Pot.

/ Purposeful

**This post discusses the use of marijuana. Please do not read if you are triggered by discussions about drug use. I am not a medical professional and the below information should not replace treatment by a licensed health care provider. I also live in a state (Arizona) that has legalized medicinal marijuana. I am a rule follower by nature**

 

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I have been wanting to discuss marijuana and its uses in mental health. Personally, I use it pretty consistently. I do not drive, work, or care for anybody under the influence. Again, big proponent of rules over here. I believe in bodily autonomy and I don’t get to decide if you want to be around someone under the influence. I would never attempt to convince you of my beliefs as I respect everyone’s opinions.

I primarily use this for stress and anxiety symptoms, although it is officially prescribed to me for PTSD. I feel like my mind is in so many places at once sometimes. I imagine that it has the same effects on me that ADHD medication has on those with ADHD. It calms me, I can concentrate better, and my tension is no longer affecting me physically. I can’t convey in words how much better I feel. I sleep better with it as well. I have never let it interfere with my professional life. In no way do I feel like drugs are the answer to problems. If anything, I avoid smoking or alcohol when I am depressed or manic. As strong as the desire to numb the feelings is, I don’t feel that is healthy. I don’t want to associate bad times with great enjoyable substances. I don’t go out for a drink on a bad day. I wouldn’t smoke either. I will smoke when I feel anxious, but not when I am manic. when I am stressed, but not when I am making major decisions. I guess it kinda sounds silly that someone would follow so many rules that they set for themselves over something so trivial. I sincerely believe that there is a such thing as too much of a good thing.

So, yeah. I smoke pot. I feel more productive and relaxed just enough into easing myself back to the outgoing person I was. I have to let my guard down and try to regain the self confidence I once had. Anyway, I am rambling.

Let me know what you think?

-B

p.s. Full disclosure, this post was originally posted on my personal blog here.

14 thoughts on “Pot.”

  1. I love the boundaries you create for yourself. I think you are doing the best you can with a sticky situation. I’m an American living in Australia at the moment and I can’t wait till its legal here. I personally think cbd and all that is really beneficial so I applaud your efforts in finding a solution 🙂

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    • Thank you so much! Honestly, rules and lists are something I try not to make because I am dependent on them (weird to say I know) but I have to with this lol. It’s tempting to just smoke allllll the time.

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  3. I tried weed on 2 occasions and I didn’t really like it. I wanted to try it to help me feel relaxed but if anything I think it made me feel more anxious. I felt like I was in a dream and I couldn’t remember how I got from one moment to the next. It was quite unsettling. it was disappointing because if it just made me feel relaxed without any of the psychoactive effects then it would have been great.

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    • Everyone has different experiences as we do with medications. I don’t know where you live, but with it being legal here, I can walk into a dispensary and tell them my ailment. Different strains for different things. My mom has hers for physical pain and it is a completely different strain and potency.

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  4. I use to smoke it a lot in my adolescents but found it made my anxiety worse. Probably more a product of how much I was using and the reasons why. At any rate I think the blanket statement that drugs are bad is exactly that. It’s not so black and white. The research into using drugs such as MDMA to treat PTSD and anxiety is very promising. I think like anything – depending on how its used and in what context – its entirely possible to have a ‘healthy’ relationship with certain drugs. It sounds like you have struck such a balance with MJ. Thanks for sharing

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  5. I’m on the low end of bipolar 1 right now and have been kicking around this idea since my state legalized it. My ptsd is severe and am not functioning too well these days. I have had THC induced psychosis due to being irresponsible as a youngster. However, like you mentioned, the regulation and education of various strains gives me the comfort to give it a go.
    I’m so glad it’s working for you and also wanted to know if you had tried edibles, if so any info on your experience would be extremely helpful. Much love.

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  6. I am old enough to remember the “war on drugs” in the 80’s, look at us now. Marijuana can help people in pain and helps people with anxiety. Maybe if we hadnt spent tens of billions on that war and looked at it medicinally we might have had use of it much sooner. Adults can make personal decisions and using pot should be available. I hope federal laws are changed soon. Nice article

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  8. Pingback: Mania. – The Bipolar Writer Mental Health Blog

  9. I use medical marijuana and have for 3 years now…the help it gives my bipolar symptoms is amazing. My racing thoughts, nervous fidgeting, etc. are greatly calmed. I use gummies and I don’t think a lot of people realize that you don’t have to smoke. For me, the pot is a lifesaver! ❤️

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