Medical Marijuana: Let's discuss

kikibaby

So, Colorado passed laws allowing for the sale of medical marijuana last year.  Starting a couple of months ago, dispensaries have been popping up on every corner in town. 

I'm completely for it- I voted for it, and I think pot should probably be legalized altogether. 

BUT- the whole medical use thing is a little ridiculous here.  It's a circus.  Like I said, dispensaries are everywhere.  They have stupid names, like Dr. Chronic and Your Neighborhood Farmacy.  They sell pot brownies and one place makes pizza with it.  75% of medical marijuana 'scrips here were written by 5 doctors- 1 doctor has written 30% of them. 

I go by these places and it's not grandma getting medicine for her glaucoma, or a man in chronic pain in a wheelchair- it's 20-something kids with dreads. 

It seems like there needs to be a lot more regulation, or nobody is ever going to take it seriously.  It's a joke right now.

Does your state offer medical pot?  If they do, how's it done there?  What's your opinion on the whole thing?

angiebear11

I have no idea if my state (ny) offers medical pot (perhaps someone could enlighten me...) but I really don't care. I think pot should be legalized. I personally don't see the difference between getting high off pot and getting drunk off liquor.

betrothed123

Medical Marijuana is not legal in NY, but I am all for the use of Medical Marijuana for people who could actually get something useful out of it.  However, I'm also one of those people who doesn't think Marijuana is any worse than alcohol.  I had a really long response typed up and the knot ate it.  I'm not typing it again.

kikibaby

I think that if it's for medical use, it should be sold out of a regular pharmacy. 

The way it is now, I bet they've lessened the chance of it ever being fully legalized in our state.  They're fulfilling every sterotype and it's hard to take these "pharmacies" seriously.

cmhershey

Its not legal in Pa, but I think it should be.  Not just for medical reasons either.  Like pp stated, there doesn't seem to be much of a difference of being high than being drunk.  If it is for medical purposes however it does need to be regulated.

pumpkinpumpkin

don't you have to have some sort of proof that you requre it for medication?

betrothed123

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_medical-marijuana-lets-discuss?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e83e873a-88ec-4da2-9643-50e5b2918d96Post:e5dfb845-6778-4770-a557-e29c6bdf6061">Re: Medical Marijuana: Let's discuss</a>:
[QUOTE]don't you have to have some sort of proof that you requre it for medication?
Posted by pumpkinpumpkin[/QUOTE]

Yes, you need a script, but a lot of doctors will give one out without any real reason (like all of the people who get them for depression.  Last I checked a depressant does not help depression).

salt78

I don't smoke it, but I'm all for legalization. When I lived in LA there was a medmaryjane store at the end of my street and like half my friends had their licenses to smoke it. None of them needed it medically. It's just stupid.

kikibaby

P2- You do need a prescription (a license, actually), but they're very easy to come by.  As I said, 5 doctors gave out 75% of the prescriptions.  These doctors work at the dispensaries, and all you have to do is say "I'm depressed" or "My back hurts"- done and done.

Another funny thing about these places is that you have to be a patient to work there.  Well, if you have chronic pain or MS, etc... wouldn't it be hard to work there all day?  And all the staff is high all the time?  No wonder there's always a long line.

psichick

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_medical-marijuana-lets-discuss?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:9Discussion:e83e873a-88ec-4da2-9643-50e5b2918d96Post:020fd048-d313-49d2-8ba9-545ef2f734ad">Re: Medical Marijuana: Let's discuss</a>:
[QUOTE].  Last I checked a depressant does not help depression.
Posted by betrothed123[/QUOTE]

you're confusing the meaning of the term depressant in this case. marijuana is a depressant, just like alcohol is, in the physical sense. meaning that it depresses circulation, respiratory rates, etc. it also works the same as alcohol in terms of psychological effects to a degree. the reduction of inhibitions and lack of concern of consequence of behavior is typical of both substances.

BUT, and it's a big but, marijuana actually does increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which are two of the major neurotransmitters that are of concern when dealing with depression. the most common psychotropic drugs that are used for depression today are all SSRI's (serotonin specific reuptake inhibitor) or a new class of drugs called SNSRI (same deal but blocks reuptake of norepinephrine as well). so, basically marijuana is a natural form of SSRI/SNSRI's. this is also the reason why everything is funny and awesome when you're high.

so it actually does make sense to treat depression with marijuana, although using psychotropic drugs has a longer effect on the individual and is more likely to give long-term steady results. but marijuana doesn't have the nasty side effects that psychotropic drugs do.

saschaduran

Our friend has a prescription in California.  He told the doctor he has anxiety.  He is allowed to buy pretty large quantities regularly as well.

