I live in the states and am wondering if anyone has taken medical marijuana for pain ( or for any reason) ; and does it help/ hinder a-fib and medications for same?
Apparantly in purchasing the requisite medical card no contraindications are mentioned!
I’m curious…
Thank you
I consulted about this to use for chronic pain - including use of cream and tablets. I take apixaban for AFib so wanted
to ensure that I was ok taking both. I started off on a low dose and went up to quite a high dose. As the dosage went up so did the price and that’s all that happened it did absolutely nothing for the chronic pain.
Oh my goodness that is not good news.I’m sorry you did not get relief.
Thank you for your reply.
No problem. It is always worth a try.
I have chronic pain for which in the past I used to take opiods. I stopped over 10 years ago because of developing tolerance and resulting addiction problems. I use Marijuana and find it to be immensely helpful for pain. It doesn't interact with any of my afib drugs including dofetilide, apixaban, carvadilol or Entresto. I had to stop NSAIDs which were a slight help because of the apixaban. If you try Marijuana start with a low dose to get used to the effects, and gradually increase it. Don't expect to get pain relief until you get to a higher dose. Don't drive while taking it. Best of luck, etheral
P.S. I found the creams to be useless, and edibles to be very dependent on your GI system and how recently you ate. Smoking is the most co ntrolable.
Is Marijuana legal in your country and does it interact with warfarin?
A little marijuana helps my anxiety and helps alleviate ectopic beats. These days I mostly use the very legal THC derived from the hemp plant.
Do you take the tea at all?
Do you live in the states?If so, do you live in a state requiring a medical card to buy/take the “ THC derived from the hemp plant”?
This is all new to me !
Thank you.
I use edibles, taking a fraction of one
Yes, I live in the states. In one of the states where anything derived from marijuana plants requires a prescription. From what I've been reading anything derived from hemp plants is legal without a prescription throughout the states. Some of the vendors even ship across state lines.
Hi FigbarI found CBD oil really helpful when my back was playing me up a couple of years ago. It doesn’t contain THC so I don’t get high but it certainly calmed me down so I was much more relaxed. Often the original pain causes the muscles to go into protective spasm. This can actually be more painful than the original problem. So , by taking the CBD oil, the muscles can relax and relieve the pain.
How much CBD oil do you take as pain relief?
Not much, just 2-3 drops under the tongue.
I like that idea as its legal here and does not contain THC
After 20 years on amitriptyline for chronic back pain I was told as I am now on Flecainide I had to come off it. I was really worried the pain was going to come back so I started Rubbing in CBD gel I buy “ Relief natural hemp gel “ on Amazon and I’m pleased to say so far it’s worked. My father who is 87 needs a hip replacement but they won’t do it because of his heart, swears by the CBD oil he takes it last thing at night I’ve tried that but can’t stand the taste so I thought I’d try the Gel instead and as I say so far so good and I’ll be keeping it up it’s also much cheaper than the oil. I’m in UK
Great help thanks do you know the name of the CBD oil ?
How do you know what CBD product to take?The market is flooded with so many products!
Thank you
I have to admit is was in France not the UK and I simply asked for CBD for pain relief. But as you say, there are so many products out there.
Ok. Thanks
Maggimunro. Could you tell me please where you buy the oil from I was looking at it yesterday in Holland&Barrett but wouldnt know what to get. I suffer from nueropathic pain and have tried all the prescribed drugs which all affect my AF. They are contraindicated anyway. Thanks
Hi Nerja, I bought mine in a dedicated CBD shop in France but When I need more I will search out a small herbalist/health food shop and have a long discussion with the sales person. I wouldn’t go to a large chain and simply lift one off the shelf since I feel you need advice for your particular situation.
Thanks Maggimunro. Will do that. Thanks.
I did try it (the pomegranate drinks) post surgery. It was helpful for anxiety but it was not enough to avoid needing the prescribed pain pills following a shoulder replacement. The other drawback was that it also caused a high heart rate so I quickly figured out it was not going to work for me. It sure tasted good though. I hope it works for you.
Sorry it didn’t work for you and ugh! A high heart rate.Thanks for your response.
