Glaucoma Disease

any mild cannabis 'abusers' out there

Question:

Hi there, May iI introduce myself, i am a sp from holland, 33 years old, and suffer by my illness. As a matter of fact, i can’t really not deal with it, and trie to explain my dissorder by trauma’s witch occured in my youth, such as sexual abuse and stuff like that…… What i know is, that I have had a carreer as a computer engineer, and was somebody for a short time…… i can’t really deal with my disorder…… what i would like to tell about smoking hashies: I used to do that when I was about 20 years, and the thing I remember, is that it made me very paranoid, I figured that out later. So smoking that wasn’t a medicine for me, although I hadn’t have the symptones of schizoblabla yet. I become having a problem with that when I was about 27 years, that mean, then I couldn’t keep on doing my job. At the end I have a question: How can I ever deal with my disease, I mean, except it, and live with it? Please help me, Martin

Response:

On Sat, 4 Mar 2000 10:34:36 -0500 "Been There" <lavel…@hotmail.com> wrote: >    Thank you for your explanation. The problem I have is that they did not > stand up to me over any specific "sin" . Rather over the use of dope. This > presupposes that of all the mistakes I made that this is the one that cause > the most harm. >    Something about dope caused such a problem that it was all the defense > that the guards felt they needed to make. They did not go on about their > efforts or my behavoir. They summed it up in a seven word setence totaly on > one single point.

I think you’re looking at it wrong. The "Guard" used a specific example. By your own statement you stopped at the Lord’s request. IE..King, you do have a King. Just remember humility in the face of others shortcomings. Brian — Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)

Response:

   Thank you for your explanation. The problem I have is that they did not stand up to me over any specific "sin" . Rather over the use of dope. This presupposes that of all the mistakes I made that this is the one that cause the most harm.    Something about dope caused such a problem that it was all the defense that the guards felt they needed to make. They did not go on about their efforts or my behavoir. They summed it up in a seven word setence totaly on one single point.   That is not to say yours is not a great point. Oracle_AT_Delphi <dadais…@hotmail.com> wrote in message

news:tFvv4.49454$Mg.736833@c01read03-admin.service.talkway.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Guards sleep. > Evil enters. > King chatises guards. > Results. > "Guards" tell king, > sometimes you "fall asleep" too. > Even kings must be on guard against "Evil" > They are not perfect, and they have > no man to chastise them. > If a king has no king, how do we get results. > Thats what I got from your post. > — > Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums > Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)

Response:

In article <38B03440.3DDAE…@efn.org>, – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -  a…@efn.org wrote: > Vicky and Tony wrote: > > I take Seroquel (400mg / day) and also smoke marijuana.  I find that it > > helps with the negative symptoms and is also a relaxant. > in oregon  where i live (and i think some others here too?? ) theres an > initiative coming up, trying to get on the ballot right now, that would > add *eight* psychiatric conditions, including depression, bi-polar, and > 6 others, (i do not know if that included sz) to the list of conditions > for which you can be LEGALLY prescribed medical marijuana. right now i > think there are only a few conditions on the list, like glaucoma, and i > personally know someone waiting for a liver transplant who smokes > legally right now. > i dont think pot is a cure all and it has much potential to be abused… > but.. its also an effective med for nausea, pain, and i personally think > mood enhancement. in oregon they are making it legal to be prescribed by > a doctor under certain circumstances. > i hope that ballot goes through becuase i think that a lot of people do > benefit from these aspects of the herb. > i personally think it adds to the effect of my meds, when not overused, > becuase it makes me more relaxed, i sleep better, have an appetite when > usually i dont, controls my constant nausea from the meds, and gives me > a more positive outlook on life…… > doesnt sound too bad to me…… > get out there and vote, oregon residents…… > peace > anna > —————————— > ‘the softest of all soft things > overrides the hardest of things….’ > — i ching > "blessed am i to dwell in this beautiful temple" > ~~~~~~~~~ rainbows ~~~~~~~~~~

I used to smoke like 10 to 20 joints a day while I was trying to learn things at college.  It didn’t work out.  The college bit I mean.  I carried on smoking and smoking until the crop I had grown was completely gone.  Now, since I smoke rarely, I only need a couple of puffs, half a joint maybe, and I’m on a different planet.  It makes me feel very energetic but I also know that it makes me very psychotic but not in a paranoid way unless I’m feeling worried already before I start to smoke.  I think it can be positive or negative, it just depends on what you’re like and how you use it. — Michael. Sent via Deja.com http://www.deja.com/ Before you buy.

