Legalising Cannabis for medicinal purposes ??

[PumpkinZulu]

I too have seen first hand the devastating effects of cannabis use. But the reality is, it is so widely available now that legalising it probably wont change how many people use it, but it will make how it is grown and sold more regulated. If it wasn't illegal, seeking advice and information and support would be much easier. If it was legal then there wouls probably be more education around about the risks of mental illness and cannibis use.

I do think, like alcohol, it can be a dangerous drug, but i don't think it being illegal helps anyone.

Same. My brother nearly went to prison because of it. But, on the other hand, I had a friend in highschool who had a prescription pill addiction, and it was devastating for her.

[HotI]

Your brother nearly went to prison due to drug induced psychosis?

[RockinSAHD]

That and conservative Australia is too scared that if they legalise marijuana it will unleash a zombie apocalypse.
Also most of our politicians have got no balls so they won't do anything that will upset the conservative constituents.

I think you've got it! Our health system is happy to hand out legalised heroin like its going out of fashion but say the word marijuana and people freak out! I think it's similar to hemp, a fantastic product that could help our society but it's a word with lots of associations so it's hard to market.

I'm not sure about triggering mental issues, that's tough, but triggering isn't the same as causing and oxycontin can cause some pretty nasty delusional episodes anyhow...

[AnyDream]

Who's handing out legalised heroin???

[PumpkinZulu]

Yes. He was a heavy cannabis user. He went out and robbed a guy with a knife. Psychiatrist determined he was under a drug induced psychosis at the time.

Fact of the matter is, he chose his addiction. Maybe not near the end, but certainly in the beginning. If it were legal, maybe there would have been more education about how he used it. If it were legal, maybe it would not be this hush hush taboo subject (as alluded to be RSAHD).

ETA I definitely believe cannabis affected my brothers metal health...I even think it has affected it long-term I wish that there had been some for of authoritative figure with facts and figures about cannabis usage, not damning it (what teenager will listen to that?!) but simply educating people about it.

[Phteven]

Who's handing out legalised heroin???

I think they use other opiates - coedine, morphine, oxycodone, oxymorphone and the other ones with complicated names.

And yes, although it's totally OT hemp is a fantastic product.

[Pandora]

PZ I will do some hunting for you. Studies not sensational journalism

[C~Q]

BTW - on the oxycontin side of things - often once a pain control point is reached, it's possible to reduce the meds gradually until a balance is struck between pain relief and being more 'with it'. Some of the BC ladies have said they achieve much better pain control with more functioning by rearranging the times and dosages.
Been wondering where you got to and how it was all going .

So do you mean reducing the amount he takes (he's actually not taking it anyway...decided against it, he has a big infection in the ear atm and the antibiotics he's taking are making him feel heaps better) or just rearranging when he takes it?

I think he needs a new team...they seem to have a very flippant attitude since he won't do anything they say lol and don't really seem to care what happens. It's kind of their way or the highway

Thanks for those links although how does this

The following states and territories have decriminalised minor cannabis offences. Any cannabis offence is still illegal in these areas

make sense??

[PumpkinZulu]

PZ I will do some hunting for you. Studies not sensational journalism

About it affecting mental health? Preaching to the choir there, but I'd welcome it.

I definitely agree that excessive use will exacerbate or bring out mental health issues. I don't believe it will turn everyone who uses it schizophrenic. As I have said, I've seen legal prescription drugs do the same thing.

[C~Q]

And yes, although it's totally OT hemp is a fantastic product.

It's all made from the same stuff though right?

Been wondering where you got to and how it was all going

. Thanks hun, going much better now! Things just weren't right being apart and although there's still likely to not be a happy ending it doesn't matter because i've come to terms with the fact that things couldn't end up any other way And i'll meet him in the next life...that much I know for sure x

[Pandora]

Lol I misread your post - I thought you were wishing there was some authorotive evidence, but I have re-read it now - sorry for the mixup.

I agree, it won't have that affect on everyone who uses it. But you don't always know til it's too late.

[Junglemum]

CQ- something can be illegal but not a criminal offense.

[C~Q]

Lol I though that anything that was illegal was a criminal offense? Or maybe all criminal offenses are illegal...my head hurts. I need some of the topic at hand

[Pandora]

CQ I'm going to be blunt I hope you take this in the way intend which is my honest opinion.

His team are probably at their wits end. He won't take their advice, the medication orthe treatment they recommend. They are probably wondering why they're there as well.

Given this, I agree he needs to find someone that's on the same page as he is.

But I can see why it might seem like they have an attitude - they probably think he has one too.

Your DP needs to be comfortable with the care he's getting, and they could be better using their time on someone who wants what they are offerrig

[Phteven]

It's all made from the same stuff though right?

Kinds, sorta.... hemp is made from the fibre from the stem and TCH which is the active ingredient in medicine is found in the flower/head (and to a lesser extent in the leaf)and the oil which is used in beauty products is found in the seeds. It is possible to grow plants fro hemp seed and fibre with heads that produce almost zero resin.
It's really a very useful plant.

[Junglemum]

If you don't wear your seatbelt you are doing something illegal. But you are not going to get a criminal record. I guess it's kind of more relaxed penalties?!

Where's Persephone and Divvy when you need a real explanation of the law?!

[AnyDream]

It mean's it's not technically legal but you won't get a criminal record or a jail term if you're caught doing it within those parameters.

Re the oxycontin- a bit of both. It might mean taking less but taking it more often. Often they just prescribe a particular amount based on your body weight and their perception of the level of pain the patient has, but different people are more sensitive (ie have more receptors in their brains) than others. One lady I know chopped her dose in HALF and still got a tolerable pain coverage (ok so maybe not 100% pain free but close enough) but then she was able to function. The BC ladies also talk quite a lot about some kind of transdermal patch that works well for a lot of people with chronic pain.

It might help for DP to have a chat specifically about how he feels about the level of support he is getting. He is fully entitled to ask for more help managing his pain, regardless of other treatment choices he has made. Contacting a social worker to act as an advocate might be helpful at this stage, in opening the lines of communication with the team.

One thing I found really helpful when I was going through treatment was I insisted on making it personal. Every single encounter I had during that time, I made sure I asked their name. I told them something about myself and asked them questions about their day, their lives, whatever. I told them snippets of my story. This meant each and everyone of them was dealing with me as a person, not a patient. I deserve that and so I required that of the people around me. But I was also prepared to have that conversation too.

[briggsy's girl]

duromine contains speed (putting it bluntly) - so legal methamphetamines. not sure if it still is, but it used to be contained in a seperate little capsule within the capsule - that's why it's so popular with truckies. they ditch the "filler crap" and just use the speed side of it. it is one of many (i'm sure) legalised drugs that are addictive and can be dangerous for SOME users.

my understanding of the US (some states) is that cannibis is legal for medical use. it is prescribed and supplied through regulated growers. there is no cloak and dagger. there is no bleeding people dry for a small sample. there is no use of dangerous herbicides...