Posted by BCBud on August 31, 2007, at 15:48:22
In reply to Re: Marijuana dependance treatment using SSRIs/SNRIs, posted by Sebastian on January 12, 2004, at 11:38:10
I've been a pothead for over 35 years. I'm also a reformed alcoholic with 15 years of sobriety. For many years alcoholism was a big contributor, and it masked my underlying depression.
After quitting drinking and pot use at the same time I became suicidal and was prescribed Effexor, which I was on for 6 years, and suffered several undesirable side effects. It was harder to stop using Effexor than alcohol, weed or tobacco. Weed actually alleviated the side-effects of Effexor.
For the last 10 years my daily consumption of weed has been between 2-7 joints. If I stop using weed the depression returns.
Clinical studies I have seen show that weed's effect on seratonin function provides similar result to those achieved using SSRI's. I have been tested by doctors while under the influence of weed and found to be in the 98th percentile for memory skills, and suffering no cognitive impairment.
Now I simply accept that I have a genetic predisposition to depression that the weed is relieving. I don't get stoned anymore, but the weed makes me feel "normal". Very few "straight" people know that my "normal" state of mind is always under the influence of weed.
It's too bad the legal and medical professions can't get their head around the truly remarkable benefits of this naturally occurring remedy.
poster:BCBud
thread:298502
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20070831/msgs/780015.html