Marijuana and Bi-polar

[kbeique]

Hi All,
I have a brother who has been using marijuana since he was 13 or 14 and was later diagnosed with bi-polar disorder. He claims it is the only thing that works as an effective medication to calm his mood disorder. However, I and others only see marginal positive effects and he has gotten worse over the years in being able to control his violent temper and irritable mood swings. He is also very paranoid and I have noticed that he has serious memory problems.

He is highly educated and has a Ph.D in agricultural engineering (currently a hydraulic engineer), but he only lasts about three years in his federal job, and then gets another one in another location. He is fighting family about getting "dual treatment" for his mental health issues and substance abuse. I wonder if his early marijuana use coupled with our very abusive home environment growing-up has contributed to his mental health problems. I would welcome any thoughts on this.

 

[PUFF MONKEY]

well, first off i also self medicate. i've been to all kinds of doctors who want me to take paxil or buspar or xanax. i've been smoking since i was 14 and i'm now 28.i truly believe that pot really helps.ask ANYONE who knows me personaly.i too came from a very violent and traumatic childhood(i also saw some man attack my mom after breaking into our house to rape her, and thats just the begining).pot does completely suppress any physical signs of anger but it does NOT take care of the emotional part. i am extremly easy to piss off especially if i've know you for a while but luckily my friends are long time friends who understand. hope this gives you alittle more insight.
p.s i know several docs who toke and they tell that there is medicinal value for stress and nerves.therefore i will toke on and on

 

[slowmo77]

However, I and others only see marginal positive effects

isn't that better that nothing? if he doesn't smoke how does he handle himself? if he believes his life is better when he smoke i'd let him smoke.

i was told i have an chemical inbalance simalar to bi-polar caused by years of drug abuse. (Not Mj). smoking is the only thing that helps me to feel level. not crazy and not a zombie.. the drugs they give you at the doctor have to many side effects, mj so far works better than anything i've ever taken.. i decide how much i need, and when to use it.. sometimes i snap and get a little off the wall but its better than always being off the wall.

 

[papabeach1]

I do have bipolar disorder too, yeah mj helps alot
whats wrong with america, they takes oil from fossils
under the earth, it will be 10 percent left inside before yall
know it, so why let it happen? ford t-model ran with hemp oil in their motors!
jeez it was once legit to do whatever until law reformed it, now its our turn get it? we got to get it back just like indians got it back! so what we wait for?

 

[papabeach1]

ha ya lucky , my imbalance is different its in rage oh well sometime im a butt head