While there are many different pharmaceuticals out there that are made to help with mental illness, it seems that sometimes these medications do not work the way they were intended to – or they end up having nasty side effects that can be worse than the original condition!
For each mental illness out there you will find multiple man-made drugs that are supposed to help “balance” people and the chemicals in their brain. Unfortunately side effects from drugs like this can commonly include hallucinations, depersonalization, psychosis, heart attack, stroke, suicidal intentions and even sudden death.
Here is some insight on 6 mental illnesses doctors are treating with medical marijuana.
Insomnia
It’s probably a no-brainer that marijuana would be a great medicine for insomnia as one of the common side effects is sleepiness. Most often an indica strain is perfect for those looking for natural relief to their insomnia. It is a much safer alternative compared to other sleep aid options that pose the risk of becoming dependent on them and can easily cause overdose.
Depression
Medical marijuana is now being found to be a great way to try and treat depression – though doctors are just now realizing this and putting it on paper, some people have been self-medicating for depression for years with marijuana. The plants calming and euphoria inducing effects are perfect for those suffering from depression.
Anxiety
The calming and euphoric effects that help to treat depression can also help to treat anxiety. While it is true that some strains may cause paranoia that is a different type of paranoia (generally, that goes something like this “Oh my God, that guy knows I’m so high…” for most people at least…), most of the time people find a lot of stress relief and therefore able to relax and feel less anxious… Which leads us to the next illness…
PTSD
A very specific form of anxiety, PTSD is often found in war veterans. PTSD is caused by a terrifying or traumatic event that either caused or threatened great physical harm. Unfortunately, medical cannabis is not yet available to everyone with PTSD who would benefit – but the studies are there and cannabis can help!
Schizophrenia
It may seem farfetched, but it’s true – a study done in Germany has determined that CBD can be beneficial for those who suffer from schizophrenia. While THC (the psychoactive chemical in marijuana) can potentially increase psychosis in schizophrenics, the calming and stress reducing side effects of CBD seem to make a marked and noticeable difference and is much safer than alternative medications.
Bi-Polar Disorder
Bi-Polar Disorder is probably one of the most common mental illnesses and it has been around probably as long as we have. For many people, cannabis is the best way for them to treat their disorder. It seems that THC and CBDs calming effects can actually help with mood stability and can this effect can last for hours after the initial high has worn off.
As someone with schizophrenia I’d like to report that I’ve never had a single problem with THC. I’m pretty sure claims about are just ploys to justify prohibition. Cannabis has improved my life so much that it’s a miracle. It saved me from a suicide attempt that happened after I quit smoking it for a year. I decided to smoke one last joint that I stole off a room mate, and only after that did I come to out of the blackout and stop the bleeding. Also, after a decade of treating my schizophrenia with it, I don’t have any hallucinations anymore (not even auditory ones!). Although the CBD is the part of it that helps with psychosis, I still need the THC part of it to treat the depression that comes along with the schizophrenia. The depression is main cause for all of the suicide attempts I use to have before I started medicating. That’s even more important than treating the psychosis for me. Sadly, I have to medicate illegally and risk prison because of the lies about it causing my illness. I hope some day they stop using people like me as a political football and we can get our medication just like anyone else. Until then, I predict that there will be more suicides like the Ashley Smith one, because when you put a non-violent, mentally ill person in prison… that’s unfortunately what happens. I hope I don’t become the next victim either
What was ur axident
I was MIS-diagnosed with Schizophrenia.
I do believe I might be Bi-Polar- but not from Genes- SOCIETY!
I have Used Marijuana since I was 13! I won’t say that I’m proud-but it has help me immensely.
I too have to use it illegally, unfortunately.
What is ABSURD, is that Cigarettes, I know are killing me- and I also know that Marijuana is helpful- but illegal.
I’ve also seen and know many that have gone to Mental Health or a Psychiatrist- and they ask does anyone in your family have mental illness- then you are diagnosed with that.
I had tried Zyprexa and Serequel for 9 Months, and it was the Battle for my Life.
I would stop taking the pills for a Couple of Weeks, but would not feel better – then start again.
I had to look on the internet to find out that the pills take 2 months to get out of your system. Then I knew that I had to give it more time… Glad I did!!!
I got my life back by going off the Shit that the Dr.’s had Prescribed.
I understand fully what you are going through and the only thing that helps is the very thing that professionals are encouraging me to stay away from. I am a black mother of three who lives in poverty and is diagnosed with depression at first then bi-polar depression. I have a long history of sexual, mental and physical abuse along with social anxiety. I clearly show signs of PTSD but professionals insist that it’s not. Thanks to cannabis and youtube videos I am, for the first time, recovering. Society’s negative views on signal mothers, mental health and natural practices trigger my symptoms but I am learning that it is a society not me with the real problems and this notion is keeping me levelled so I can push forward.
As a cannabis medical patient, I use it for a number of things listed in this article. Anxiety, sleep, eating regularly, Pstd, alopecia areata, depression, premenstrual dyphoric disorder… cannabis also saved my life, as I was a previous cocaine addict and heavy drinker. I was also able to quit smoking, even though I replaced my habit with joints lol. Let me tell you, my athsma is not 90% cleared up. Hence why when I hear people comparing a joint to a cigerette, I know first hand they are no where comparable. Ive also watched my spouses psoriasis be cleared with cannabis oil from his knees, which hes had problems with since a young age. Ive met an individual who got rid of their cancer with cannabis oil. Or the little girl in Airdrie Alberta who has a number of health issues, and was suffering from siezures on a daily basis. Now, with no pharmasuticles, its been 3 yrs since her last seizure. Shes healthier than she ever was on pharmasuticles. Cannabis also helps my spouse who has Huntingtons desiese, it protects the brain which helps to avoid health problems early in life with his condition. Cannabis is a cure. It’s time to end the stigma and be more open. There’s too much misinformation around this beautiful plant.