I would not be afraid to try it as it may not cause a high heart rate for you. Like everything it probably affects each of us differently. It definitely helps with anxiety.
Ok thanks.
I was told it could increase afib! I tried it and it didn't help with pain or sleep so I stopped.
I use it but found that indica type is ok while stativa can make my heart rate go up. I think it helps with pain and anxiety.
I have been using about 10-15mg of THC nearly daily for a long time (edibles only). While I was on a beta blocker, I experienced no difference in anything. Now that I am mostly off the beta blocker, I do notice my heart rate does climb into the 80s while I have THC in my system, in NSR - heart rate going up is pretty standard with THC for all people. I've been Afib free for 2 1/2 months now - controlling ectopics as well - with supplements and dietary changes - and I am nearly weaned of my beta blocker to the point that I will use it only as PIP. In my journey to try to treat my Afib, I also at one point stopped using THC for months to see if it would have any effect on my Afib and it did not.
My Afib is vagally mediated. I would say that it's possible that people who have Afib that is aggravated by exercise or stress, might have issues with THC due to the fact that it raises heart rate. Just guessing - every person is different.
I am so impressed by your post.Are you following Day’s dietary and supplement recommendations?
How I would love to remove meds AND a- fib from my life!
I am so happy for you!
Thanks for this post.
I had to experiment to find what worked for me, I'm taking magnesium taurate, coq10 and cranberry extract (by trunature). I think the primary help for the AFIB though was the dietary changes. Minimizing acidic foods, chewing more, not eating late, not eating as much at once, basically the recommendations for people who have GERD. The magnesium taurate being added stopped the ectopics I still had occasionally.
I really appreciate this information.I am experimenting to see what may work; it’s always good to know what works for others and give it a try,
Thanks again!
There are two main plant species that are commonly available at your local dispensary. Sativa and Indica. Both have hundreds of strains that have been developed by growers to produce different effects. Sativa is known for its energy producing effects, but also for anxiety, and in high doses—paranoia, in some people. Indica is known for its relaxation and sedentary effects. Both are psychoactive and alter your thinking especially in higher doses. In my opinion it’s a good pain reliever only because the psychoactive nature of the drug takes your mind off the pain. I tried both when seeking pain relief because NSAIDS were giving me stomach issues and palpitations. I too had a medical card and advice from a physician on use (I’m in US).
Although no AF medication interactions, both varieties increased my heart rate, Sativa more so—to an uncomfortable level (anxiety). Indica did as well. I have a bunch of unused left because I simply don’t like the effects.
If you’re going to try, start with Indica. If you go for edibles (easiest way) start with only about 2.5 mg. The edibles products usually comes in 10 mg single “doses.” That’s way too much to start with and gets you too high—and edible effects last for hours. Or, you can more easily control the effects by smoking just a puff or two to start. Effects wear off much faster that way.
I give THC containing products the thumbs down, unless you want to feel stupid and/or anxious all day.
You can get pain relief from a full spectrum (all plant parts) CBD which has very little to no psychoactive THC in it. It has the cannabinoids that can calm your pain response.
Tread lightly.
This is a most informative post; I am totally new to this and very ignorant of what is available so thank you so very much!How can I find your recommended “ full plant part CBD?”
Thanks again!!
You can order it up online. The brand “Charlotte’s Web” has been around and has a good reputation. It’s not cheap. Also, check with your cardiologist before you try. Some research shows drug interactions!
I will do so.Thanks so much!
I agree on the dosages, I actually usually still take mine 5mg at a time (usually splitting the edible), about 2 hours apart, unless I actually want to be really effected by it.
This is good info.Thanks to you and others I have been given an education, a starting point, and suggested product that may work.
Thanks so much
Any CBD names you recommend?
I have researched various companies and found Charlotte’s Web to be among the well-established, reputable brands. I do believe they sell in the UK. They have a website where you may order as well. Note: some people say cbd works wonders for them while others get no benefit. Good luck.
