Cannabis legalised for pain?: Victoria Derbyshire this... - NRAS

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Cannabis legalised for pain?

Cathy777 profile image
81 Replies

Victoria Derbyshire this morning. Very interesting debate!

Try and watch on line.

Lady on same drugs as most of us without much pain relief takes cannabis she has to buy on street. It is her only relief from pain. I hope this gets the go ahead.

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Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777
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81 Replies

I would rather suffer than take that I have seen what damage it can do but that's just my personal point of view

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

I think its not as bad as all the cancer drugs we take. It would be done safely if prescribed and only small amounts are needed and come in many forms. Creams etc. If methotrexate was an illegal drug we would still take it if it helped with pain. I am not a irresponsible person and would use such a drug in an adult sensible way. Not like just buying it anywhere and taking too much. I welcome it if its used carefully under medical supervision.

in reply to Cathy777

I agree Cathy its a sore point for me my husband swore by it for his fantom pain and used it for 35 years and he is now six foot under even to the end he thought it would cure him

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

I am sorry you had that experience June and understand your reaction. But all drugs are lethal if used incorrectly and bought from street sellers who may sell contaminated stuff. I would never do that.

earthwitch profile image
earthwitch in reply to Cathy777

While some of the drugs we take are also used for cancer, in no way can they be described as cancer drugs in the doses we take - they have a completely different effect at low dose. Methotrexate in particular doesn't deal with pain, it actually modifies your disease so you don't get pain - big difference to something that is just a painkiller.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to earthwitch

Yes I agree if it worked. But I have been taking all the usual drugs including highest dose of methotrexate and now biological drug to no avail. I realise they are not as severe as when used for cancer (having had breast cancer) but they are still pretty devastating and cause hair loss and other sometimes severe side effects. I believe cannabis could be used along side these other drugs when pain is persistent and hard to alleviate. If I have a few glasses of wine I feel better but drunk. Cannabis does not effect you like that. I may be talking rubbish but that's because of all the poison I take and it effects my thinking!

Simba1992 profile image
Simba1992 in reply to earthwitch

Mtx is foremost an anti-inflammatory it may effect the progression of RA. Other DMARs are added because a stronger disease modefying effect is usually needed. The mechanisms of action is still unclear. The side effects of longterm mtx use have however been studied and even if the dose is smaller for RA the effects of the medicine on our body and organs is pretty much the same, perhaps not as agressive as in larger doses but still there. Often the use of longterm predisone with mtx is seen to cause more complications than just mtx alone. So i have understood. Perhaps replacing longterm pred use with medical m would be a better solution?

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777

I think cannabis is a lot safer overall than chemo drugs. Any drug, if used unwisely, will do very bad things to you and cannabis is no exception. Anyone got any experience of using this and willing to tell what results you had? It says cannabis is a dangerous drug. Oh so what is methotrexate and the biological cancer drugs I am on? There are different types of cannabis. I wonder if drug companies who make vast amounts of biological drugs would welcome us getting relief in other cheaper ways! I doubt it.

Sorry but my pain needs something that actually works after 5 years of cancer drugs that don't.

in reply to Cathy777

The oil is the best stuff so lam told

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

Thanks! I would love some to try. But too much money being made from these biological drugs for this to happen I think.

in reply to Cathy777

You can get it from your doctor's in a spray

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

Thank you. I will enquire. My gp has never proposed it for some reason. She knows my pain level is bad and drugs I take. I guess they have to wait to be asked and not promote it.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to Cathy777

Cheers!

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

How come this spray is legal?

in reply to Cathy777

It's gone through all the trial and the hallucinating chemical is removed

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

Oh I see. Well that sounds a sensible way forward. I wouldn't want such effects. Just pain relief.

in reply to Cathy777

There is no evidence that cannabis safer that certain types of chemotherapy. This is what concerns me.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

I suggest you watch the Victoria Derbyshire item on BBC this morning. Very enlightening and I would feel very safe taking cannabis under controlled conditions.

in reply to Cathy777

Cathy, I have done extensive research and I have lots of knowledge on cannabis. Nothing I read has convinced me that I wish to risk my mental health, especially given my history. Other people make their own choices. However, we don't know enough about it to suggest it's safe. Some people are willing to risk it which is their perogative.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

