[Jamesf]

Who else here suffers from anxiety and panic attacks? I use medical marijuana to help chronic pain with my shoulder, but I also suffer from anxiety and have panic attacks from time to time. If you have never had a full blown panic attack, be happy....they SUCK. What I wanted to ask fellow weedtrackers is what you use to treat anxiety? I know people here generally hate pharmaceutical drugs, but they really do work (for me). I take qualnapin(spelling?) and xanax if I am going to have a panic attack or feel nervous, and they work VERY VERY well. Indicas seems to help with anxiety, but I wanted to know if a sativa will make anxiety go away or make it worse? I have talked with several doctors over the years, and almost all of them have told me that yes, the pot will help suppress anxiety temporarily, but in the long run will just make it worse. After using mmj for a while, I think I agree with them. What about you?

[GDPlover]

i myself suffer from a serious anxiety disorder and i believe that MMJ is the safest most natuaral way to medicate, it also really helps with my anxiety, i would stay away from sativas becuase i sort of get anxiety when i smoke them. i use dominant indica strains such as GDP and strong Kushes

[Jamesf]

Good to see somebody that can relate to me on the message boards. I feel that smoking strong purples and kush does help ALOT. The sedative and numbing effects from them work well. What I wanted to know was if marijuana could, in the long run, make anxiety worse? Personally, I dont feel that marijuana can heal my anxiety, but it definetely does supress it in times of need.

[GDPlover]

i feel that it really helps, it heals axiety very well, you just need to be medicated everyday when you need it.

[Mooki420]

Originally Posted by DEAhaterGDPlover420

i myself suffer from a serious anxiety disorder and i believe that MMJ is the safest most natuaral way to medicate, it also really helps with my anxiety, i would stay away from sativas becuase i sort of get anxiety when i smoke them. i use dominant indica strains such as GDP and strong Kushes

I noticed the same thing. Some sativas completely spin me out of control with panic and anxiety. I only use MMJ to control my attacks, those pills made me a FREAK!

i think this was discussed a bit in sativa thread but, from most people's comments sativa is too stimulating and can lead towards a P.A. P.D. and P.A. sufferers have a heighten sense of their phyical arousal and i would assume that if you weren't using a sedative like substance a sativa could differently throw someone off. i think strong indicas can work but i have niravam that instantly dissolves under the tongue if a P.A. is on the rise. plus, xanax and klonopin. for me, i am stuck with the pharmie/MMJ combo.

[Hymie]

I also use MMJ for anxiety. Here is where I'm at.

I don't think MMJ is going to solve anxiety problems. I know that for me, the feelings of anxiety are symptoms of other problems. I think any long term solution needs to address those underlying problems, if they can be solved. If they can't be solved, well the best we can do then is treat the symptoms. I'm sure the treating of those symptoms is different for everybody -- for some MMJ maybe good, for others it might not be good, for some it might actually make things worse.

MMJ will not cure the problem -- but it can make living with the symptoms a little easier.

For me, I wouldn't use MMJ while I was in the middle of a panic attack -- it would just make my attack worse. But fortunately, since I've been using MMJ I haven't had any attacks. But I have also seriously changed my life: work less, commit to less, exercise a lot, eat pretty healthy, get a lot of sleep, do more fun things ( which MMJ helps to do:smile2: ) among some other things I've changed. I wish I could afford to see a good psychologist, because I think that would also help me.

Both sativas and indicas work for me. Certain sativas and indicas irritate my anxiety, others don't. It sucks when I get meds that don't work well for me. Sometimes the same strain will be good to me one day and than effect me poorly the next.

Bottom line for me, I can't lean completely on MMJ to help me. It is just one of a number of things I do to get better. And I'm always open to the possibility that a time may come when stopping MMJ could be the right choice for me.

also, i don't know if in the long run MMJ would be that beneficial towards treating P.A. and P.Ds. there is a combination between the psycho-social and psycho-biological factors that can lead towards developing that psychopathaology. its always a good thing to be treated with therapy and a medication regime. therapy, of any form you choose, will help to understand your triggers and control your anxiety. deep breathing techniques, guided visualization, and other methods can help a great deal.

Originally Posted by Hymie

I also use MMJ for anxiety. Here is where I'm at.

I don't think MMJ is going to solve anxiety problems. I know that for me, the feelings of anxiety are symptoms of other problems. I think any long term solution needs to address those underlying problems, if they can be solved. If they can't be solved, well the best we can do then is treat the symptoms. I'm sure the treating of those symptoms is different for everybody -- for some MMJ maybe good, for others it might not be good, for some it might actually make things worse.

MMJ will not cure the problem -- but it can make living with the symptoms a little easier.

