@lisalucier

Thanks for posting the link to the Minnesota Department of Health medical sheet on marijuana. I noticed there are several contradictions between the document and the CNN Documentary about "WEED" that was recently televised. The documentary disputed, based on research, the idea that marijuana is addictive and/or a "gateway drug". Since the use of Marijuana and it's derivatives is still experimental, I think these discrepancies will be resolved with further research and use. I know it has been shown in studies and anecdotally to help people withdraw successfully from opioids.

As we know from experience, each person's response to drugs of any kind is highly variable. My husband uses medical marijuana with high THC, but has no problem stopping use suddenly, i.e., while we were on 15 days of vacation, without any "withdrawal" symptoms. He even commented on that fact when we got home. Also, since cancer patients rather famously use marijuana to reduce the nausea caused by chemotherapy, I wonder about the statement in the information sheet that marijuana can cause nausea. Again, individual reactions vary. And, the risk of "cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome" is new to me. I know that I react strongly to marijuana that I have vaped. I don't like it as I get too high even with one inhalation. I only use it rarely orally so I know exactly how much I have taken. I have more control over and can adjust the dose according to how I feel.

Last, I will search for an information sheet from California to be aware of any warnings it may contain. Some skepticism I have on the Minnesota information sheet is because marijuana was so badly and mistakenly maligned by the government in the past. I look forward to the day when enough research has been done to give definitive results to individuals.

Warm regards,
Gail
Volunteer Mentor

Gail, I think you are spot on with the points you make. There has never been one iota of research that indicates marijuana is a gateway drug. People who enjoy the "high" from cannabis and want to try something that may give them a "bigger or better high", may very well try cocaine or heroin, but the same individual could have arrived there from huffing paint or cough syrup. There is also no evidence that it is addictive, but there are folks like me who have to exercise more care with anything due to an addictive personality - I know there is a more scientific name, but it does not spring to mind. I have taken the synthetic marinol for appetite enhancement post surgery and it worked incredibly well and also was the best pain med I have used.

The reason we talk about there being no research to suggests most of these claims is that the DEA slapped a series 1 narcotic label on it before any research was done and pharma companies never pursued it for fear of getting cross ways with law enforcement and the FDA. The FDA just recently approved the first medicine that has some part of the cannabis plant included and it is believed that it will be used for off label uses quickly and that more will follow. If we actually allow an effective pain killer that is non-addictive, we may begin making progress in "the opioid crisis".

You're right, @gailb. Because more research is needed, there will be contradictions in guidelines on the use of medical marijuana. On the point of addiction, the info sheet states, "The risk of addiction is likely to be higher ... for persons who have already experienced addictions," which @gman007 mentioned as well. You're also right to point out that everyone is different. Thanks for being so thorough in the information you share.

Thanks for this information. I am trying to show to my doctor that cbd oIL (0,03%thc) is not psycoactive and it's safe because of low thc. I can't find that information on the paper above. Where can I find a reliable source as Mayo Clinic that explains this. Thanks

@lorena1egas

If you page down a little further, I have posted some links to websites with information about CBD/marijuana. I also think the CNN special programs by Dr. Sanjay Gupta, titled WEED are excellent. There are 4 specials the have produced, with the last one (about a month ago) having the most recent reliable medical information. It is called: WEED 4, and if you Google CNN, and search for the program, you can find it. Also, your doctor should know that CBD has been approved by the FDA as a treatment for seizures. My grandson has Tourettes, so that was my original motivation for finding out more about CBD. When school is out this month, he will try the CBD to see if it has a beneficial affect on his Tourettes. I hope you can find the reliable information for which you are searching. It is still difficult to find places that have been able to research marijuana enough to understand the things it is good for. However, if you watch the CNN presentation and recommend it to your doctor that may just be what you need. Good luck. Please keep us posted on your progress.

Gail
Volunteer Mentor

Hi, thanks for the answer. I've sent him the links on this thread. I think the most relevant is the approval of cbd for seizures. I'll search for that. If neurologists use it he maybe will understand.

Hi @lorena1egas, Here is some information that may help you. It is found in a book I borrowed from my library. It states that CBD does not have psychoactive effects and actually counteracts THC's psychoactive effects. Hope this helps.