I appreciate your views. I believe alcohol is far worse. My mother was an alcoholic. Cannabis, if taken sensibly and in small doses under medical supervision can be extremely helpful. Most addicts take it stupidly and don't have any idea what is in it when they buy it on the street. It is not intended to smoke it. It can be in capsule form. My mental state has deteriorated over the last 5 years due to the massive amount of toxic drugs I am taking. I am now suffering from depression and forget words or slur them. Cannabis can be made 'safer' if done correctly. I am happily open minded! Seeing older women discuss it on TV and how its helped them get pain relief is wonderful. If people are tested and have mental illness they obviously would not qualify for cannabis treatment. Just because stupid people abuse this drug doesn't mean its the drug...its the stupid people. They would become alcoholics or worse regardless. I am not a stupid person.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777

Cheers!

Caza profile image
Caza

There's an interesting article in the daily mail today, have a read

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to Caza

Will do thanks!

earthwitch profile image
earthwitch

There is a form of medical marijuana that is available in the NHS - sativex. I'm not sure what the guidelines are for prescribing it, but worth asking your GP.

I personally wouldn't touch the stuff now - having worked in mental health (and having been on a panel writing guidelines for dealing with drugs and alcohol in primary care in another country) I'm more aware than most of the damage (both obvious and subtle - in the way it affects mood, initiative, empathy, enthusiasm for life, etc) it can do to long term or regular users.

in reply to earthwitch

I have also worked in mental health. Until there is clear evidence that cannabis is categorically NOT linked with mental health, I won't be touching it.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

You have much experience in the area but its biased. You have seen the bad side. There is a good and bad side for ALL drugs. Cannabis included.

Think of Cannabis as alcohol. Were you able to have one or 2 glasses of wine? Or did you need to finish the bottle and crack open a new one? Cannabis can be a great pain reliever, but if you are prone to addiction, I would think twice about trying it.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

I can have two glasses of wine and feel good but a bit drunk which I don't like. The cannabis which is proposed under medical supervision will not give side effects if used correctly. We are not all potential crackheads we are grown men and women who need some life back and if this can help bring it on! I have listened to older women discuss it on TV and they were horrified at the suggestion they were getting 'high'! That is not the intention! Cannabis can be adapted to just give pain relief without turning us into a addicts. Its all about using it correctly. I am not stupid believe me.

in reply to Cathy777

Canada will legalize Cannabis next spring to be used and regulated like alcohol.. It will be sold in stores along side alcohol. I am OK with Cannabis being legalized. It is a great pain reliever. Extra money will be in the hands of the government, not the drug gangs.

I was never a pot smoker, I didn't want smoke in my lungss....How my life has changed now that I have RA....Last month my opinion has changed. I still don't like smoke in my lungs, but it is the only thing that takes away my pain so I can sleep. No one knows I do this except my hubby and now you.

If you are among the many people who can drink responsibly, then you can smoke it responsibly too.

There are many social pot smokers who smoke it occasionally on the weekends.They are not addicts. They live full lives working and raising their families sober. They are not a drain on society. They keep their pot a secret. They are not the people you see causing problems who brag about pot as a daily lifestyle. They are not on the evening news causing problems. They are productive human beings who use it for pain relief or smoke it socially.

Most medical Cannabis has no THC but contains CBD.

truthonpot.com/2014/09/24/5...

in reply to Cathy777

I never ment to imply that you were prone to addiction Cathy. So sorry that I made you feel insulted.

I just think of alcohol on the same lines of pot. I can socially drink and talk about wine & spirits, it was my job. I was a product consultant. I would sip and spit....sometimes I had to remind myself "not to spit" out wine at a family Christmas dinner. lol

I've seen a few product consultants fired for falling into the alcohol trap. Scary

My addiction is chocolate. I could never be a chocolate consultant. I would be 300 pounds!!

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

Oh you didn't insult me silly! I know you didn't mean it like that. I have a great sense of humour (black at times) and see the funny side of things. You were making a point which I understood totally. I am lucky cos alcohol doesn't agree with me. I love two glasses of Merlot then bed! I too am addicted to chocolate . I gave up ciggies over 10 years ago and hate idea of inhaling smoke so hopefully I could have cannabis in capsule form!

Its good to chat about things on here even if we do get a bit passionate at times!

