Inquiries About Medical Marijuana Use at 18
I’m currently 18 years old and want to begin by sharing a bit of my history with cannabis. Between the ages of 16 and 17, I had a heavy relationship with marijuana, utilizing it on a daily basis. While I can acknowledge some positives, I also lost control during that phase, which I deeply regret and aim to avoid repeating. Now that I’ve been abstinent for a year, I have a few inquiries along with some insights. To provide context, I want to outline my health conditions. I know many medical marijuana (MMJ) users might not genuinely require their cards, which is why I’m detailing my symptoms. When searching online, too often I find promotions pushing for quick approval for cards instead of authentic medical advice about MMJ. My intent here is to gather unbiased information about the advantages and disadvantages of using medical cannabis under my specific circumstances. Here’s a list of my symptoms: I have been diagnosed with polyarticular rheumatoid arthritis, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, insomnia, irregular appetite, tinnitus, and visual snow syndrome. These combined issues make daily living intensely challenging and, at times, excruciating. Presently, I am only able to treat my arthritis, and the solutions available for my other conditions often have adverse interactions. From ages 13 to 16, I tried nine different pharmaceutical treatments, each of which ended up being ineffective and only worsened my condition. Moving on, it’s essential to mention that cannabis has had a positive medical impact on me, yet it has also brought me down due to my lack of maturity at the time of use. During the periods when I used it responsibly, the benefits were notable; it alleviated the pain from arthritis, quieted the incessant thoughts associated with ADHD, broke the cycles related to my OCD, helped me manage anxiety, and improved my sleep and appetite. With all this in mind, I have a couple of straightforward questions for those knowledgeable in this area: 1. Is the impact of daily severe stress, insomnia, and chronic pain on my brain greater than following a structured MMJ regimen? (I’d be using it a maximum of 1 to 2 times daily, utilizing a balanced blend, consuming low-dose edibles only on specific days, and incorporating breaks every couple of months) and 2. Where can I find a neutral doctor willing to discuss options without being biased towards pharmaceuticals or medical marijuana? Thank you very much for any guidance you can offer!
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 7:10:40 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your thoughtful inquiry about medical marijuana (MMJ) use at 18, considering your past experiences and current health conditions, is commendable. It’s important to weigh both the potential benefits and risks carefully.
Main Points:
- Chronic stress, insomnia, and pain can have significant impacts on mental and physical health. MMJ may offer counterbalancing benefits, but careful management is essential.
- Finding a neutral healthcare provider for unbiased advice is crucial for making informed decisions.
Explanation:
Chronic stress and conditions like insomnia and pain can indeed lead to changes in brain chemistry and functioning over time. In some cases, medical cannabis may alleviate symptoms related to these issues. Its use has been reported to help with pain management, anxiety reduction, and sleep improvement. However, the impact of frequent use can vary widely among individuals, especially considering your history.
Your cautious approach to using MMJ—limiting it to once or twice daily, selecting a balanced blend, and planning for breaks—suggests that you are aware of your past relationship with cannabis and are keen to avoid potential pitfalls.
Actionable Steps:
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Evaluate Impact: As you consider using MMJ again, carefully monitor your symptoms and any changes in your mental and physical health. Keep a journal for daily reflections on how you feel, especially around your symptoms, mood, and any side effects you experience.
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Research & Find a Healthcare Provider: Look for healthcare professionals who specialize in integrative or holistic medicine. Consider using platforms like Healthgrades or patient reviews to find providers who have a reputation for being unbiased. You may also seek clinics that focus on cannabis education.
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Stay Informed: Educate yourself on the specific strains and formulations of cannabis that may be beneficial for your conditions. Understanding the differences, such as THC vs. CBD and their impacts, will empower you to make better choices.
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Consultation: When meeting with a provider, prepare specific questions about your health conditions and how MMJ could be integrated into your management plan while ensuring they understand your past experiences.
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Consider Alternatives: Since cannabis has previously impacted you both positively and negatively, it may also be worthwhile to explore additional therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or other non-pharmacological treatments shown to help with your conditions.
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Regular Reviews: After you start using MMJ, set a date after a few months to review how it’s working for you. Reflect on the benefits vs. any negative impacts or cravings for more use.
Please remember that the journey toward finding what works best for you requires patience and self-awareness. Your prioritization of a balanced approach can lead to a more beneficial outcome. If you have further questions or need more insights, feel free to ask.
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