It definitely seems like they are lax in giving out the prescriptions, but at the same time, I am ok with that since I think marijuana should be legalized.  I don't find it any worse than alcohol.

sucrets4

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_medical-marijuana-lets-discuss?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e83e873a-88ec-4da2-9643-50e5b2918d96Post:2ace4de8-7f94-4462-a4c6-d02ca1bb02a1">Re: Medical Marijuana: Let's discuss</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Medical Marijuana: Let's discuss : you're confusing the meaning of the term depressant in this case. marijuana is a depressant, just like alcohol is, in the physical sense. meaning that it depresses circulation, respiratory rates, etc. it also works the same as alcohol in terms of psychological effects to a degree. the reduction of inhibitions and lack of concern of consequence of behavior is typical of both substances. BUT, and it's a big but, marijuana actually does increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which are two of the major neurotransmitters that are of concern when dealing with depression. the most common psychotropic drugs that are used for depression today are all SSRI's (serotonin specific reuptake inhibitor) or a new class of drugs called SNSRI (same deal but blocks reuptake of norepinephrine as well). so, basically marijuana is a natural form of SSRI/SNSRI's. this is also the reason why everything is funny and awesome when you're high. so it actually does make sense to treat depression with marijuana, although using psychotropic drugs has a longer effect on the individual and is more likely to give long-term steady results. but marijuana doesn't have the nasty side effects that psychotropic drugs do.
Posted by psichick[/QUOTE]

Re: pot being used for depression:
1.  Marijuana is addictive (DH works with someone who has proven this and it will be in the next DSM), so that's something to consider when using it for treatment.

2.  It also has been proven to impede long term memory.

3.  Depression affects attention and pot definitely doesn't help that.

4.  Low doses might help depression in the short term, but high doses can actually increase depression. 

5.  SSRI's keeps the serotonin levels balanced - the problem with pot is that it's difficult to get an accurate dosage.

All that being said, I smoked for fun in HS and don't think it's any more dangerous than alcohol.  I completely support it being used as treatment for people who truly need it, and wouldn't mind it being legalized, but think that how things are set up now is crappy.

beatlesgirl25

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_medical-marijuana-lets-discuss?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e83e873a-88ec-4da2-9643-50e5b2918d96Post:2ace4de8-7f94-4462-a4c6-d02ca1bb02a1">Re: Medical Marijuana: Let's discuss</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Medical Marijuana: Let's discuss : you're confusing the meaning of the term depressant in this case. marijuana is a depressant, just like alcohol is, in the physical sense. meaning that it depresses circulation, respiratory rates, etc. it also works the same as alcohol in terms of psychological effects to a degree. the reduction of inhibitions and lack of concern of consequence of behavior is typical of both substances. BUT, and it's a big but, marijuana actually does increase the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which are two of the major neurotransmitters that are of concern when dealing with depression. the most common psychotropic drugs that are used for depression today are all SSRI's (serotonin specific reuptake inhibitor) or a new class of drugs called SNSRI (same deal but blocks reuptake of norepinephrine as well). so, basically marijuana is a natural form of SSRI/SNSRI's. this is also the reason why everything is funny and awesome when you're high. so it actually does make sense to treat depression with marijuana, although using psychotropic drugs has a longer effect on the individual and is more likely to give long-term steady results. but marijuana doesn't have the nasty side effects that psychotropic drugs do.
Posted by psichick[/QUOTE]

I have to disagree with this. Marijuana is not a good drug to treat depression. It might make sense on a chemical basis in the moment, but at that rate so does heroin (who wouldn't want to experience euphoria if they were depressed). And I'm no proponent of psychotropic drugs either, in that I feel they are overly and wrongly prescribed, so for me this isn't about MJ vs. SSRIs.

Marijuana acts chemically on the brain just like prozac or paxil, and one of the core characterstics of marijuana intoxication is amotivation, which is a core symptom of depression. Basically, you wouldn't be able to have a consistent, predictable level of functioning if you were using MJ to alleviate feelings of depression. That in turn contributes to further feelings of depression, as you feel helpless in not being able to live your life the way you want. Also, the chronic (no pun intended) use of marijuana contributes to a decrease in your tolerance for everyday stimuli and stressors, which are already overwhelming if you are truly depressed. It's a blunting (again, no pun intended) of the responses in our bodies that help us learn better coping skills (fear and stress).

While I get that you're trying to make a point about the relative "safety" of MJ over psychotropic drugs, it is irresponsible to say that it makes sense to treat depression with MJ. Congratulations, you took biopsych and know some chemical functions of the brain, but it doesn't mean this applies to what we are talking about here.

beatlesgirl25

Sucrets, I see we overlapped in our posting. Thanks for stating what I was trying to say and then some, and in a more coherent format (number bullets are my friend).

sucrets4

BG, thanks for what you wrote!  DH actually started clapping at one point when I read him what you wrote.  And he laughed at your last paragraph. 

kikibaby

I think your two posts complimented each other perfectly

This is an interesting discussion.

beatlesgirl25

Haha, glad I could make a funny.

betrothed123

Beatles and Sucrets,

Thanks for taking that one for me.  I was away from my computer for a minute otherwise I would have addressed that post in the same manner.  A doctor would have to be insane to actually attempt to treat Depression with Marijuana.