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels

Hiya Cathy. I have my own feelings on the taking of cannabis for pain having lived in a country where non medical or recreational cannabis is 'accepted' with limitations by law but as this is not a locked post I prefer not to go into detail. I've read quite a bit on medical grade cannabis though, particularly that produced by Bayer. I've followed the Company's timeline on the subject for a good while (well, that I've been able to access & which has been made professionally & publicly available!) since a member kindly posted links to a couple of CNN programmes broadcast in the US which concentrated on it being used for poorly children. It included reports on the huge cannabis farm being grown, under high security, for medical testing in the south of England. It's made interesting reading.

You've probably been on the Sativex website (though it is specifically intended for MS sufferers) but for anyone who hasn't & sitting on the fence about it being generally prescribed it may be helpful to read the FAQ's sativex.co.uk/patients-and-...

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to nomoreheels

Wow! Best answer on here about this so far! Thank you I will read. Of course I know the dangers of this drug but all drugs have dangers. I get fed up with people just saying 'they have experience of it' or they have knowledge of its effects. We all know that already. You talk good sense as usual. Thank you.

in reply to Cathy777

My issue isn't the dangers, of course all medications have risks, especially the ones we take. It's the fact that's it's unregulated and there is too much that is unknown. I may feel differently in a couple of decades.

I have read the non-biased research too. Please don't make assumptions about my knowledge and own experiences. I have researched it for my own use too, I have been very desperate and looking for answers from everywhere from conventional medicine to alternative medicine to cannabis. I have spoken to many, many people who have found cannabis helped them.

I pass absolutely no judgment on those who choose to use cannabis. I only wish them well.

For me, it has nothing to do with the legal status but the research that has proven a correlation with psychosis symptoms. People with a serious mental health history (psychotic disorders or mood disorders like bipolar disorder) need an in depth consultation with their doctor before trailing cannabis.

However, I do think the risks need to be known. All medical decisions need to be informed and therefore, people need all the information. I have made informed decisions to take certain medications, to have (or not have) certain treatments and that was because I weighed up the risks for me.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

Yes of course those with disorders like you describe need to be assessed carefully. That really goes without saying.

But there are some meds already derived from cannabis being used in thiscountry. MS sufferers in particular.

We are all, thankfully, different and we have choices. That is what we are debating here. Cannabis being more available to those who feel they would benefit. Again I reiterate, it is only grown ups like me who will be looking to use this drug. I am a reasonably intelligent woman who is able to make reasonably intelligent decisions about what I put into my body. I know cannabis is a no no for people with mental health problems end of.

MickeyJoints profile image
MickeyJoints in reply to

Absolutely CD,

"People with a serious mental health history (psychotic disorders or mood disorders like bipolar disorder) need an in depth consultation with their doctor before trailing cannabis."

From what I've seen there is evidence - see my post down further with a link to grannystormcrowslist - suggesting that SOME psychiatric conditions can be helped with cannabis, but at the same stroke, increasing the amount will aggravate the condition. It does seem to be that a light touch and frequent application/consumption will provide a therapeutic effect.

In any doubt, err on the side of caution.

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels in reply to Cathy777

Indeed, none are without possible side effects, that's humans for you, no one person reacts the same. lt also applies to alternatives too, they are after all basic origin versions of most chemically altered/produced pharmaceutical meds & in the wrong hands can be fatal. A little brevity is all that's needed rather than going over the same old guff, that's my thoughts anyway!

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to nomoreheels

That is so interesting . I also checked out what sativex is exactly as I hadn't a clue. The MS society website is very interesting too. It really convinces me of the potential benefits of this drug. If in the right hands, i.e. the medical professionals. Thank you so much.

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels in reply to Cathy777

Yes! My point exactly. Best not to dabble with what's available without prescription. Quality, type & so quantity is important where the raw plant is concerned so it's best left in the hands of medical professionals with the properly produced end product.

MickeyJoints profile image
MickeyJoints

This topic elicits such volatile and emotional responses. I have been on a bit of a mission over the last few years to try to find out about the use of medical cannabis, the history of it, the components of it and the effects, both good and bad.

Firstly, I do not advocate sitting down of an evening with a bong and getting faceless. Think: binge drinking – not good. It appears for medical use you titrate the drug to the effect you want. There was an item on the BBC’s site yesterday where an RA patient was using tincture and oil and taking enough to have the effect of taking away her pain. This is an example of the use of the whole plant for therapeutic effect.

You do not have to get stoned out of your skull to have benefits. I would council against that, in fact.

