Posted by JohnL on September 4, 2001, at 16:21:32
In reply to Cannabis and Depression, posted by sweetmarie on September 4, 2001, at 14:01:54
Just based on my own experiences and comments from others, I do believe chronic cannabis use can worsen depression, even to the point where medication doesn't do anything to fix it. I think the important thing with cannabis, if one is to use it at all, is to use it maximum once a week. Any more than that can severely interfere with medication, and can easily lead down the slippery slope of using it more frequently. When I used to smoke daily, after a while I would get very depressed. And smoking didn't fix it. I would just be stoned and depressed instead of just depressed, and then I would get even more depressed each time. A very disturbing cycle to fall in to. It was real bad. The only way to break the cycle was to go cold turkey and live through hell for about 3 days. Then all was back to normal.
I don't think there is any proof that cannabis interferes with medication, but just based on anecdotal observations I think it does.
I have no problem with someone using cannabis as a recreation drug, sex enhancer, sleep aid, or whatever, but I strongly feel it should be used no more than once in a week's period. The risks and unknowns are just too great otherwise.
John> I`ve been trying to find out stuff on cannabis/hashish and how it affects depression.
>
> I did a search just now (on this site) and found quite a lot of info, but couldn`t actually find anything `definitive`. This is most probably because it`s not possible to define exactly what effect it has.
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> What I want to know is - does smoking it mess up medication levels? In other words, being on anti-depressant medication means that you can`t take certain other medications (as I found out when I wanted to get a de-congestant for my interminable cold). Does this apply to cannabis/hashish?
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> Also, what actual psychological effects can it have (good, bad or indifferent)?
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> I do not smoke it regularly, by any means - just now and then over the years. But, I want to know whether to rule it out altogether - which is what I will do if it has an adverse effect on my depression. That probably sounds wierd - obviously I`d know whether it has a bad effect or not, and the answer is that it doesn`t - at least, not one that I notice. What I`m trying to find out is whether or not continued use can exaccerbate depression. I hope that this makes sense.
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> I`ll be glad of any info anyone can offer.
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> Thanks,
>
> Anna.
poster:JohnL
thread:77688
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010902/msgs/77702.html