I internally debated responding to this, lest I mark myself as a "dope fiend" or some such... but it needs to be discussed.
(01-12-2014, 11:12 PM)Carys Wrote: I know that MJ has really helped me with my anxiety and depression,
(02-12-2014, 01:18 AM)twinklepose Wrote: Anxiety, depression and dope don't mix.
Twinklepose, your experience is not uncommon -- among first-timers. Cannabis isn't for everyone of course, but there is an element of "getting used to it" involved.
For those who do get used to it, it is excellent medicine for depression, anxiety, and a number of other maladies. Fact is, it can't be widely responsible for
causing those problems, or Colorado wouldn't have sold almost a billion dollars worth of the stuff last year -- and that's just counting the
legal sales.
We are finally getting to the point where some real research -- as in, real scientists in real universities -- can be done on the health pros and cons of cannabis. I somehow don't think it will be the potheads who are surprised by what the research will find.
To return to the topic at hand, no, I don't think there is any harm done to NBE by consuming cannabis. I would go so far as to say that it helps, as long as you want it to.
If that sounds a bit nebulous, I'd say you're right, but I can only speak to my own experience; to wit:
1) Since legalization, I completely quit tobacco use, and quit the heavy drinking. Most I have now is 2 beers in an evening, and I simply don't want any more. I do credit marijuana with these life improvements, which also benefit NBE.
2) I sleep better and longer now. Obvious health benefits.
3) My stress levels are down to non-existent. I have a more positive outlook on life. I smile... a lot! When myself knows myself is happy, well-adjusted, and moving forward... the body responds positively; of that I am certain.
4) It brings back libido that PM shuts down. (Some folks here see this as a bad thing, but if you've got someone to play with, I don't see how it could be bad. Sexy times are good for the mental and physical health.) There aren't random erections or morning wood, but desire is stronger, and arousal more easily triggered. More controllable, I guess I would say. Big head is back in charge.
5) Then there's everything else. My musical ability is improved. (There's a reason pot is so popular with musicians.) I get more of the unpleasant work done, because it doesn't feel unpleasant while under the influence. Life is just better.
Ever hear that kind of rave review for Prozac? I think not.
So, if you're already a fan of the herb, I don't see NBE as a reason to stop.
For some of you who aren't, and are suffering from depression and an awful "need" to "transition", maybe you should give it some consideration. Toking up is a hell of a lot less drastic than surgically rearranging your genitalia.
Would it make you "too lazy" to transition? Would that be a bad thing? How much money could you save, and how much stress could you spare yourself?