There are certainly very bad effects on mental health for those with a disposition towards mental illness. My best mate’s son is currently on a six month committal and excessive cannabis use certainly appears to be a contributing factor. I’m not ignorant of the risks.

There is HUGE – just MASSIVE - amounts of information available out there. For one:

grannystormcrowslist.wordpr...

This link is for arthritis and the whole blog is about some very in-depth medical research about cannabis and the use there of, in a gamut of conditions, both in vitro and in vivo (test tubes vs. animals [including humans]).

Cannabis was recorded in Chinese medicine 4000 years ago as working for joint pains. It was in the American Pharmacopeia until the 1930’s when aspirin appeared. Drug companies want you to pay for their drugs, not grow you own. Equally in the UK, preparations were available from the mid-1800’s.

Cannabis was, and still is, grown, for its fibre which is stronger than cotton and easier to grow. It was mandatory (then called ‘hemp’) for farmers to grow in the USA in the 1700’s as it was used in rope, vital for ships rigging for war efforts. Farmers would be fined if they didn’t hand in the required volume of the plant.

The main ingredients of interest are THC and CBD. There are also CBG and other identified precursors to the chemical production chain. THC is the psychoactive component with CBD being the more medicinally interesting compound. Sativex is a CBD preparation, as I understand.

There are three main strains in the cannabis world: Sativa, Indica and Ruderalis. The latter two have more CBD in the mix, with Sativa being stronger in THC. It depends on the breeding and selection of strains. Go and have a look in internet market places (or other ‘*bays’) and search for ‘cannabis oil’. What you’re buying there (I don’t recommend it as it tends to be extracted from the rope variety of hemp, not destined for medical use so may have contaminates) is CBD extracts, which in the UK are legal as there is no THC in the preparation. That’s also why you can buy cannabis seeds over the internet, as there is no THC in seeds.

For those who have worked in mental health, do bear in mind you have been on the sharp end of the abuse spectrum where people have abused the drug. I have not found any information in my research that cannabis *causes* psychosis. It’s hard to prove the absence of a negative effect as you are looking for something that may or may not exist. It’s a double bind. There is evidence that cannabis ameliorates depression, for example. I would not want to deny anyone the lifting effect of MEASURED doses of cannabis if it would help them out of depression.

I suggest it exacerbates or precipitates psychotic/schizophrenic behaviours in susceptible individuals. I posit that cannabis is not physically addictive – it can be psychologically addictive in individuals who are susceptible.

While there is evidence that cannabis oil can cure selective cancers (but accelerates some, like lung cancer) and is effective in glaucoma, aggressive epilepsy, MS and quite a few more conditions, I maintain that cannabis as a regulated and targeted therapy for a range of conditions is an avenue for treatment that doctors & patients should be exploring.

Having said that, there is a lot of fakery and deception out there in relation to this drug and you need a salt cellar handy when reading about it on the internet. Just do a search for ‘medical cannabis’ and start learning. Sift the wheat from the chaff. Don’t use one source of info, keep looking.

Whole plant use contains not only the main therapeutic compounds but aromatic ‘terpines’ which product the distinctive aroma. THC & CBD are odourless. From what I have read, selective extraction of individual compounds for medical use are markedly less effective than whole plant use. There is a synergistic effect of using the whole plant, as in the buds or flowers.

You may be aware of the 24 odd states in the USA which have legalised medical cannabis. In those states the use of strong pharmaceutical drugs (opiod in nature – very addictive ones, like fentanyl – yes, what Michael Jackson overdosed on) have dropped markedly, as patients find they need much less of the commercial drugs as cannabis is effective. Guess which lobby in the USA is very worried about this…

If you don’t want to use cannabis as a remedy go your own way. It seems to me that there is such potential with this drug that it’s verging on medical negligence, not to explore what this natural remedy can do for sufferers of various conditions.

Did you know…? Just as there is an endorphin system in your body, there is also an endocannabinoid system. In short, it’s a system that helps with homeostasis – keeping your body in balance. Fancy that!

Disclaimer: I do not advocate you break the law of the land you live in. I do urge you to seek sympathetic medical advice should you feel cannabis could be of benefit to you and your condition. And please don’t feed the criminals.

For me, I’m looking forward to when medical cannabis is available legally in the UK. I support groups like norml-uk.org , clear-uk.org and others who support medical use of the drug.