Response:

On Thu, 2 Mar 2000 08:48:42 -0500 "Been There" <lavel…@hotmail.com> wrote: > Oracle_AT_Delphi <dadais…@hotmail.com> wrote in message > news:E_gv4.49143$Mg.736771@c01read03-admin.service.talkway.com… > > There is only one perfect King. > > And it’s not you. > > — > > Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums > > Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm) >    Why thank you for such a insightful and enlightning post. But if you will > put up with my lack of understanding for a moment I would ask what the flip > that means. If I say I am being the best I can be you say "You are not as > good as God". What is that supposed to mean to me?

Sorry I could not be of any assistance. You asked me what the dream meant. I only told you what the dream meant to me. Interpreting dreams is very subjective. I do not have the backdrop of experience that you have. However I do not think you got the "jist" of what I was saying. I’ll try to elaborate, but I have hard time putting my thoughts into works. Guards sleep. Evil enters. King chatises guards. Results. "Guards" tell king, sometimes you "fall asleep" too. Even kings must be on guard against "Evil" They are not perfect, and they have no man to chastise them. If a king has no king, how do we get results. Thats what I got from your post. — Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)

Response:

I had a bad paranoid experience after smoking pot or hash (I can’t remember which it was) years ago.  This was long before I showed any signs of sz or even knew what sz was.  I think my marijuana smoking days ended shortly after that experience. Frank. Mervyn van Kuyen <mer…@xs4all.nl> wrote in message news:38AFD2C9.460553D4@xs4all.nl… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Apart from the dangers of smoking and smoking pot (which > adds several tens of toxic substances) there is the risk of > getting paranoid when you smoke too much, but it has also > been found to relieve negative symptoms. > Just be careful and sure to know how much is fun and how > much is too much, > Mervyn > JCunni6047 wrote: > > is it dangerous to smoke marajauna while being on antipsychotic meds?????? > > because Im on Zyprexa and I have this urge to smoke marijauna only on the > > weekends to enhance music and my enviroment…

Response:

Because I had to overcome an alcohol dependency in 1990 I am basically frightened of any mood altering drugs. If it alters my mood? I have a propensity to do it and do it. So I guard against any consistancy in marijuana use. Maybe at a party or something. Or once in a while. But……I agree it does help. Crazy as it sounds it helps with the negative symptoms too. If you don’t go overboard with it. Bt I believe we all have a propensity for abuse with any mood altering dug. And I believe that is not the best way. The best way is to intergrate with our experince so that our moods and feelings are reflective of the "real". Mood altering drugs go in the other direction. But……coffee is a mood altering drug. Alcohol is probably the strongest of all and that is commonly a socially acceptable drug use. Really? Do what you want but remember our weaknesses and propensities and guard constantly against "abuse". Fight for the "real". Go for the "jewel" and not the "stone". I would rather hear someone smokes then drinks. Alcohol really screws up your chemistry. Damo

Response:

"JCunni6047" wrote is it dangerous to smoke marajauna while being on antipsychotic meds?????? because Im on Zyprexa and I have this urge to smoke marijauna only on the weekends to enhance music and my enviroment… THINK ! You know it’s dangerous, not harmless, and still you ask if it could be dangerous when using medication for a mental illness…… DON’T DO DRUGS ! And if the social friends asks for your help in smoking a joint, keep a low profile and keep it for the next few years ! Your being treated for an illness, give your healing a good change and smoke only two-three times a month ! greetings and keep doing things ! ‘Joop’ ps. fake email

Response:

Yeah Joop. If a person is striving for their stability point as in recovery from an addiction or a serious head thing no other changes should be made until the person can "find" themselves again. The pot probably won’t kill anyone but really there is a time for everything and in recovery from a problem is not the time. Damo

Response:

    When I first started to have visions as a result of my seeking God I had a answer about this. It was about nine months into my conversion to christianity. Note I was as perfect a christian as I could be at that time.     I had a vision/dream of me as a rule of a lush land/plantation/nation on the outscirts of God’s Kingdom. I was having invaders(ciminal raiders) due to my "guards" being asleep on the job. So I jumped on the guards and walked around telling them to get to work. The results surprised me.      That night I had a very vivid dream. I was standing on the road at the entrance to my lush land and two guards were standing in front of me. When I started chewing them out one turned to me and said "You are the one that smoked dope." It floored me in the dream.     First I do not use nor remember using the word dope. Second I had stopped smoking six months earlier at God’s request. Third the implications were amazing. All of these I knew in the dream standing there staring speechless at the guard. I just wish I had asked what he meant. It would have answered so many questions.      What does it mean? You tell me.

Response:

There is only one perfect King. And it’s not you. — Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)

Response:

– ***************************************************** reality is a thing of the past follow the Doomclown or He’ll follow you… www.esoteria.co.uk with love and herpes… Oracle_AT_Delphi <dadais…@hotmail.com> wrote in message

news:E_gv4.49143$Mg.736771@c01read03-admin.service.talkway.com… > There is only one perfect King. > And it’s not you.

anyone can be a ‘perfect king’ – it just takes the knowing and the doing… luv   Snik

Response:

Oracle_AT_Delphi <dadais…@hotmail.com> wrote in message

news:E_gv4.49143$Mg.736771@c01read03-admin.service.talkway.com… > There is only one perfect King. > And it’s not you. > — > Free audio & video emails, greeting cards and forums > Talkway – http://www.talkway.com – Talk more ways (sm)

   Why thank you for such a insightful and enlightning post. But if you will put up with my lack of understanding for a moment I would ask what the flip that means. If I say I am being the best I can be you say "You are not as good as God". What is that supposed to mean to me?

Response:

Sept 96 Dual Diagnosis and Marijuana   "Mervyn van Kuyen" <mer…@xs4all.nl> wrote in message news:3885C523.ECF861EB@xs4all.nl…   Hi all,   I find it very hard to quit cannabis completely and have   managed to   cut its use down to just 1-2 joints a week, which means just   a few   ’sucks’ a day, which I find very comfortable. Having some   thoughts   that are strong enough to stand any attack by my voices,   which are   most active in the morning and night. Anyway are there any   other   mild users out there who don’t experience any extra paranoia   or   voices because of its use?   Recently I came across an article that even states that mild   use   can relieve negative symptoms (see attachments). Not that I   want   to advertise or encourage its use. I just would like to hear   some   comments. Again, dont start using it because of this   article,   especially if it could bring you in trouble with the law!   Also note that cannabis has plenty risks: cancer (cannabis   adds   tens of substances that increase the risk of cancer), it   lowers   the antibacterial immunesystem of the lungs (up to 60% for   heavy   use, while smoking cigarettes doesnt have this effect!), it   lowers   sperm count and mobility, it sticks and builds up in fatty   elements   within the body, it produces loss of short term memory (just   like   the natural neurotransmitter anandamide which it mimics, so   its   not due to damage!)…   Regards,   Mervyn ————————————————————————— —   I have never heard of mild mannered people who abuse poor unsuspecting cannabis.Is the abuse mental or physical?   Why do these people do it?

Response:

Vicky and Tony wrote: > I take Seroquel (400mg / day) and also smoke marijuana.  I find that it > helps with the negative symptoms and is also a relaxant.

in oregon  where i live (and i think some others here too?? ) theres an initiative coming up, trying to get on the ballot right now, that would add *eight* psychiatric conditions, including depression, bi-polar, and 6 others, (i do not know if that included sz) to the list of conditions for which you can be LEGALLY prescribed medical marijuana. right now i think there are only a few conditions on the list, like glaucoma, and i personally know someone waiting for a liver transplant who smokes legally right now. i dont think pot is a cure all and it has much potential to be abused… but.. its also an effective med for nausea, pain, and i personally think mood enhancement. in oregon they are making it legal to be prescribed by a doctor under certain circumstances. i hope that ballot goes through becuase i think that a lot of people do benefit from these aspects of the herb. i personally think it adds to the effect of my meds, when not overused, becuase it makes me more relaxed, i sleep better, have an appetite when usually i dont, controls my constant nausea from the meds, and gives me a more positive outlook on life…… doesnt sound too bad to me…… get out there and vote, oregon residents…… peace anna —————————— ‘the softest of all soft things overrides the hardest of things….’ — i ching "blessed am i to dwell in this beautiful temple" ~~~~~~~~~ rainbows ~~~~~~~~~~

