Are there any benefits of using medical marijuana to treat Bi-polar disorder?

RE: Medical Marijuana
Reply Posted: February 28, 2006

It has been my observation that most people that use marijuana have a more difficult time with the depression end of Bipolar disorder while it may appear to calm the high waves it creates lethargy which is a Bipolar nightmare. When we feel lethargic we often relate that to depression and slump into the same habits.

You will read below that some people find it helps and some do not. I wanted to add my official position on the meds and also marijuana. I am not against anything that helps people to deal more effectively with the high or low energy waves. I am against medication as the first thing that doctors prescribe. I am against the side effects of medication when many reports show that a placebo (sugar pill) and therapy seems to work as well.

It depends so much on the individual. Sometimes we need medication and sometimes people will find help in drugs or alcohol or some other things that help to calm us...but my goal is to promote a process of "as clean as possible"...meaning that yes, we use medication to help when necessary and then we continue to work with the doctors to bring us to the combination of the lowest amount of medication combined with good tools and habits (The Wave Riders Book being just one of these tools, positive therapies etc).

While some of the statements below are in support of medical marijuana, I am not promoting the use of marijuana, nor do I want to get into a political debate on the subject. If the case is extreme and it is the only remaining solution then perhaps we need to look at it as a solution..this is similar to my attitude about medications. I believe we need to start with a body system that is as "clean as possible"....from the foods we eat (symptoms of bipolar could be an allergy) to the medications we take so that we can see really what is pushing and pulling our emotions. Without stripping down all the things that we ingest whether prescribed or self medicated - how can we truly determine who we are and what we need. I believe that so much of what pushes us up or down is not even a medical situation...it is a series of habitual process, such as over working.

For some people being without medication is dangerous and so I always ask that readers work with their doctors to find the minimum level so that the side effects can be minimized as well. For some people this may lead to the end of medication and for some it may not and they may find help in marijuana. I personally have witnessed too many lives destroyed from marijuana (even though they say it does no harm) and those who are in the midst of using it are the greatest supporters of it. I will not, however, close my mind to the possibility that for some people it just might work.

I found this wonderful quote in the book by Gordon Livingston MD "Too soon old, Too late smart"

The good news is that we have effective treatments for the symptoms of depression; the bad news is that medication will not make you happy. Happiness is not simply the absence of despair. It is an affirmative state in which our lives have both meaning and pleasure. So medication is seldom enough. People also need to look at the way they are living with an eye to change. We are always talking about what we want, what we intend. These are dreams and wishes and are of little value in changing our mood. We are not what we think, or what we say, or how we feel. We are what we do.

With "The Wave Riders" we are trying to work more with what we do rather than a quick fix solution.
To summarize, I am NOT AGAINST things that work... I am simply FOR "starting with a clean slate" first.

Indigo Irwin Kennedy

Reply to Indigo

RE: Medical Marijuana
Reply Posted: February 28, 2006

Hi guys,

Well, it seems I may be the minority out here. I am type 2 bi-polar and I use pot as well as my chemicals to control my disorder. Firstly, there are many strains of marijuana that are medicinally beneficial as well as those that are not. Taking one strain may actually make symptoms better or worse. For example, how many sufferers of mental illnesses have had to endure months of the "Try this one...no good?...OK, try this one." approach to pharmaceutical medications? Probably a lot, I know it took over 1 year for me to finally settle on my med. Now, my meds do work MOST of the time, but not always. I could take Epival, or some other medication equivalent to a chemical labotomy, but I choose marijuana because it's quick, effective, has no detrimental side effects, and also increases my appetite. The one thing I wish people would do is actually research how beneficial this may be for certain people...not everybody, just some. Others may have a negative reaction. I can go on and on for about 3 days with the research I've done on this subject, but I have limited time. For anyone who is interested, please check out research done by Dr. Leonard Grinspoon and Dr. Ethan B. Russo.

Please remember...it may not be for all, but it is for some...

May your mind be clear and free of fear.

Rob
Ontario, Canada

PS - Yes, I'm Canadian, so maybe I'm just a little biased on the subject!
Reply to Rob

Reply to GWG

RE: Medical Marijuana
Reply Posted: March12, 2004

...I just came accross this discussion about marijuana. I am sure you already know the answer, but from personal experience it is not good. That is what I was using and at first it seemed to help. But after a while it just kept me down. I didnt start getting better until I stopped smoking and started reading your book and emailing with you. I truly hope that no one thinks marijuana will help them. It is deceiving. I enjoyed smoking, but it will take you no where.

Name withheld for privacy

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RE: Medical Marijuana
Reply Posted: March 26, 2004

I have been recently diagnosed with bi-polar disorder and am told again and again not to use marijuana as it counters the effects of my meds. I will also look into shiatsu massage and meditation as more alternative methods to deal with this new development in my life. I have been told that I will have to stay on my meds for 1 year and that's okay by me.

Name withheld for privacy

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RE: Medical Marijuana
Reply Posted: July 18, 2005

I have been diagnosed for 15 yrs and used it all the time .yes have had great success with its use and found sleeping beeter..would like to find this drug in tab so not to bugger up the lungs any more.but yes i may be one off but it is better then most alternatives.....David .Brisbane Australia.....it is illegal.but if it keeps one in focus and not impair go for it. oh yes i have been told i didnt have it and that will be the next project for me.spending the compensation.kidding....proberly give most away to those whom helped me over the years and find a quite place for me weary bones and retire.......take care.peoples.x

Name withheld for privacy

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