I can provide more links and bibliographies if requested. Reading up and learning about it does not make you a criminal. It makes you informed and able to make decisions from a position of knowledge.

Above all, keep an open mind. If you are fixed in your position, what evidence are you not seeing?

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to MickeyJoints

Great well rounded information thanks! In my limited knowledge it appears to be a wasted possible wonder drug for many of us with chronic pain. I am sure if I had worked with people who had become wrecks from using it without medical supervision I would feel as negative about it as some do. I am aware of the dreadful examples of kids using it and their lives being ruined. Which is exactly why it should be legalised in my opinion. It will always be available one way or another. Let it be the safer way.

MickeyJoints profile image
MickeyJoints in reply to Cathy777

Oh Cathy, I had to stop myself from going on and on. And absolutely agree that legalisation is the best - not perfect - approach we can have. The current approaches are failing horrendously.

Starter book for Kindle at £7.19, £15.99 paperback: amazon.co.uk/gp/product/193...

Comprehensive and enlightening..

PFKAAde profile image
PFKAAde in reply to MickeyJoints

I've stayed out of this thread as I have quite strong views on the subject, but good post Mickey.

Taking the hysteria out of the subject and providing unbiased information is by far the best approach IMO.

Like you say, there's a lot of quality information available (once you establish that the source is reliable), if people are interested in the subject do some reading - you might be surprised what the actual 'science' says about the subject.

Take care all.

wishbone profile image
wishbone

Saw my rheumy yesterday, she told me that due to me getting recurring infections, which have gradually become resistant to all the common antibiotics, meaning that I have to go on IVantibiotics for any future infections. So the types of RA meds she can now give me is very limited. In fact the only stuff I can take is hydroxy and sulfa which are non immune suppressants. I'm allergic to the latter so that just leaves hydroxy which is what I'm currently on. It is helping me but is nowhere near as good as mtx was so life sure can be a bit of a struggle on times. If cannabis medication was available then I'd jump at it with both feet. That said, I do wonder how effective it is. I would think it ok with every day type of pain but have my doubts about its effectiveness with the more acute pain of a flare, which is when I really need something stronger than hydroxy.

nomoreheels profile image
nomoreheels in reply to wishbone

Hiya Wishy, hope you're generally ok? I don't know if this helpful or not but this info is about Sativex titrating/dosing, recommended doses for optimum relief. At the mo it's only licensed for MS but if your Rheumy considers it could benefit you with the limitations to meds you have maybe she would consider prescribing off-license (if it's allowable by law yet of course) sativex.co.uk/healthcare-pr...

wishbone profile image
wishbone in reply to nomoreheels

Interesting, thanks for that heelsy. I'll definitely ask rheumy about it when I next see her in 8 weeks time. If anyone's a good candidate for trying cannabis meds then I must be somewhere in the frame. I have thought about asking her about cannabis in the past. Suppose I could have mentioned it yesterday, perhaps wise not to have though as there was a dermatologist and two young students present.

I'm feeling ok thanks. Now rheumy know about my problems with antibiotic resistance she has decided that it might be best to get a micro biologist to look at my case, which is certainly most welcome by me. She also told me not to worry unduly about antibiotic resistance as there are still a fair few in the cupboard that should deal with future infections. So that has reassured me somewhat as it was a big worry of mine. Except for a borderline prostate PSA marker, which I had a repeated blood test for, all the other bloods markers are fine. My skin conditions are still good, apparently C. diff is a possibility so I wasn't very pleased to hear that.

I just can't believe how many hospital appointments I've had this year. Thankfully most have been in my local hospital which is not too far away.

Take care

MickeyJoints profile image
MickeyJoints in reply to wishbone

Yes, just how effective is it? There is a risk, I think, of cannabis being lauded as the 'next best thing'. I fear that as it will get an overblown reputation about what it can do.

As far as I can see, it will provide a support to other therapies, not a cure in itself. There is research that it can help to restore balance to homoeostasis and reduce the imbalances that have caused a condition.

Still more work to be done....

Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia ,Canada has been awarded a grant for a comprehensive, three-year study on Cannabis as an arthitis treatment. Dr. Jason McDougall,a professor of pharmacology and anesthesia is the lead researcher. This study is investigating if cannabis is not just dampening the pain in the brain, but also working to fight inflammation and repair the joint itself.The study is supported by Health Canada and the Arthritis Society of Canada.

