Depression, Anxiety, Panic, does marijuana cause this?

[--Danny--]

Does marijuana cause these problems? Or is it harmless? In some countries it's legal? Really confused?

[Ean]

Hi Danny83,

I don't believe marijuana causes depression, anxiety or panic (although I think inexperience can bring about some social anxiety...possibly more to do with societal guilt and fear).  I mostly agree with AGrace, in particular "it won't take away your problems". I think 'severe' side effects (if directly associated to cannabis use) would be the acception to the rule. Legally, I think its only NSW and Tassie now who have not decriminalised the growing of a couple of plants for medicinal use, this is a world wide movement. It seems only a matter of working out the financial gain and distribution in most modern liberal democracies like ours before we can all benefit from this drug.

Danny83 I am hearing from you, as AGrace says, "it won't take away your problems". It's a bit like dieting to loose weight, whether it is alcohol or cannabis, they are band aids covering what ever it is you may be denying...the hardest of stuff.

I have seen the effects of alcohol/alcoholism throughout my family, I think the aggression and the progressive worsening (health/mentality) brought about by alcohol is the hardest painful path.

If I were to choose which poison to take to dull the senses and prolong the inevitable (of facing our demons) I'd go cannabis, particularly if it helps you function and not annoy everyone else.

There is no cold turkey with cannabis, perhaps the most intense user quitting instantly may feel a bit moody for a few days. You would suffer more giving up a favourite food. Of course it is not the actual drug you have to give up, its the social rituals and people that is the hardest, its a life change full on.

Thanks for your question, keep an open mind and wait for society to catch up. Medicinal cannabis is on its way, not a panacea but a drug that calms the mind enough to think and hopefully choose better for oneself, among other important benefits, pain, diet ect.

I know a few people who use cannabis, (suffering the clandestine/illegal potential consequence and social guilt), like many who use it regularly, don't realise they are using it as a medication. It just needs regulating and monitoring like other countries GP's will be doing it.

Ean. 

[--Danny--]

Hi AGrace, thank you some much for your support! I appreciate it dearly..I can't ween off it..for me it has to be cold turkey..in a rehab clinic..they will straighten me up in 7 days..then I spend the next 7 days chillin at home getting my head around not smoking..then back to work..that's my plan anyway? I'm taking your advice & am going to keep on smoking for a few more months yet...as you said, alcohol is the major issue & I have to make sure I'm well & trully over the alcohol, before I start quitting weed. At the moment, the old herb isn't affecting me at work, so I can still function daily...alcohol is the biggest & most destructive thing in my life & I want no part in drinking...thanks again AGrace

Danny

[--Danny--]

Hi Geoff, thanks for replying to my thread..these things: weed/booze have caused me so much grief..weed not so much but the booze has nearly destroyed it. I know my personality, it's that off full throttle...weed: not occasionally but daily...alcohol: binge drinker 3/4 times a week...everything is all or nothing..if I quit weed there is no doubt in my mind that I will become an alcoholic if I quit weed..I've got a very addictive personality....just like I did with booze, cold turkey for 22 days now..I have to do this in a rehab clinic mate, no other choice. People at work commented on my appearance saying my face looks healthier...alcohol destroys lives...I'm so ashamed of myself for all the days I wasted getting drunk & feeling like rubbish the next day..life goes on & I guess every battle I can conquer will make me stronger..

Danny

[--Danny--]

Hi Dan, thanks for the feedback. Alcohol is certainly a demons drink for me & is so destructive. I'm not going to quit weed to soon, maybe like 5/6 months of no alcohol & I will be settled with that demon I think...weed I will book myself into rehab clinic..once I can conquer both of the demons, what then? I'm scared, I haven't been sober or straight in 15 years really...either stoned or drunk...what will I do to take the edge off? I've always needed something to relax of an evening...now what? Not sure from here?

Danny

[--Danny--]

Hi Ean, thanks so much for spending the time to write such a huge post. I'm going to listen to you & keep smoking for a few months yet..if not maybe even long term if they can legalize it in Victoria...I have children & I want to grow old & have grandkids & all that kind of things. If I drink I may not have a family later on in life as alcohol is so destructive to me...if weed was legal, then no dramas..I really want to quit but more importantly I don't want to drink again.