Response:

Apart from the dangers of smoking and smoking pot (which adds several tens of toxic substances) there is the risk of getting paranoid when you smoke too much, but it has also been found to relieve negative symptoms. Just be careful and sure to know how much is fun and how much is too much, Mervyn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -JCunni6047 wrote: > is it dangerous to smoke marajauna while being on antipsychotic meds?????? > because Im on Zyprexa and I have this urge to smoke marijauna only on the > weekends to enhance music and my enviroment…

Response:

I take Seroquel (400mg / day) and also smoke marijuana.  I find that it helps with the negative symptoms and is also a relaxant. Tony "JCunni6047" <jcunni6…@aol.com> wrote in message

news:20000219182950.26342.00000498@ng-bj1.aol.com… – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> is it dangerous to smoke marajauna while being on antipsychotic meds?????? > because Im on Zyprexa and I have this urge to smoke marijauna only on the > weekends to enhance music and my enviroment…

Response:

I have an account of my use of marijuana that has been posted at Dr. Lester Grinspoon’s web site. Dr. Grinspoon is a proponent for the use of marijuana. He’s also a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard U. My essay is called "My Labor Under the Influence". It’s at www.rxmarijuana.com. The funny thing about all this is that I suffer with schizoaffective disorder.

Response:

Sept 96 Dual Diagnosis and MarijuanaI’ve just had my diagnosis changed to Schizoaffective Disorder today – and I am a regular cannabis user.  I find it helps with my illness – a fact that my psychiatrist acknowledges. Tony   "Lizzie" <ep…@ma.ultranet.com> wrote in message news:87uv0s$l0v$1@bob.news.rcn.net…   I have an account of my use of marijuana that has been posted at Dr. Lester Grinspoon’s web site. Dr. Grinspoon is a proponent for the use of marijuana. He’s also a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard U. My essay is called "My Labor Under the Influence". It’s at www.rxmarijuana.com. The funny thing about all this is that I suffer with schizoaffective disorder.

Response:

I believe that drug use early in my life brought on sz… I was a "flower child" in the late 60’s and early 70’s and took L.S.D. and other drugs, including cannabis… I started to feel like I was going to disappear any second and went to a psychiatrist who diagnosed me as sz. Before taking drugs I had no symptoms of sz. I no longer use any drugs because even a hit of a marajuana cigarette makes me paranoid. * Sent from AltaVista http://www.altavista.com Where you can also find related Web Pages, Images, Audios, Videos, News, and Shopping.  Smart is Beautiful

Response:

Sept 96 Dual Diagnosis and MarijuanaTim, I’m sad to report that the abuse is physical.  These heartless and cruel people take an innocent lump of cannabis resin and subject it to intense heat, usually the flame of a cigarette lighter.  As if this was not enough they then proceed to crumble the aforementioned lump of resin onto a bed of shredded tobacco.  Do they stop at this point ?  No, they do not – they then roll up the crumbled resin and tobacco in thin paper and set fire to the resulting tube shaped item.  They continue to burn it until it has all burnt away. It is about time that these people were brought to justice and the media alerted to the cruelty that the poor lump of cannabis resin faces on a day to day basis.   It is hard to believe that this sort of behavior still occurs in the year 2000 – you only tend to hear of abuse of this nature occuring in psychiatric hospitals, where the nurses treated patients in a similar fashion. Tony http://come.to/theloonybin

Response:

Sept 96 Dual Diagnosis and Marijuana — —————————————————– Click here for Free Video!! http://www.gohip.com/freevideo/   Frank Levy <frank…@netcom.ca> wrote in message news:VVlh4.205243$5r2.561634@tor-nn1.netcom.ca…   I have read some articles that link illicit drug use with the onset of schizophrenia (sz).  I used marijuana for a brief period of time about 12 years ago and am constantly wondering if I hadn’t used it, would I still have the illness today?  It’s a question that weighs heavily on my shoulders.   I believe that drugs pushed my illness out, and certainly my parents believe that.     I friend of mine who seems to be very read on the subject states that Drugs bring out Schizophrenia faster, meaning that if you didn’t take drugs you would have still developed schizophrenia, but later in life.   That’s all I can say.   Andras.