Thanks
Depends…are you talking CBD, THC, combination? There are so many combinations and varieties. I live in Canada where it has been legal for a few years now…on the federal level, so there is much research and information available online. Aurora and Aphria are the 2 major providers for prescriptions, incorporating CanaMed and other producers, so that would be a good start for information. It will of course ask you your location…just say Toronto or such to access the webpage.As a veteran, I have fellow brothers in arms who are prescribed CBD/THC, and I can attest, it has kept many alive (PTSD) and relieved a myriad of aches and pain, and sleep disorders. As far as topicals it’s hit and miss. Most opt for edibles…gummies, cookies, chocolates, candies, and some prefer vapes, oils or good old fashioned *joints*.
All need experimentation to find the “magic” as everyone is different. EG, one of my friends has a chronic back and shoulder issue and PTSD. He takes a CBD blend for his physical issues, and Sativa gel caps in the evening to achieve nightmare-free sleep.
It’s a learning curve for sure, and if you have to pay out of pocket, it could be pricey, so research, research, research.
Thank you so much for a start to my research.My state in the USA has not legalized marijuana yet.
I am about to contact Charlottes Web to determine best CBD product for me for pain and sleep.
Thank you.
I am delighted you have found relief
Yes, Charlottes Web made medical headlines years ago regarding a girl who suffered from epilepsy, and her only relief was found through Charlottes web.Keep in mind, CBD alone, will not help with certain conditions such as depression, PTSD...but the research will explain all that, and when it comes to THC and the different strains, a simple rule of thumb is; Sativa for mood, Indica for body, CBD for chronic pain, arthritis relief etc. To clarify for those not familiar with the products, this is not the "pot" of the 60's/70's/80's/90's or even 2000's...it is highly regulated and controlled, so rest assured the quality and consistency is there...at least here in Canada. I can't vouch for other countries. We have a friend with MS, and she needs to take CBD with a high percentage of THC to get through her day, but she feels without it she would be long gone. Many wonder "how can she function if she is so *high* all the time. Well, according to her, the body adapts, and if you were to have a long conversation with her, you could never tell..it is her normal. No she cannot drive, but she and her doctor feel it's a fair compromise to constant pain.
Fairgo45;I am finding Charlotte’s Web CBD products to have consistently high ratings.
Their site also explains much about CBD and their products .
I plan to call them for advice.
Good luck.
This won't be helpful, so I hope you won't mind my comment, but you've given me the opportunity to reflect.
A colleague, who worked near the WTC as I did when it fell, has succumbed to some of the horrors that I somehow have avoided so far: unlikely cancers and tumors. He has had several surgeries and chemo treatments and was recently in surgery again.
I am glad to talk to him every week, to afford him all the support I can.
But he is in constant pain and finds it difficult to leave his bed. He lives in NYC in a five-story walk up, which means that everything must be brought to him.
One of the only things that helps him is medical marijuana. Without it, he told me, he doesn't know if he could stand being alive. That endorsement, like that of my old friend who lives in the desert, can't walk and has severe pain in his legs that the lack of humidity helps to lessen, carries weight with me. Perhaps it will with you.
I have always hated the smell of marijuana. That doesn't matter now, since the medical kind can involve other methods of entry. But I also hate the effects. I tend to be cerebral by nature, to live too much in my own head. The two times I tried marijuana as a teenager, that effect was amplified. I felt as though I were trapped inside a late Henry James novel read aloud through an Echoplex. I intend never to feel that way again.
The physical sensation was unpleasant to me as well, as though my pores had dilated and everything about me had become too vulnerable, too soft.
But I will always advocate that those who are in pain should try medical marijuana themselves. Besides, the dosage might be milder than what I experienced, or the variety might be tailored to produce other effects.
I will never take marijuana myself as long as I live, but I hope that those who need it will. May they live longer and suffer less.
Thank you for this. You sound like a good friend.I have never tried marijuana although I may be the only one my age who can say that!
Hahaha- just never my thing!
My brother has CMT ( neurological disorder) and his pain is increasing . He just received his medical marijuana card and I pray he, like your friends, will receive relief.
I will watch the effects ; in the meantime I will try CBD oil.
I appreciate your reflections, albeit how hard the time and remembrances must be for you .
Thank you.
Let us know what you chose in the end and if it helps
Medication 
No medication for afib
No Medication 
Medication
medication 