Health Canada has approved another study called The CAPRI trial. Researchers in Halifax and Montreal are hosting the year long random, double-bind, placebo-controlled study. This study is comparing 6 different types of cannabis through a vaporizer, all with varying levels of THC and CBD. The results should be published at the begining on 2017.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

Fantastic! On the next flight over! Seriously, that is good news. It's a start and if its successful I am sure we could all benefit no matter where we live. Thank you so much for getting that info! X

in reply to Cathy777

You probly live closer to Halifax than I do Cathy lol.

On a serious note, once a reputable study has passed all trial phases, it benefits the whole world.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

Where are you exactly in Canada? I want to look it up on map. I know so little about Canada but hear its a great place!

in reply to Cathy777

White Rock, British Columbia is where I live.

Sue :)

PS Just a note to say that I am not promoting pot. I believe in following the laws of your country that you live in. I am just very interesting in any reputable research being done that is sanctioned by any country in the world to help or cure RA. :)

If this trial was being done by a man named Joe, who lives in his mothers basement. Well I wouldn't post it lol

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

You live in a lovely place! I adore the sea.

I know you are not promoting pot. You are interested like all of us. Or most of us. :-)

Here is a video of Dr. Jason McDougall

youtube.com/watch?v=ohMeUJP...

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

That is so interesting! And encouraging. I feel better knowing that research is going on. Thanks for that. Night x

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to Cathy777

I am sleepy. My rheumy put me on a course of prednisone and I have got it all mixed up. I should be on 2.5mg this week but only have 5mg tabs left so I have slipped up somewhere!

in reply to Cathy777

Sleep well Cathy. It's only 4 in the afternoon here.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

Have a nice evening. I am in London.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to Cathy777

Midnight here

in reply to Cathy777

London is a beautiful city. Such a fantasy place for me. :) You don't live that far from Buckingham palace.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

I am north London but not far from the centre. I went for an interview at Buck House a few years ago! I didn't want the job but the chance to go inside was too tempting!

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777

I live in Muswell Hill in London!

Amy_Lee profile image
Amy_Lee

Interesting and great debate here. I know nothing of cannabis, so I will try to go through the videos and links here to enhance my knowledge on this drug.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to Amy_Lee

It is a very interesting debate! Lots of differing opinions. X

Em13 profile image
Em13

Hi Cathy

I may be in a minority here, but I have tried the legal cannabis oil, expecting good things of it from what I'd read, but it did nothing for me! This is purely CBD oil, with the psychoactive THC removed. It comes as a thick brown paste in a syringe and you dissolve a rice grain sized portion under your tongue as and when needed. (Which is not very pleasant.)

I think as Mickeyjoints pointed out "selective extraction of individual compounds for medical use are markedly less effective than whole plant use". In this case, at least some of the THC is needed to work with the CBD.

I may need to revisit this line of enquiry as recently I have developed a wheeze in response to even infrequent doses of Ibuprofen and cannot take Naproxen for the same reason. Asprin and Paracetamol don't help with the achiness, and I cannot regularly take codeine-based drugs with LDN. My local pharmacy tell me I shouldn't take Co-codamol for more than three days, and that Ibuprofen shouldn't be taken with Sulfasalazine anyway. (First I'd heard of that. If true, I wonder why the rheumatologist didn't mention it.) Their only other suggestion was Voltarol gel, which is probably fine for joint pain, but isn't intended for applying over large areas.

I have spoken to others with chronic pain. (Normal, respectable people.) Some have admitted that cannabis is the only thing that relieves their pain. While there may be dangers with its use (especially smoked), is it really any more risky than the standard drugs which can cause damage to your kidneys, liver or stomach, sometimes fatally so? I think you need to do your own research, and reach your own conclusions.

M

PS I'm fully with you on the chocolate addiction!

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to Em13

Hi Em

Interesting! All these drugs we take is really quite amazing. We seem to take such cocktails and never know for sure what conflicts with what unless we are specifically told. Its a minefield!

I think if I could take cannabis, and it worked, I would give up all the other stuff immediately! Can you imagine? No drugs other than cannabis! Bliss!

I think if there was a God he would have made chocolate the cure for RA. But no religion debates please!

X

in reply to Cathy777

excuse me Cathy, God did make chocolate a cure for everything......at least that's what I keep telling myself....lol

Em13 profile image
Em13 in reply to

Maybe not a cure, but it certainly makes you feel better! It must be the endorphins.

