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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by partlycloudy on July 7, 2004, at 10:41:38
Does pot have an accumulative effect? That is, if someone experiences paranoia while under its influence, and smokes on an every other day (roughly) basis, is the paranoia likely to be experienced when one is no longer high? I have been using it to offset anxiety as it's been very effective.
Posted by zenhussy on July 7, 2004, at 11:07:16
In reply to Another pot question - paranoia, posted by partlycloudy on July 7, 2004, at 10:41:38
> Does pot have an accumulative effect? That is, if someone experiences paranoia while under its influence, and smokes on an every other day (roughly) basis, is the paranoia likely to be experienced when one is no longer high? I have been using it to offset anxiety as it's been very effective.
PC,
It is dependant upon what strain you are using and whether or not you are consistently able to get the same strain with the same percentages of indica/sativa.
I use medicinal cannabis and am fortunate to be able to purchase the same strains that are helpful for me. The quality of product is fine as this is medical grade cannabis.
A strain such as Trainwreck with 20%indica and 80%sativa is perfect for me to help with my issues around ptsd. For most people I know this same strain would land them on their tuchus.
On the other end of things is something like Sensi Star or Tiki Strawberry with 100%indica sends me into a freaky state. The higher the indica percentage the less helpful that particular strain is to me. I compare it to the pharmaceutical meds I take........some work great while others are horrid and make me ill or anxious. An indica heavy strain would make me uncomfortable and quicken my pulse....not very helpful for someone already contending with ptsd and such.
Everyone is different and once you are able to acquire consistent medicinal strains then you might be able to gauge what is more helpful to you.
Hope this helps.
--zhp.s. back when I was a recreational user many many years ago I just smoked whatever was available so my experiences differed greatly. I had paranoid times as well as some goofy times with friends I wouldn't trade for the world. So even though I had negative experiences back then I didn't think that when I started using medicinally I would have the same experiences. Mind frame can have an awful lot to do with this as well imho.
Posted by zenhussy on July 7, 2004, at 21:58:45
In reply to Another pot question - paranoia, posted by partlycloudy on July 7, 2004, at 10:41:38
> Does pot have an accumulative effect? That is, if someone experiences paranoia while under its influence, and smokes on an every other day (roughly) basis, is the paranoia likely to be experienced when one is no longer high? I have been using it to offset anxiety as it's been very effective.
PC,
Let me see if I understand what you are asking.
--Do you experience paranoia *while* using medicinal cannabis? If yes then how often would you say you experience the paranoia?
--You are using to offset anxiety and it works well for that? Does it always work well for offsetting anxiety?
--Are you asking about daily rhythms of cannabis in your body and how that differs through out the day according to when you've medicated?without knowing your ht, wt, medication hx, your daily diet and exercise habits it is very hard to say how long any residual feelings of paranoia you might have after stopping.
my different usage for medicinal cannabis varies so I often go without this medication for stretches of time. I don't find any sensations that I had while medicated continuing on after I've stopped for a while.
if anything I have the usual difficulty sleeping and sour mood that a lot of people get when stopping cannabis suddenly.
please let me know if I've helped or confused you more. I do think somewhere in the archives of babble are posts about actual chemistry of cannabis and the cannabinoid receptors in the brain and other such science. maybe that might help.
maybe kazoo will pass by again.
best wishes,
zh
Posted by guttersnipe on July 8, 2004, at 1:52:43
In reply to Re: Another pot question - paranoia » partlycloudy, posted by zenhussy on July 7, 2004, at 11:07:16
I also use a moderate amount of medical marijuana like z/h, plus I have years of (sometimes not so moderate) use of the herb for recreational and spiritual purposes as well medical ones. I agree very much with z/h that the effects can vary greatly from strain to strain, but based on my experience and what I've read, I think it is more complicated than simply indica versus sativa. Among pure indicas, as well as among pure sativas (and so certainly among all of the indica-sativa hybrids) there is a lot of variation as to the concentrations of the numerous cannabinoid substances in absolute terms and in terms of their proportion to each other -- and a lot of variation in their effects. THC gets most of the attention, as it is the primary psychoactive substance in marijuana, but it is widely believed that CBD and many other cannabinoids also have psychoactive effects. In my experience, the THC content, either by itself or in proportion to the amount of CBD, doesn't necessarily tell me how I will react to any given strain. So I (and many other people) think that at least some of the numerous other cannabinoids have powerful roles in mediating and modulating the effects of THC and CBD.