For me, I wouldn't use MMJ while I was in the middle of a panic attack -- it would just make my attack worse. But fortunately, since I've been using MMJ I haven't had any attacks. But I have also seriously changed my life: work less, commit to less, exercise a lot, eat pretty healthy, get a lot of sleep, do more fun things ( which MMJ helps to do:smile2: ) among some other things I've changed. I wish I could afford to see a good psychologist, because I think that would also help me.

Bottom line for me, I can't lean completely on MMJ to help me. It is just one of a number of things I do to get better. And I'm always open to the possibility that a time may come when stopping MMJ could be the right choice for me.

LOL, we were writing pretty much a similar sentiment at the same time. definitely changing your diet, exercise routine, and social rewards can be just as life changing as treating yourself with a psychoactive substance. sometimes we don't totally understand the multitudes of factors that come into play and how we do have some control over our life situations. it's just a bit harder to over come for those that have psychopathologies.

[CDXX]

Originally Posted by Jamesf

What I wanted to ask fellow weedtrackers is what you use to treat anxiety?

Heavy Sativa Dom. works for me. Much better than Paxil.

[alex52]

I'm on the same boat with the Indicas being the best thing but I have noticed that certain 'High End' Sativas or Hybrids do me VERY nice. Mid to Low grade Sativas typically bug me out.

[zutnick]

I try to stay way from Sativas because they tend to give me more Anxiety. I have luck with the Purps and love heavy Afghani.

[hume]

I suffer from intense anxiety, mostly related to quasi-delusional thoughts that I have a disease. I find, lately, that Lavender works quite well. The problem I find with Klonopin and Xanax is that they cloud my thought, and insofar as I am required, given the nature of what I do, to think, these alternatives are not any longer for me (although I could see myself taking them if I had to travel out of the state and could not get an adequate Indica). The future of mmj, I surmise, is in the direction of genetic engenering. Canabis contains approximately 300 known compounds. A company like GW Pharmacueticals, based in the UK, has developed strains with extrordinarily high CBD content, and that is where, I think, the future lies.

Originally Posted by Jamesf

...but I wanted to know if a sativa will make anxiety go away or make it worse? I have talked with several doctors over the years, and almost all of them have told me that yes, the pot will help suppress anxiety temporarily, but in the long run will just make it worse. After using mmj for a while, I think I agree with them. What about you?

I used to medicate specifically for anxiety. This ultimately lead to my being unable to deal with anxiety without marijuana. Anxiety has roots. Although MMJ may make the tension and discomfort of anxiety fade, the problems that cause it will be waiting once your meds have faded.

Originally Posted by Hymie

I also use MMJ for anxiety. Here is where I'm at.

I don't think MMJ is going to solve anxiety problems. I know that for me, the feelings of anxiety are symptoms of other problems. I think any long term solution needs to address those underlying problems, if they can be solved. If they can't be solved, well the best we can do then is treat the symptoms. I'm sure the treating of those symptoms is different for everybody -- for some MMJ maybe good, for others it might not be good, for some it might actually make things worse.

I agree completely!

Originally Posted by MadRiverTurtle

...therapy, of any form you choose, will help to understand your triggers and control your anxiety. deep breathing techniques, guided visualization, and other methods can help a great deal.

Couldn't agree more, great advice.

[tloctwisted]

I suffer from panic and anxiety from PTSD. I medicate mostly with edibles if I am really anxious. But I medicate in smaller doses and keep track of which ones are to strong ect. I need to take a sativa because I must function during the day!!!! That way i know what helps with my anxiety and what doesn't. I'd rather be on MMJ then on Xanax i detoxed off of 6 mgs a day after taking them for 5 years and I would really like to not take them at all if possible. That's just my opinion.
Take care
Trish

[Homie]

It can help...

Living in the city for me is crazy, I do a lot better after I smoke a bit and am calm.

[60's hippie]

my own experience have led me to know that MMJ is a great help to me in times of anxiety.

[Greenbud]

The Cannabible 3 suggests-and I can vouch for it-that users have reported that the strain Grape Ape has anti-anxiety properties. I believe it's an Indica.

On the other hand I just had a strong batch of Juicy Fruit (a sativa from tropical or highland Thai genetics??) that was very giggly and what I would call "Happy Weed." I can't imagine being stressed out enough to even have an an anxiety attack under the effects of this particular medicine. Go figure.

Hope this helps!

Best,

GB

[BluesBoy61]

Originally Posted by Greenbud

The Cannabible 3 suggests-and I can vouch for it-that users have reported that the strain Grape Ape has anti-anxiety properties. I believe it's an Indica.

On the other hand I just had a strong batch of Juicy Fruit (a sativa from tropical or highland Thai genetics??) that was very giggly and what I would call "Happy Weed." I can't imagine being stressed out enough to even have an an anxiety attack under the effects of this particular medicine. Go figure.