I used to eat several bars of chocolate a day - Fry's Turkish Delight being my favourite. Since cutting out sugar, I have found solace in Tesco's 85% cocoa plain chocolate.

MickeyJoints profile image
MickeyJoints in reply to Em13

Hi Em13,

Interesting to hear your experiences with the CBD oil. And your reports of side effects of other OTC drugs. Who reads the patient leaflets in the packets? Some people do but seem surprised when they get side effects - some of the effects are nasty. And the time limitations for the use of drugs are routinely ignored as you realise that you'll not have the relief if you follow the instructions to the letter.

There are so many routes to take cannabis products that any risk associated with smoking can be mitigated. Yet, there is research showing that in measured doses some cannabis products are bronchodilators which help asthmatics. It is a curious and interesting plant.

Agreed, we need to do our own research to discover what potential could be for us all.

MJ

Dr. Drew is well known in North America. He helps people overcome their addiction. The people he helps have used drugs and alcohol to self medicate there emotional past, the abuse they have suffered. I have a lot of respect for him.

There is a big differece between people using medical cannabis to ease their painful symptoms and someone getting high and gooned.

I like to have a cookie once in awhile. There are some people who can not have one cookie, they need to eat the whole box. Does this mean we should out law cookies because of some peoples addiction to cookies?

Addiction is awful. People who have a tendency for addiction will find their fix, be it legal or not. The addicted person needs psychological help to get to the core of their addiction. It's not the beer, or cookie that is their problem. It's the pain they are suffering inside.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

I am having problems opening some of your messages on here for some reason. It says its been removed. I am not ignoring you.

GranAmie profile image
GranAmie

this has been a really great thread folks. i too have tried cbd oil with a square of dark 80% choc but little effect so far.but i bought from a well known health food chain and it turns out be weaker than 10 percent of baby disprin. still off mtx but given date now for lung scan so hope to be sorted soon. made mesee that mtx had made a difference and withdrawal produces bad floating pains . sorry for typos - hands improving but can hardly walk at the mo. terry pratchett's wee free men have taken over my ankles and are stabbing away... 5 days in spain heat and swimming helped but am back to groan land now. good health to all xx

The CBC 's The Fifth Estate did a show on Cannabis. The good the bad and the ugly. This was done a couple of years ago. Our old Primeminister Mr. Harper said no to cannabis being legal. Our new Primeminister Trudeau is legalizing it Spring 2017.

youtube.com/watch?v=HoxhtGV...

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

That makes me feel uncomfortable. Hope it never happens here. Very strange considering it was never going to be legalised !

Medical cannabis stores run by the private sector in my city is a BIG problem. They are not following the law. Anyone can get a medical cannabis card fraudulently. People who need it for pain don't feel comfortable going to these shops at they are surrounded by hippies, teenagers and zombies getting high. So people who need it legally buy it on the streets.

TCanada has looked at the problems of legalization in the states and hopefully they can run it better.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to

These are no better than drug pushers. Can't understand how it can be so lax. Surely this should never have been allowed. It is embarrassingly negligent . hope it gets sorted soon. However there is big bucks being made by the drug manufacturers of our prescribed drugs. Its the same thing really. Drugs are money wherever the demand is there. It sickens me.

MickeyJoints profile image
MickeyJoints

Just to throw in a thought... if cannabis is not effective, why would a pharmaceutical company put money into a campaign the stop legalisation..?

rt.com/usa/358809-fentanyl-...

Makes you think... maybe it *does* work.

Cathy777 profile image
Cathy777 in reply to MickeyJoints

Oh I am pretty sure pharmaceutical companies hate the idea of the masses getting pain relief and more from a plant that can be produced for next to nothing! Especially as its a damn sight safer than all the crap they are dolling out to us generally. Am I a cynic? Yes I am.

VeronicaF profile image
VeronicaF in reply to Cathy777

too true cathy77

VeronicaF profile image
VeronicaF in reply to MickeyJoints

very true

Paulajolo profile image
Paulajolo

I have read a few books on line ref CBD oil. All state the cannaboid used is safe with no side effects and is not addictive. I have been trying the drops for the past 3 days and it seems to be working for me which is fantastic especially if it means I can get off prednisolone and Tocilizumab biologic weekly injections which long term effect the heart and liver etc etc.

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