Results from my (legal) cannabis use

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Results from my (legal) cannabis use.

I live in Canada where the recreational and medical use of cannabis is legal.

I did the following experiment without guidance from my psychiatrist and I continued my normal maintenance level dose of Abilify.

My experiment:

I live with schizophrenia, diabetes and chronic pain due to a spinal injury. About a year ago I decided to try cannabis to manage my chronic pain which was not responding well enough to pain meds even though I was aware of the warnings of cannabis use possibly triggering psychosis (delusions and or hallucinations).

Over the past year I experimented with different methods of getting my THC dose - smoking pipe, edibles, bonging and vaping - and different doses. There was also a period initially of just getting used to the effect of being under the influence of THC at different dosage levels. Over time I learned that smoking weed using a pipe was too harsh, using a bong delivered too much THC too fast and using a vape at a medium heat setting was just right.

Using any method of getting my THC dose, the pain relief was fantastic. The impact on my diabetes was nil. After about a month of heavy THC use with either a pipe or a bong I developed delusions which lasted for a few weeks until I reduced the THC dose, got more sleep and then developed insight.

Using any method of getting my THC dose my negative symptoms and anxiety were significantly improved. Occasional suicide ideation stopped. Laughter and humour and a range of healthy emotion replaced my emotional flatness. I also became much more mentally active and found myself listening to music, reading, interacting with people and learning much more.

For me, and this is personal, the net benefits of using THC with a controlled dose method like vaping far exceeds the risk of psychosis which isn’t as destructive as negative symptoms or suicide.

Antipsychotic medication and psychedelic substances such as cannabis (THC) affect people who are living with schizophrenia in different ways.

For me, for now, cannabis use helps me a lot.

I realize there is a lot of opposition to this and people are entitled to their views but it has helped me considerably.

Interested in feedback, comments…

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What’s the cbd content of the stuff you’re using? Could it be that the cbd is helping instead of thc?

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Well, that’s good it works for you. You presented your thoughts and experiences quite well. As long as everybody understands that the risks of cannabis are real and it’s not for everyone.

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Cannabis edibles are helping my father tremendously with his chronic pain.
It’s Medical marijuana and he needs it every night.

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Nice job bro cannabis in the right amount helps especially if you’re on an AP

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Hey @everhopeful , I also tried CBD candies for about two weeks while abstaining from THC. CBD dulled my pain a little but obviously being non psychoactive I received no other benefits. I think CBD may be over hyped and over rated. I didn’t keep track of the CBD content.

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Ahhhh @houseofstark , a peer’s positive experience is very helpful.

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I use cannabis everyday and it helps me with negatives,

Pain,

And boredom.

Also keeps me off heavier drugs.

I’m a fan.

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nice write-up… i have used cannabis occasionally over the last year and have decided im done using it, unless of course i get an impulse to use it that i wont resist

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Huge comment @Charles_Foster . Nice to set the record straight. Cannabis isn’t all poison the way some make it out to be. Depends on the person just like meds.

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I guess if you are using cannabis for pain, you know the risks and it is legal in your neck of the woods, it’s ok. I smoked it when I was younger but I wouldn’t touch it with a ten foot pole since having schizophrenia. I think it is very risky for those with a predisposition for psychosis to use it recreationally. Just my opinion.
I realize that this is not going to be very popular in this thread but I present this article as a counterpoint.

https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/there-link-between-marijuana-use-psychiatric-disorders

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I was a heavy smoker leading up to me getting schiz. I started when I was 13 and smoked until I was 20. By the time I was 16 I was using between an 8th to a half oz a day.

I started going schizo when I was 18. It progressed slowly until I was 20. At first the symptoms were almost unrecognizable. Only in retrospect do I realize it was schiz.

I tried to quit because every time I smoked I got extremely paranoid. The longer I smoked the more paranoid I got. One day I snapped and started hearing voices.

It’s been 25 and I’ve tried smoking a dozen times or so. Every time I do I get psychotic and paranoid.

It’s legal in my state too. I decided to try CBD 4 parts CBD 1 part THC oil. No beneficial effects just paranoia.

The reason I tried it is I have severe anxiety and I thought it would help. It didn’t.

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All points of view are welcomed @Bowens . Your guidance is well received.

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Thanks for sharing @Wantsome480 . Everyone’s experience is very important to consider. Cannabis use is admittedly risky and not for everyone.

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Nice and well thought out post, @Unclehenry . I’m glad it is helping you.

It’s legal here in NY for recreation and medical. My husband has a medical card, that’s the only legal way to buy it until the Cannabis Advisory Board has finished with regulatory stuff.

I’ve used CBD and regular weed for pain. Regular helps me where CBD does not. I don’t do it often as it triggers a huge amount of paranoia for me.

My husband has a lot of pain from multiple problems and it really is the only thing that helps aside from hydrocodone. He prefers to not use much of either.

FYI this thread can stay open unless we get people start boasting about recreation use

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Yeah, these threads always make me nervous. I feel like I have to watch them like a hawk and it is sometimes difficult to tell where to draw the line.

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Dont stress too much.

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I’m curious if the THC ingestion was low enough to be microdosing, and did the effects last for a long time or was constant intake required. I.e. would you consume once per day, or inhale small amounts little and often?

My experience has been that THC caused me anxiety and delusions, but I was ingesting a lot.

Also did you ingest Sativa or Indica?

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I get relief from cbd hemp. Marijuana screws me up too much now.

When I was on Abilify marijuana was like a god I worshiped. Now I have the odd hemp cigarette which is more fun for me. Instead of living a boring life smoking marijuana, my life is now full of fun, especially when I have hemp cbd.

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Isnt it Sativa and Indica?