Confused,

Danny

[Ean]

Hi Danny,

1st, It is the ACT, SA and the NT where possession of small amounts cannabis has been decriminalised to date...other states are surely to follow. I googled Cannabis law Victoria, it explains the current state of affairs. If you read though you'll see there are minimal consequences for minimal amounts. There is an underlying recognition for those who are passive/medicinal users. Decriminalised is not legalised. You are not a criminal if you passively/medicinally use cannabis.

You sound like you're on your way to a better life, I think once you recognise something...state it, put it out there, you can't ignore it. Keep it out there, keep stating it and it will be dealt with. I think its a very gradual process that needs persistence. I know once I get something right going forward, the ongoing challenge is to not go backward, never go back, turn away, choose forward.

I think having kids must be "the anchor" the greatest incentive to live well, and be strong, for them...and taking the earned pride in their good living as they learn from your example.

"I think" 'Addictive personality' I think is a false term probably coined by unqualified people to describe someone who uses particularly illicit drugs regularly. I think its a convenient excuse for some and a derogatory term for others. When I hear addictive personality (I think a little deeper) I think 'no' this is more likely to be a person who goes undiagnosed in need of probable psych support and "a medication" that provides or regulates that need....to wipe yourself out.

Unfortunately we in OZ have little or no support for many with psycho/social/emotional problems, I think with no time to waste many people choose self medication with whatever is available, booze/weed.

You've got a plan, 'confused'...mmm try thinking of it as 'I'm bewildered again by all the hopes and wishes in front of me...and choose wisely, as only you can.  

(don't go backward)

More power to you Danny

Ean

[AGrace]

Hi Danny,

You are welcome,  support is what we are all here for. I wanted to share a couple of stories with you, as I'm a bit (without judgement) "confused" by the idea of giving up weed in a few months but if its legalised by then (or decriminalised) you will happily continue.

One of my ex boyfriends was addicted to cannabis, although he used to call it his "social drug", after 3 years, and for apparently no other reason,  he ended up in a self induced psychosis. 6 months later he committed suicide. 

My friend's daughter smoked marijuana on a social basis, and to decrease anxiety so she could get to work in the mornings. 1 year later her mother learned that she had spent just about every cent she earned on her (treatment) addiction. She lost her house because she had failed to make payments on her mortgage. 

I just have one question. If in the future you decide to have children what happily ever after story will you tell them to explain why you smoke weed?

AG

[--Danny--]

Hi AGrace, thank you for your concerns in regards to the mental effects that cannabis has on certain people. It is a sad story about your ex boyfriend. I'm not quite sure what to say about that situation AGrace, it's not my place to comment. I feel sorry for your friend aswell, watching a child go through anxiety/depression wouldn't be very nice at all. 

Some peoples brains can handle cannabis, some peoples brains aren't wired to handle cannabis. Fortunately for me, my brain doesn't mind the stuff..before I started smoking, I was a tradesman, drinking heaps, no real direction in my life..Introduced cannabis at age 23, got a job in corporate business, 3 promotions, more money, real direction....then alcohol started getting the better of me...not effecting work but hurting my relationships at home..I quit 23 days ago..while I was in front still..I had my family, my job, my drivers licence..I ain't going back to drinking..just because it's legal doesn't mean it's safer...the weed has helped with quitting the booze..

I have smoked weed every single day for 8 years, if my brain was going to go psychotic, it would of done it by now..but I agree whole heartedly with you..some people shouldn't go near the stuff...I do want to quit but firstly I really want to reinforce the no drinking booze for at least 6 months..after that I'm off to rehab clinic to get off the weed. I want to quit for my wife, my children, my own health, save money....thanks for listening AGrace, I appreciate it :).                                                          

Chillin out,

Danny

[--Danny--]

AG, I have plenty of children already..& if they asked me why I did smoke, my honest answer to my kids would be "none of your business"..that's exactly what I would say to my children. I'm pretty confident in quitting soon enough...have some faith in me mate! 

Danny

[AGrace]

Hi Danny,

Apologies if it sounded like I had little faith in you. You've already shown the strength of will power you have in quitting alcohol. I have absolute faith that if you wanted to quit cannibis you could. 

I think I may have misinterpreted your comment "I'm going to keep smoking for a few months yet.... if not maybe long term if they legalise it in Victoria"

My post may have been too passionate. I just get so annoyed when I hear of people toying with substances that could have an effect on their livelihood. I will try to be less judgemental in future. I do wonder if you've had 8 successful years why you feel compelled to quit for your family and yourself? 

AG