Response:

Sept 96 Dual Diagnosis and MarijuanaI have read some articles that link illicit drug use with the onset of schizophrenia (sz).  I used marijuana for a brief period of time about 12 years ago and am constantly wondering if I hadn’t used it, would I still have the illness today?  It’s a question that weighs heavily on my shoulders. I have also read articles that link the recurrence of psychosis with the use of illicit drugs.  I think they were referring to heavier drugs like cocaine or LSD but why take the chance.  As far as I’m concerned the worst part of sz is psychosis.  My psychosis was very difficult with extreme paranoia (it was terrifying).  Why risk further psychosis for the short term alleviation of negative symptoms (which are less difficult to deal with anyway). Of course there may be other articles out there that refute this information.  There seems to be a lot of contradictory information available.  I’m inclined to believe what I have said here, though. Just my opinion, Frank.   Mervyn van Kuyen <mer…@xs4all.nl> wrote in message news:3885C523.ECF861EB@xs4all.nl…   Hi all,   I find it very hard to quit cannabis completely and have   managed to   cut its use down to just 1-2 joints a week, which means just   a few   ’sucks’ a day, which I find very comfortable. Having some   thoughts   that are strong enough to stand any attack by my voices,   which are   most active in the morning and night. Anyway are there any   other   mild users out there who don’t experience any extra paranoia   or   voices because of its use?   Recently I came across an article that even states that mild   use   can relieve negative symptoms (see attachments). Not that I   want   to advertise or encourage its use. I just would like to hear   some   comments. Again, dont start using it because of this   article,   especially if it could bring you in trouble with the law!   Also note that cannabis has plenty risks: cancer (cannabis   adds   tens of substances that increase the risk of cancer), it   lowers   the antibacterial immunesystem of the lungs (up to 60% for   heavy   use, while smoking cigarettes doesnt have this effect!), it   lowers   sperm count and mobility, it sticks and builds up in fatty   elements   within the body, it produces loss of short term memory (just   like   the natural neurotransmitter anandamide which it mimics, so   its   not due to damage!)…   Regards,   Mervyn ————————————————————————— —   Ask the Expert – Dual Diagnosis and Marijuana   Q. I work at a hospital where there are many patients who are dually diagnosed with substance abuse and a major mental illness. Of particular concern are the bipolar patients and schizophrenic patients who continue to use marijuana on a daily basis along with Depakote or Risperdal. They are convinced that the marijuana has no negative effect on them while acknowledging that the psychotropic medications do help them. The prescribing doctors have threatened to discontinue treatment with these patients. What course of action would you suggest?   A. You have raised a difficult issue, and one for which I have no easy answers. However, you may be interested in the study by Linszen et al in the April 1994 Archives of Gen Psychiatry. Essentially they did find evidence that cannabis abuse is associated with more and earlier psychotic relapse; they note that THC has dopamine agonist properties that may undo antipsychotic effects. However, they also note that some patients with mild cannabis abuse show less anxiety and depression than do either non-abusers with schizophrenia, or heavy abusers, leading them to speculate on the self-medication hypothesis.   They also cite dome data suggesting that marijuana may reduce negative symptoms. In my consultative practice, I usually advise looking diligently for untreated anxious, depressive or negative features, and trying to treat these, e.g., by switching someone to clozapine, adding an antidepressant, or a small amount of buspirone or benzodiazepine. Since some marijuana use may be stress-related, I also try to strengthen support systems, day programs, etc., as much as possible.   I would rarely recommend stopping the primary treatment, unless I was convinced that the net benefits of that outweigh the risks to the patient and to society. I sometimes have insisted that the patient join a 12-step program or "rational recovery" group, and provide random urine samples, as a condition for continued treatment. I see this as a benign form of limit-setting.   Other Resources:     a.. Web of Addiction   Disclaimer  Back to Ask the Expert ————————————————————————— —     Select Your Destination–> ————— MHI Home Page MHI’s Awards and Recognition ————— About CME, Inc. CME InfoStore Help! Customer Service Online Jobs @ CME, Inc. Search MHI Site Map What’s New ————— Ask the Expert Ask the Bipolar Expert (Archives) Ask the Medical Experts Bipolar Disorders Information Center CMEA CME, Inc. Conferences CME, Inc. Multimedia Library Classifieds Disorder Index Healthier You articles The Journal (CAMI) Medical Book Locator Medicine & Behavior MEDInfoSource MH Address Book MH Calendar MH Book Locator MH Connections – Lists, Newsgroups MH Directory of Web Sites MHinteractive – Chat MHI Professional Directory MH-IQ Game! NARSAD NARSAD Artworks Professional Directory Psychiatric Times Resources for Professionals Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders The Write Brain U.S. Psychiatric & Mental Health Congress ————————————————————————— —   webmas…@mhsource.com