Hope this helps!

Best,

GB

Hey there GB!

You told me in an older post that 420cc in West LA is a good place for Oz deals.. what is the full name of that collective? I can't seem to find it in the directory. I am knew here so sorry and i appreciate your help. In the future is there a way I can send you a message without having to track you down in a forum?

I just had some grape ape. It was a very different med. I was very alert and edgy in a good awake excited about life kind of way, but it also really relaxed my body. I medicated late at night and it woke me back up. I could sleep fine soon after, as I suffer from insomnia, so it did its job. I did enjoy Grape Ape and would definitely recommend it..

Where did you get the juicy fruit?

Best,
A

[cypresslq]

I suffer from Anxiety and ptsd. All I know is everytime I medicate with trainwreck of any kind, even a cross. I get the worst anxiety. BUt I wouldn't say that it is Sativa's in general.
I would have to say Bubba Kush is the best MMJ for anxiety for me. BUt like others have said. It varies between the individual because we are all made up diffenent.
Best of luck to all that are suffering. Come down and protest tomorrow !!!!!!!!

I always thought that my PD was caused from too much smoking as a kid. When I got Cancer I knew that these meds would help and then noticed that they helped my PD as well. Indica's work best for me. In a way...Cancer helped me get my life back from PD and Agoraphobia. Hang in there all of you that suffer...it sucks but be strong and realize that trusting yourself works and always remember that a PA cannot hurt you. If anyone wants to chat about PD e-mail me...I can give you some good tips on getting through an attack.
xoxoxox
pnkldy

i personally prefer a more sativa dom. strain because it is more cerebral. for me, that is usually more relaxing than the intensley physical high that is indica. actually, i have anxiety and depression so maybe thats a factor as well. it all depends on activity, location, company as well of course.
be well, however that may be.

[KushCat88]

medicines aside, have you tried meditation or breathing into a paper bag?

[tokinloki]

I recently had a short bout with panic attacks and anxiety. It started with a major panic attack and was followed by several smaller attacks and mental instability for the following 3-6 months. At the recommendation of a close friend who also has bouts with anxiety and depression, I started taking one pill of St. Johns Wort every morning. SJW takes about 2 weeks to take effect on your system once you start to take it regularly. After 3 months of SJW, picking up a meditation habit, and a move into a new environment, I stopped taking the SJW, and mentally, I feel like I'm back to my pre-anxiety days, or better.

A few things I noticed about anxiety and MMJ...at first I thought my MMJ might be causing the panic attacks, but after I started taking SJW, I noticed the cannabis had only positive results on the attacks. I even sat down one day (before getting into SJW) and contemplated quitting MMJ entirely, but it had so many other positive aspects on my life/health, I felt quitting would only add to the anxiety. In hindsight, I don't think I would have made it through that period without my MMJ.

Another related topic I want to bring up for discussion is regarding the CBDs in MMJ. As we all know, vaporizing is a very efficient way to consume THC, but not very effective in getting the CBDs out of MMJ. According to Ed's Big Book of Buds series, CBDs are extremely helpful in combating anxiety, and Indica's generally have a higher CBD counts than Sativas. The conclusion I get from this is: try to stick to the Indica's, and don't vape as much if you are dealing with anxiety, as you won't get the CBDs you want/need. Any other thoughts on this?

-Nate-

[bluntman]

I thought i had posted in this thread but seems i have not...

Anxiety and a pinch of OCD was the main reason why i went ahead and pursued a recommendation. My issues seem to have developed when i started at the university, and i would not be able to let my mind rest. I would constantly think about school, social life, and school. I was really a nervous wreck for a while, especially just before and after major exams. Ive always held high expectations for myself, so maybe that added to the nature of my 'condition'. Through self medicating, i found that smoking a bowl or a J after a test helped significantly for me to...get the exam off my damn mind. Normally i would spend a couple days nervously wondering how i did, worst case scenarios, etc.....it was bad. I smoking a but afterwards was incredible beneficial for my sanity, as it allowed to move on mentally, and understand that the test was in, what done is done, and i would need to wait to find the results. All that really mattered was that i gave it my all.

My anxiety issues were not just concentrated in the academic arena, as my perosnal life was getting to be a little stressful. Im not going to delve into that, but i must say everytime i was having panic attacks of a sort, mother mary certianly helped me out. I still get anxiety....Im not too sure if i will ever rid myself of it, but one thing is for sure, having medical MJ definitley help me improve my quality of life and alleviate many detremental aspects of anxeity.

I still need work, but i see the light.

Keep your head up everyone. Anxiety is a bitch, but we can and shall overcome