Medical Marijuana and anxiety/stress treatment

[Teutonic]

Does anyone have any knowledge as far as marijuana being a safe and useful way to deal with stress and/or anxiety? Stress has always been a major obstacle for me due to a very difficult childhood, the effects of which are still with me today.

I have a routine doctors appointment coming up and I've been considering asking my doctor about medical marijuana. I believe that occasional stress can be dealt with easily but that chronic conditions such as mine require a little extra help. I want to avoid taking any artificial medications at all costs, so this seems a better option right now. However, I've seen what drugs can do to people and to society at large and I must admit I'm absolutely terrified at the mere thought of them, I guess that's why I've put off talking to my doctor for so long- just the thought of being addicted to something really scares me and I don't want to become addicted to marijuana or anything for that matter.

I also have no idea how it would work being employed full time, or how the legal stuff goes.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[EzraLB]

I want to avoid taking any artificial medications at all costs, so this seems a better option right now. However, I've seen what drugs can do to people and to society at large and I must admit I'm absolutely terrified at the mere thought of them. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Yes, the number one reason people use marijuana is to "reduce stress," and for many it works with relatively few side effects. Each strain has different effects, so you'll need to figure out which one is best suited for you. This article is a good start discussing the different strains:

https://www.leafly.com/news/strains/wha ... or-anxiety

My advice, however, is to not smoke it. Rather, I'd strongly suggest a tincture or the oil form (Rick Simpson Oil). This form is far less likely to make you lightheaded and silly--and it doesn't hurt your lungs if you are sensitive to smoke. Also, it doesn't just "go to your head." It affects your whole body, which is why it is a great stress reducer.

As long as you have a medical marijuana card prescribed by an M.D., I can't see why there would be a problem at work, but you could always ask some one at work what the policy is for medically prescribed drugs...

[Teutonic]

Thanks Ezra, I always appreciate your posts, very informative. I would in fact rather take a non-smoking form of it, not just for the reasons you mentioned but also so I don't reek of it lol.

I suppose I'll wait and see what my MD can do for me.

[brucebohn]

I want to avoid taking any artificial medications at all costs, so this seems a better option right now. However, I've seen what drugs can do to people and to society at large and I must admit I'm absolutely terrified at the mere thought of them. Any advice would be much appreciated.

Yes, the number one reason people use marijuana is to "reduce stress," and for many it works with relatively few side effects. Each strain has different effects, so you'll need to figure out which one is best suited for you. This article is a good start discussing the different strains:

https://www.leafly.com/news/strains/wha ... or-anxiety

My advice, however, is to not smoke it. Rather, I'd strongly suggest a tincture or the oil form (Rick Simpson Oil). This form is far less likely to make you lightheaded and silly--and it doesn't hurt your lungs if you are sensitive to smoke. Also, it doesn't just "go to your head." It affects your whole body, which is why it is a great stress reducer.

As long as you have a medical marijuana card prescribed by an M.D., I can't see why there would be a problem at work, but you could always ask some one at work what the policy is for medically prescribed drugs...

There are basically two strains, in terms of effect, in which to choose.
The Indica strain, more popular for medical use, is much
more of a Body effect and best for overall pain relief.
The Sativa strain is more of a cerebral experience .
Cannabis will enhance natural characteristics, but does not
make you silly nor lazy unless of course it is in your nature.
If you are Lover of truth that takes pleasure in your focus
on the Holy word, cannabis can serve as a tool as well, for
it will enhance that spirituality. There are far to many health
and commercial benefits to list here, but perception and
mis- information has deprived folks of this wonderful plant.
It is worth discussing.............

[Teutonic]

Thanks Brucebohn, I would assume the indica strain is more popular among cancer patients, and the sativa for people with anxiety?

Also are both variations available in non-smoking forms?

[CIman]

Smoking it would be the fastest and easiest way to get the sensations and the effects. There are no documented negative effects of smoking it as far as I know (rather the contrary).. but if you don't like to smoke it you can always use it in food or -- if you grow it yourself -- make the oil.

I would suggest you also eat hemp seeds to combine and balance out your diet with the usage. They contain more protein and nutrition than even meat does.

I know a vegan gym-addict who only eats hemp seeds as his primary source, and he has better health and muscle density than his meat-eating peers.

[EzraLB]

I would assume the indica strain is more popular among cancer patients, and the sativa for people with anxiety? Also are both variations available in non-smoking forms?

Teutonic, to answer your questions: yes, the sativa strain is more preferred among cancer patients, like myself. As Bruce pointed out, it is less psycho-active than the sativa strains--and affects the whole body as opposed to just the head. I'm not sure I'd recommend sativa for anxiety because it can heighten any sense of mental instability.

And yes, both strains are available in non-smoking forms--for mild anxiety, an indica tincture may be most effective. The tincture can be very fast-acting if you allow it to absorb under your tongue--not as fast as smoking, but certainly faster than merely ingesting it, which can take at least a half hour or more to kick in.