The only ways for me to know for sure how a particular strain will affect me are to sample a bit of it, and (less reliable) to talk to others who are well-acquainted with that strain. If you grow your own, you might do a bit of research to find out what the breeders say about different strains. Blue Heaven, for example, was bred specifically for its anti-anziety (anti-"paranoia") effects from Oaxacan and Thai sativas and an indica (indicas were originally from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and a few parts of India ... after a few decades in the U.S., Canada, and The Netherlands, only a few indicas such as Kush and Mazar-i-Sharif can still be traced to the specific places where their genetic stock came from).
If you live in a medical marijuana jurisdiction and have access to a cannabis co-op, the folks who run the co-op can probably tell you about the different strains they offer -- some are better than others for pain relief, some are better than others for nausea relief and appetite stimulation, some are better than others for relief of anxiety, etc., and the co-op is likely to be familiar with the unique qualities of each strain they have in stock.
Also, set (your mood, thoughts, etc.) and setting (where you are, who you are with, what music is playing, etc.) are very important.
Finally, you might consider taking some anti-anxiety remedy an hour or so before lighting up. I have found that on a decent amount of a benzo like Xanax or Ativan, marijuana is almost 100% certain not to make me paranoid or edgy. Less strong but still somewhat effective non-prescription alternatives include 500 to 1000 mg of the amino acid taurine (a calming neurotransmitter) and/or 500 mg of niacinamide (one form of niacin, a B vitamin).
Good luck to you in finding out what works for you.
P.S. If you use the herb every other day or so, you might consider buying a vaporizer (a brand named "Volcano" is the state of the art) instead of smoking it -- your lungs will thank you.
Posted by partlycloudy on July 8, 2004, at 6:58:24
In reply to Another pot question - paranoia, posted by partlycloudy on July 7, 2004, at 10:41:38
Thanks for your replies. I do not experience paranoia while using marijuana, but I have as part of my GAD. So I guess my question SHOULD have been; if I don't get paranoid on pot, is it likely to cause it while "straight"? My use has always been recreational, so I can't be assured of the strain nor quality of what I'm getting. In the past 6 months I have used it to decrease anxiety, and it helps me quite a bit. I do take xanax .5mg for panic attacks. My anxiety has decreased since taking effexor xr, and also since starting EMDR therapy. My paranoia has had to do mostly with performance on the job, but also with making friendships. I have had a history of getting fired or running away before getting fired from many jobs. Now I work for a supportive, encouraging employer, and I'm mistrustful of the motives of some people.
Am I being set up? Are they taking notes on the mutinae of my performance - like one memorable employer who had a file 4 inches thick on me and I only worked for them for a year - in order to get rid of me when it's convenient?
So I was wondering if the pot use was amplifying the mistrust I feel. I having been working with my therapist and EMDR treatment to boost my self confidence in my abilities and skills.
Posted by octopusprime on July 8, 2004, at 11:40:52
In reply to Another pot question - paranoia, posted by partlycloudy on July 7, 2004, at 10:41:38
hi partlycloudy:
i read up on the studies on effects of marijuana at my large urban library a few years ago. sadly i do not remember the names of the books that i have read, but there are some good books/studies out there, and if you have a university library or large urban library nearby, i suggest you go read up on it to find out.
here's what i remember: the effects of marijuana are sub-acute. that means they will subside completely within about 4 weeks of smoking. i do remember that effects on memory and motivation linger for that 4 week period, but i do not recall specifically how paranoia works.
so could pot be amplifying your anxiety? maybe. is it probable? i don't think so. your anxiety is probably related to your past hurts and GAD. marijuana will not cure this: only good therapy, time, anti-anxiety medications that are suitable for the workplace, and addressing the root cause of the problem will.
Posted by partlycloudy on July 8, 2004, at 11:56:20
In reply to Re: Another pot question - paranoia » partlycloudy, posted by octopusprime on July 8, 2004, at 11:40:52
Thanks for your input!
Posted by TexasChic on July 16, 2004, at 16:42:23
In reply to Re: Another pot question - paranoia » octopusprime, posted by partlycloudy on July 8, 2004, at 11:56:20
I also smoke to calm my anxiety, and just because I like it. I guess that's the recreational part. Anyway, sometimes I feel as if I'm about to have a panic attack as I'm coming down. That hasn't always been the case, its more of a recent thing. I don't know what the deal is with that.
I do sometimes get paranoid while high. Especially if I'm out somewhere. I think everyone KNOWS. I've had my biggest freakouts when driving while stoned. I don't do that anymore. I start obsessing whether or not I'm exactly between the lines, and can't quit looking in the rearview mirror for cops. WAY to stressful. I usually just smoke a bowl after work and it completely relaxes me without making me fall asleep like Xanax does.This thread made me realize how little I know with zenhussy and octopusprime. I guess I should come over to this board more often.
This is the end of the thread.
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