Response:

Sept 96 Dual Diagnosis and MarijuanaMervyn, I am not a cannabis abuser – but I am a regular cannabis user.  I too find it of benefit in that it relieves mania and helps with my psychosis (I appear to suffer from Schizoaffective Disorder).  Cannabis has much use as a medication and this has certainly been the case throughout history.  The fact that it can also be taken for recreational (i.e. enjoyment) purposes is the icing on the cake.   My psychiatrist is aware of my useage and agrees that if it helps then I should continue to use it. Tony http://come.to/theloonybin   "Mervyn van Kuyen" <mer…@xs4all.nl> wrote in message news:3885C523.ECF861EB@xs4all.nl…   Hi all,   I find it very hard to quit cannabis completely and have   managed to   cut its use down to just 1-2 joints a week, which means just   a few   ’sucks’ a day, which I find very comfortable. Having some   thoughts   that are strong enough to stand any attack by my voices,   which are   most active in the morning and night. Anyway are there any   other   mild users out there who don’t experience any extra paranoia   or   voices because of its use?   Recently I came across an article that even states that mild   use   can relieve negative symptoms (see attachments). Not that I   want   to advertise or encourage its use. I just would like to hear   some   comments. Again, dont start using it because of this   article,   especially if it could bring you in trouble with the law!   Also note that cannabis has plenty risks: cancer (cannabis   adds   tens of substances that increase the risk of cancer), it   lowers   the antibacterial immunesystem of the lungs (up to 60% for   heavy   use, while smoking cigarettes doesnt have this effect!), it   lowers   sperm count and mobility, it sticks and builds up in fatty   elements   within the body, it produces loss of short term memory (just   like   the natural neurotransmitter anandamide which it mimics, so   its   not due to damage!)…   Regards,   Mervyn ————————————————————————— —   Ask the Expert – Dual Diagnosis and Marijuana   Q. I work at a hospital where there are many patients who are dually diagnosed with substance abuse and a major mental illness. Of particular concern are the bipolar patients and schizophrenic patients who continue to use marijuana on a daily basis along with Depakote or Risperdal. They are convinced that the marijuana has no negative effect on them while acknowledging that the psychotropic medications do help them. The prescribing doctors have threatened to discontinue treatment with these patients. What course of action would you suggest?   A. You have raised a difficult issue, and one for which I have no easy answers. However, you may be interested in the study by Linszen et al in the April 1994 Archives of Gen Psychiatry. Essentially they did find evidence that cannabis abuse is associated with more and earlier psychotic relapse; they note that THC has dopamine agonist properties that may undo antipsychotic effects. However, they also note that some patients with mild cannabis abuse show less anxiety and depression than do either non-abusers with schizophrenia, or heavy abusers, leading them to speculate on the self-medication hypothesis.   They also cite dome data suggesting that marijuana may reduce negative symptoms. In my consultative practice, I usually advise looking diligently for untreated anxious, depressive or negative features, and trying to treat these, e.g., by switching someone to clozapine, adding an antidepressant, or a small amount of buspirone or benzodiazepine. Since some marijuana use may be stress-related, I also try to strengthen support systems, day programs, etc., as much as possible.   I would rarely recommend stopping the primary treatment, unless I was convinced that the net benefits of that outweigh the risks to the patient and to society. I sometimes have insisted that the patient join a 12-step program or "rational recovery" group, and provide random urine samples, as a condition for continued treatment. I see this as a benign form of limit-setting.   Other Resources:     a.. Web of Addiction   Disclaimer  Back to Ask the Expert ————————————————————————— —     Select Your Destination–> ————— MHI Home Page MHI’s Awards and Recognition ————— About CME, Inc. CME InfoStore Help! Customer Service Online Jobs @ CME, Inc. Search MHI Site Map What’s New ————— Ask the Expert Ask the Bipolar Expert (Archives) Ask the Medical Experts Bipolar Disorders Information Center CMEA CME, Inc. Conferences CME, Inc. Multimedia Library Classifieds Disorder Index Healthier You articles The Journal (CAMI) Medical Book Locator Medicine & Behavior MEDInfoSource MH Address Book MH Calendar MH Book Locator MH Connections – Lists, Newsgroups MH Directory of Web Sites MHinteractive – Chat MHI Professional Directory MH-IQ Game! NARSAD NARSAD Artworks Professional Directory Psychiatric Times Resources for Professionals Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders The Write Brain U.S. Psychiatric & Mental Health Congress ————————————————————————— —   webmas…@mhsource.com

