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Reznerk t1_iycvsjo wrote

Reply to comment by shakana44 in TIFU by leaving my weed in my bag at therapy. by JrtheFool

It inhibits frontal cortex development and is widely viewed as a poor choice for people who's brains are still developing.

Edit: also I'd wager that using Marijuana for anxiety or depression has the potential to be irresponsible. Those were the same talking points I used, and frankly I don't agree with the sentiment that it's anything more than an excuse for continuing to self medicate. I've taken SSRIs, Anxiety meds, and smoked weed. Finding the right SSRI was far more effective for my depression, using prescribed lorazepam for the few panic attacks I've experienced was way more effective, and I didn't have a habit that I felt I needed to do regularly to feel balanced. Weed can totally be helpful for stress release and IMO, is less harmful than alcohol but most of the medicinal effects come from CBD which isn't the primary compound in almost all of the weed you'd buy. I don't agree that Marijuana is the miracle drug that cures common cold style mental illness that most of us experience, for me it was a crutch I clung onto for a while. These days I smoke rarely, I don't need any prescribed meds, and I don't experience debilitating depression or anxiety. It took a few years of therapy and introspection to get here, but when I look back weed was frankly something that held me back more than it helped me personally.

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goatedmomoshiki t1_iydcb7w wrote

Preach! Can attest. I used to smoke a lot as a teen and I started to notice a lot of negative effects. Specifically with my memory and focus. I took a good long break from it to develope better coping skills and to hopefully help my brain recover, which I don’t think it did. Do I think weed is fun? Sure as long as it’s not in excess and it’s not used to cope. Do I think young teens should use it? Nope.

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Wallaby-Visible t1_iyd3n81 wrote

Just adding to your comment - I personally felt like dying having anxiety attack on weed. Felt like someone was sitting on my chest; wanted to throw up and seen black spots; No regular coping mechanisms worked and i couldnt calm myself down; it was the worst anxiety attack i had in my life and i was struggling with anxiety for years;

I mean sure, there may be people that weed helps, but if you use it for medicinal purposes, you should use it with a guidance of medical professional.

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Reznerk t1_iyd434e wrote

Common experience, weed is really strong now lol. When I started smoking you'd just get a calming buzz, but potency is kinda through the roof on average so some people can take a puff or two and get sent into a panic attack.

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Sea_Catapillar t1_iydmav8 wrote

Me starting off not even liking weed 7 years later stoner don’t do it I have to smoke so much now to be high

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shakana44 t1_iyd3ww0 wrote

everyone is different. meds help some people but not all. I've tried countless meds and nothing helps me. marijuana is what helps me. you found what works for you, that's awesome. I'll stick with what works for ne

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Reznerk t1_iyd4e09 wrote

Generally speaking your goal should be to develop coping mechanisms that don't involve substances. I'm not knocking people who use it but I stopped reccomending it as a healthy option for people to treat depression and anxiety, but I'd never tell a teen that it's okay.

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Attempt101 t1_iydibnf wrote

I’m not asking to be smart, but what about people who are prescribed meds? Do you think that’s an issue?

My personal opinion is that meds are over prescribed and overly abused, HOWEVER, there are some people or situations where the benefits of using medications outweigh the risks. I, personally, think it’s the same with weed—despite me not smoking at all. I mean, there is medicinal marijuana so it’s technically a medication too….

Idc if I get downvoted to no end—-just curious what your stance is…

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Reznerk t1_iye0ciy wrote

Depends on what meds. Benzos have a high dependency risk, SSRIs are notably not addictive and safe. They take some trial and error which is tough, but I had a successful time with them. I used benzos a total of 10 times over 3 years to deal with panic attacks and pursued exercise, therapy, and breathing exercises to deal with day to day anxiety. Just my experience, I'd be weary of taking certain classes of drugs every day but I'm pretty familiar with which ones can be hard to get off of if you get too comfortable with them.

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