And Psichick, I know you think you know EVERYTHING, but I've done extensive research into the effect of Marijuana on the mind and body, so I know what I'm talking about.

kikibaby

Wasn't it psichick that said something ludicrous the other day?  I wish I could remember what it was about, but my brain isn't functioning properly... I want to say it was in regards to people who do drugs deserving to die?  Something along those lines.

sucrets4

betrothed - DH asks if you have read any stuff by Alan Budney.

beatlesgirl25

::steps back to make room for betrothed::

No problem. It annoys me when people use their "knowledge" irresponsibly, especially under the auspices of having expertise. I suspected psichick's point would be wrong as usual, especially when it started with yet another moot correction: "you're confusing the meaning of the term depressant." Well, I think she confuses the meaning of psychology, so there.
 

sucrets4

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_medical-marijuana-lets-discuss?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e83e873a-88ec-4da2-9643-50e5b2918d96Post:ac9468e2-b020-4eb1-a710-51b33eb9266c">Re: Medical Marijuana: Let's discuss</a>:
[QUOTE]Wasn't it psichick that said something ludicrous the other day?  I wish I could remember what it was about, but my brain isn't functioning properly... I want to say it was in regards to people who do drugs deserving to die?  Something along those lines.
Posted by kikibaby[/QUOTE]

I don't remember, but I know that psichick knows EVERYTHING.

beatlesgirl25

Kiki, she was talking about Brittany Murphy, and that since her death was possibly related to drug use, she had no sympathy for her death. Also, that we felt her death was more important just because she was famous.

betrothed123

Psi is the one who lectured people on the length of a dissertation (I think.. I missed the thread).

Sucrets,

I recognize the name, but I can't seem to place it.  I'll look in to it.

betrothed123

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_medical-marijuana-lets-discuss?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e83e873a-88ec-4da2-9643-50e5b2918d96Post:8b241156-9a26-4c45-819b-054c3616fbbc">Re: Medical Marijuana: Let's discuss</a>:
[QUOTE]::steps back to make room for betrothed:: No problem. It annoys me when people use their "knowledge" irresponsibly, especially under the auspices of having expertise. I suspected psichick's point would be wrong as usual, especially when it started with yet another moot correction: "you're confusing the meaning of the term depressant." Well, I think she confuses the meaning of psychology, so there.  
Posted by beatlesgirl25[/QUOTE]

She might be right, though.  Depressant means happy-go-lucky, right?

sucrets4

betrothed - DH works with him (and his wife, they work together) at UAMS.  He calls them the pot people, lol.  Alan works with adult pot addiction and his wife works with kids.

betrothed123

LOL!  I'll look into what he's written and see if I recognize any of it.  I have no doubt that I've read at least excerpts.

sucrets4

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_medical-marijuana-lets-discuss?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e83e873a-88ec-4da2-9643-50e5b2918d96Post:24ea5e4a-d932-48d3-8f95-b57825999389">Re: Medical Marijuana: Let's discuss</a>:
[QUOTE]Psi is the one who lectured people on the length of a dissertation (I think.. I missed the thread). Sucrets, I recognize the name, but I can't seem to place it.  I'll look in to it.
Posted by betrothed123[/QUOTE]

She said something stupid about a thesis vs. dissertation and I believe she also said that a 200 page dissertation is too long, not taking into account the disciplines that expect them to be that long.

kikibaby

Ah, right, the Brittany Murphy discussion.

Fascinating that someone who has an interest in psychology has no sympathy for someone with a drug addiction.  (By fascinating, I mean... Ridiculous).

betrothed123

I knew someone would remember

beatlesgirl25

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_etiquette_medical-marijuana-lets-discuss?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:9Discussion:e83e873a-88ec-4da2-9643-50e5b2918d96Post:16ebeb3b-8319-43f6-bc41-715d13a09a48">Re: Medical Marijuana: Let's discuss</a>:
[QUOTE]Ah, right, the Brittany Murphy discussion. Fascinating that someone who has an interest in psychology has no sympathy for someone with a drug addiction.  (By fascinating, I mean... Ridiculous).
Posted by kikibaby[/QUOTE]

Yeah, I mean who knows, maybe something has happened in her life that has made her feel unsympathetic toward drug users, but that didn't come across. What's also ridiculous is that a psych person doesn't have a sense of when comments like that are insensitive to the discussion at hand. Then again, I know some pretty eccentric and socially-challenged people in this field, so maybe she's one of them. I think if she didn't throw her psych knowledge in everyone's face like this, people wouldn't hold her to the standards of being a socially adept, caring person.

Oh, and sucrets, she also told J&K that she wouldn't find employment with "just a BA" in the helping profession and suggested she go back to school. This was in J&K's thread about her frustration in not being able to find general employment.