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MedHelp Member's Question

Medical Cannabis

by Califia, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
Tony, I'm migraine-prone and I've suffered a couple of  whoppers thus far, so I literally feel your pain.  I just wanted to ask everyone what you think about using medical m as an analgesic in these situations, given that one recent troubling French study about daily use and the acceleration of fibrosis?    The study didn't specify the delivery system, so they may have been documenting the effect of daily intake of carcinogens via smoking.
Member Comments (26)

by Califia, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
To: Rev / Everyone
Vaporizing, if only because my throat can't handle smoking.  I've been in desperate straights with the headaches and it's really helped take the edge off.  Can't believe I'm turning into a pot head (again) at this age.

by jonihs, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
To: Califa
I think medical pot, especially Marinol, is a really good option for our  sx.s. It has been used for HIV tx. for along time. My doc wouldn't presribe it because I was getting really depressed & "he said" it can cause depression. I'm not sure if it really can, cuz I never felt depressed back in the old days. One real plus that I can see immediately is the munchies. I know I had no appetite while on tx.   Good luck, Joni

by secondtime, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
To: CALIFA
ME TOO - FOR ME, 39 YEARS LATER....BUT, I STILL LIKE IT. AND HAS HELPED OUT TREMENDESLY DURING TREATMENT/ ONLY PROBLEM, I HAVE HAD TO RESORT TO MY NEPHEW TO GET IT... IT MUST RUN IN THE FAMILY

by lollymart, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
My husband has started smoking it.  He's 6' and was always thin but now on tx he's down to 130 lb and looking very gaunt.  He's hoping that his appetite will increase with it.  At this point, we're all not even thinking about the legalities of it.  By the way, his doc does know, but is against it.



Lori (wife of fellow hepper Nik)

by hvnbnd4, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
I was using it legaly but it gave me heart racing and paranoia so l quit..it didnt help either..geri

by Califia, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
To: All
No complaints here about taking this particular medication!    It certainly has its tonic uses in middle age  -- and I know my partner is certainly enjoying sharing this aspect of treatment with me.

by Califia, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
To: All, Part 2
Forget to add something:  am finding that the effect from vaporizing is  noticeably different.  A little less raucous, maybe?

by snook_man, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
To: Califia
Sorry to hear about your migranes. That is what my Dr. specifically warned me about pegysus. That many of her patients that are on it, suffer from severe headaches..

I am curious as to how you vaporize the herbs? Are we talking about like sitting on the couch, and roasting marshmellows over a cannibas bon fire?? I am very interested, as I wonder if smoking it, would intensify the dry throat that many experience during tx..

Hope you are well, and not tooooo high!! LOL..

by snook_man, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
To: Insomnia
I know that alot of people say that they have trouble sleeping at night.. Most have stated that they have their Dr prescribe them a medication.. Has anyone tried Melatonin?? Or any of the natural remedies, such as SleepyTime Tea, or Valarian root. I personally do not like Valarian, as it gives me sort of a hangover in the morning.. Just curious.

by Califia, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
To: Snook
No, gosh darn it, I'm not too high.  This is the real problem with middle age, my son -- you learn a little restraint!    But Marsh Mellow does have that certain ring, doesn't it?    What I'm referring to are devices called vaporizers (check google & Ebay).    Just took the plunge a couple of weeks ago myself  'cause I wanted to avoid unnecessary toxic pollutants in the lungs.  A vaporizer releases the THC at a lower temperature (vaporizes, not burns).  The super expensive $500  German device called The Volcano, a ballon-like contraption, is laboratory tested by NORML and  highly recommended by them.   But no, I didn't go there.   A local LVN recommended Vaporizer Brothers at 1/5th the price.   I _can_ tell you that with the VB model all heat and scorch are completely gone.  Very gentle on the raw throat and tight lungs.  And who says pegasys is going to kick your butt anyway?  

by Califia, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
To: Snook re valerian
Valerian may not be the best thing to use with liver inflammation,  as it can have an overheating or stimulating effect.   And be real careful with the brands you're using.   All companies are not created equal.

by secondtime, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
To: califa
VAPORIZE=== BONG ??????

by Califia, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
To: secondtime
Not bong.

by snook_man, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
To: Califia
Thanks, I did recently see an article about valarian root as one of the herbs that may cause liver toxicity.. I have only used it a few times, I personally like Melatonin if I can't get to sleep.. it is naturally produced by the body, and is what your body is lacking if you are unable to sleep. Have you seen any bad info on it, or had a problem with sleep yet?? Very interested in the vaporizor. Sounds like something out of a Star Trek episode. Careful, I'll vaporize you! I must be getting old, what happened to glass bongs, and zig zags?? Rx'd by a Dr of course..

by Califia, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
To: snook/secondtime
I started my web research at  http://www.canorml.org/healthfacts/vaporizers.html .   Here's a snippet:



"Vaporization is a technique for avoiding irritating respiratory toxins in marijuana smoke by heating cannabis to a temperature where the psychoactive ingredients evaporate without causing combustion.



Laboratory studies by California NORML and MAPS have found that vaporizers can efficiently deliver cannabinoids while eliminating or drastically reducing other smoke toxins.



Like tobacco, marijuana smoke contains toxins that are known to be hazardous to the respiratory system. Among them are the highly carcinogenic polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, a prime suspect in cigarette-related cancers. These toxins are essentially a byproduct of combustion, separate from the pharmaceutically active components of marijuana, known as cannabinoids, which include THC. Although there is no proof that marijuana smoking causes cancer, chronic pot smokers have been shown to suffer an elevated risk of bronchitis and respiratory infections. Respiratory disease due to smoking may therefore rightly be regarded as the primary physiological hazard of marijuana.



Cannabis vaporizers are designed to let users inhale active cannabinoids while avoiding harmful smoke toxins. They do so by heating cannabis to a temperature of 180 - 200° C (356° - 392° F), just below the point of combustion where smoke is produced. At this point, THC and other medically active cannabinoids are emitted with little or none of the carcinogenic tars and noxious gases found in smoke. Many medical marijuana patients who find smoked marijuana highly irritating report effective relief inhaling through vaporizers. Users who are concerned about the respiratory hazards of smoking are strongly advised to use vaporizers. Alternative devices, such as waterpipes, have been shown to be ineffective at reducing the tars in marijuana smoke (Report)."



Please also check out the French study at http://www.natap.org/2004/EASL/easl_09.htm & Dieterich, MD's comments on it in the Q & A board at hivandhepatitis.com .



Insomnia?  Moi?  Generic Ativan.



by Honey15637, Aug 09, 2004 12:00AM
To: Califia