Response:

Hi all, I find it very hard to quit cannabis completely and have managed to cut its use down to just 1-2 joints a week, which means just a few ’sucks’ a day, which I find very comfortable. Having some thoughts that are strong enough to stand any attack by my voices, which are most active in the morning and night. Anyway are there any other mild users out there who don’t experience any extra paranoia or voices because of its use? Recently I came across an article that even states that mild use can relieve negative symptoms (see attachments). Not that I want to advertise or encourage its use. I just would like to hear some comments. Again, dont start using it because of this article, especially if it could bring you in trouble with the law! Also note that cannabis has plenty risks: cancer (cannabis adds tens of substances that increase the risk of cancer), it lowers the antibacterial immunesystem of the lungs (up to 60% for heavy use, while smoking cigarettes doesnt have this effect!), it lowers sperm count and mobility, it sticks and builds up in fatty elements within the body, it produces loss of short term memory (just like the natural neurotransmitter anandamide which it mimics, so its not due to damage!)… Regards, Mervyn [ sz_marijuana2.html 6K ]

Ask the Expert – Dual Diagnosis and Marijuana

Q. I work at a hospital where there are many patients who are dually diagnosed with substance abuse and a major mental illness. Of particular concern are the bipolar patients and schizophrenic patients who continue to use marijuana on a daily basis along with Depakote or Risperdal. They are convinced that the marijuana has no negative effect on them while acknowledging that the psychotropic medications do help them. The prescribing doctors have threatened to discontinue treatment with these patients. What course of action would you suggest?

A. You have raised a difficult issue, and one for which I have no easyanswers.However, you may be interested in the studybyLinszen et al in the April 1994 Archives of Gen Psychiatry. Essentially theydidfind evidence that cannabis abuse is associated with more and earlierpsychoticrelapse; they note that THC has dopamine agonist properties that may undoantipsychotic effects. However, they also note that some patients with mildcannabis abuse show less anxiety and depression than do either non-abuserswithschizophrenia, or heavy abusers, leading them to speculate on theself-medication hypothesis. They also cite dome data suggesting that marijuana mayreduce negative symptoms. In my consultative practice, I usually adviselookingdiligently for untreated anxious, depressive or negative features, and tryingto treat these, e.g., by switching someone to clozapine, adding anantidepressant, or a small amount of buspirone or benzodiazepine. Since some marijuana use may bestress-related, I also try to strengthen support systems, day programs, etc.,asmuch as possible. I would rarely recommend stopping the primary treatment,unless I was convinced that the net benefits of that outweigh the risks to thepatient and to society. I sometimes have insisted that the patient join a12-step program or rational recovery” group, and provide random urinesamples, as a condition for continued treatment. I see this as a benign form oflimit-setting.Other Resources:

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