for that one, but they have responded quite well to infused oil taken orally.

And while I'm sure there are so very many people out there who'd jump all over you about alcohol, JenOX, you don't strike me as the kind of person abusing that drug! We should all, as human beings, be able to medicate some things as needed AND with what we know works for US while the medical industry keeps ignoring reminders that not all bodies and brains are the same and so whatever "magic bullet" pill is newest on the market isn't automatically the best thing for every patient. Personally, I cannot take SSRIs after Paxil just about killed me.