Posted by linkadge on July 12, 2007, at 9:30:06
In reply to Linkadge....cannabis/THC?, posted by MM on July 11, 2007, at 1:13:41
>I thought since you've done a lot of research on >this topic I'd just ask you (as there's so much >out there on it). I've read that there >is "anecdotal" evidence for its use in bipolar >and I know of at least one person who has been >prescribed medicinal MJ for bipolar, but many >think it can cause psychosis as well.
I personally don't believe that marajuanna will cause permanant psychosis. There is some research to suggest marajuanna can cause psychotic like reactions in certain individuals, but there is no research that creates a direct link between marajuanna usage and permanant shizophrenia.
I think it is more likely that individuals with psychotic tendancies are drawn to marajuanna for its theraputic effect for certain symtoms. Indeed a newer study suggested that schizophrenics were indeed *low* in natural brain anandamide, and may indeed have been self medicating with marajuanna to replace the missing cannabanoid receptor activation.Anyhow, its a hot debate, undoubtely fueled by anti-drug movements, and pro-drug movements for that matter.
Schizohprenia is an illness that is likely caused by certain structural abnormalities. One such abnormality is an apparent progressive loss of grey matter, and myelin. Marajuanna has some myelin preserving effects (at least in MS models).
Bipolar disorder also shares possable involvement of myelin related genes.
Anyhow, back to what you asked.
I do think there is utility of marajuanna in certain cases of bipolar. Especially, where the patent has been self medicating for a while and has not showed signs of psychotic like reactions.
Often doses less than needed to get high, can control many symtpoms of bipolar, and depression, such as loss of appetite, insomnia, anhedonia, anxiety etc. Marajuanna does display properties of a mood stabilizer (probably the cannabidol content), which also appears to act as a potent antipsychotic, and anxiolytic.
The *absoulte* confounding factor in the issue is the batch one obtains. We cannot make conclusive statements about marajuanna as ingredients vary from batch to batch.
I would definatly caution against the use of street marajuanna as it is often grown to contain high THC content. The THC may be responsable for certain psychotic reactions. Medicinal otoh, is grown for a THC/cannabidol ballance. The stuff people smoked back in the 60's was the kind of stuff you want! Its all about getting money, and about getting people hooked nowadays.
As mentioned above, cannabidol acts as an antipsychotic which (even in high doses) does not produce catalepsy, movement disorders etc. It also has antianxiety properties.
If you know your souce, (smaller operations preferable), or even better medicinal. It might be worth a try.
If you are prone to psychotic mania, then use more caution. It tends to work well with bipolars who experience a lot of anxiety (with physical manifestations), insomnia, anhedonia, during depression. It can also really help dysphoric mania, or what used to be called "agitated depression"
It would be best to find a doctor willing to explore such avenues. Larry Hoover would know more about medicinal marajuanna, but it has to fall within strict guidlines for constitutent content.
Exercise will produce a similar effect. It does increase andamide and PEA (both of which are increased by MJ), but the effect may not long enough.
I found combining low dose marajuanna with exercise to have a synergistic effect.
Dose is a tough question as I have not talked to a lot of people. I found relief of insomnia, and anxiety with as little as 3 puffs every few days!
I have also heard anecdotal reports that supplementation with certain fatty acids may prolong the effect and decrease the need.
DHA supplementation increases anandamide levels, and may have an effect on the metabolism of exogenious cannabanoids as well.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:768900
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20070601/msgs/769136.html