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        New Message Board Archives >> 2002 Posts >> Cannabis
        
(Message started by: fubar on Oct 4^th, 2002, 4:16pm)

Title: Cannabis
Post by fubar on Oct 4^th, 2002, 4:16pm

Here in California, the state allows cannabis to be prescribed for many things. Migraine is one of them.

Now, I don't want to get in a debate about legal/moral issues of cannabis usage, but I want to know if others here used cannabis as a rescue medication or as a preventative.

The cannabis co-ops here make high-grade buds as well as concentrates available to patients. Now, I know what some of you are thinking, but there is medical evidence that certain cannabanoids have specific abilities to act on the very same receptors that are linked to migraine. This is not just "smoke this, you'll feel better', there is an actual biological mechanism that enables cannabis to act on a migraine. I don't profess to know how it works, I just know that in my experience, it does work for some kinds of headache, like magic.

So, I am curious if any other clusterheads have found any kind of relief with medical usage of cannabis. If so, what kinds (indica, sativa, concentrates, etc)?

On the other side, has anyone here ever felt that cannabis increased CH activity or contributed to migraine?

-fubar

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by echo on Oct 4^th, 2002, 4:18pm

I helped me in past years. Used it in the bush during the 70's in Nam

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Margi on Oct 4^th, 2002, 4:19pm

i'll bet my paycheque that true clusterheads will answer that it's a trigger for them. it sure is for the ones i know.
i bet the migrainers here will also put it on the trigger list. i would.

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by oringkid on Oct 4^th, 2002, 4:25pm

You are dead on right Margi, it is a trigger for me. Not as bad as alcohol but almost.

Sherry

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by jonny on Oct 4^th, 2002, 4:42pm

Ive smoked duffle bags of the shit, although it never triggered, it made it worse if I was high when I got hit.

Now, cocaine on the other hand was like a miracale drug.....never once did I get hit while high on coke and I was really high for a few yrs......LOL ;D

.......................jonny

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by fubar on Oct 4^th, 2002, 4:44pm

Be careful trying to pigeon-hole 'true' clusterheads.

In my experience, there are certain types of cannabis that are triggers, and there are others that have no trigger effect at all. In fact, some strains have miraculous effects on my real migraines (not CH). The trouble, in the past, was no reliable supply of any particular strain, unless you grew it yourself.

There are vast differences between indica and sativa. In my experience, recreational users prefer the heady effects of Sativa, but Sativa is a sure trigger for me. Indica, on the other hand, can be quite a life saver from a chronic migraine. These headaches last 4-5 days and the strongest narcotics have little effect on the actual headache. Some strains of Indica can wipe these headaches away in 10 minutes or less.

The interesting part now is there is unprecedented availability of quality-controlled, specific strains. Unlike the old days, if you find something that works, you can almost always find the same thing again and again. So, that availability lends itself to helping patients really find what helps, if it is cannabis that they are trying.

Before, you never knew what you would get from (insert favorite connection here). So, although I had found relief before, it was a crap shoot every time. Some strains would make the problem worse, some would help, and some would just get you stoned on top of your headache. Not a really good way to find relief.

I trying to find out if others are seeing the same thing.

-fubar

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Slammy on Oct 4^th, 2002, 4:45pm

it's funny, but I don't remember my clusters during my "coke" years.......hmmmmm ;D

Sherry, love your "eyes"..... now, if can only get your "lips" on posts... I might not ever be able to leave them! :D

Slammy 8)

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by oringkid on Oct 4^th, 2002, 4:49pm

Don't know where you live fubar but here it is still a crapshoot. Back in the old days at least you would get a name...now it's whatever is available.

um.....from what I've heard..........

Sherry

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Slammy on Oct 4^th, 2002, 4:52pm

I'm not sure yet... but I am continuing an exstensive investigation..... but I beleive..... that Drummer is back! and he is posing as both Night_Owl AND Fubar!!!!!!

but I could be wrong...... ;D

Slammy 8)

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by fubar on Oct 4^th, 2002, 5:59pm

Well, Like I said, I'm here in California. We are lucky to be living this experiment called medical marijuana, but who knows how long it will last. All I know is you can go to the store and buy it over the counter at any cannabis co-op, given the proper medical paperwork.

I don't know who drummer or Night Owl is, but if they are like me, they must be alright. :)

I was skeptical about cannabis in the beginning. But, with the regular, reliable supply of a variety of specific strains, I have found that there can be help, at least for me.

I guess the hard part for some is just getting over the stigma attached to pot smoking. The fact that there are so many strains, all with vastly different chemical makeup, makes it hard to establish any correlation between usage and efficacy.

Now, I haven't found any help for CH with cannabis. CH hits so hard and so fast, there's no way I could even get some in my system when I'm doing the dance. I am not sure about cannabis as a preventative either, for obvious reasons. It might work, with the right strains, but I just don't want to be stoned all the time.

In any case, I hadn't seen any discussion on the topic yet, and since it's quasi-legal in some places now, I thought it was worth talking about. I say quasi-legal because it's always illegal in the eyes of the feds. The states are trying the assert their right to make drug laws, but it probably won't last long.

-fubar

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by jonny on Oct 4^th, 2002, 6:10pm

Try using the search option on this site, its been discussed many times here in the last four years.

................................jonny

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by domm on Oct 4^th, 2002, 6:12pm

haven't used the weed in years, maybe that's why I started CHs so late in life - residual drugs in my system ;D anyway, from what I've read here, maryjane usually doesn't help. psilosibin however has worked for many. If you're interested, click the search button and type in *shroom there are lots of posts about it and many who have stopped the beast in his tracks with it.
good luck and PF days to you
domm

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by SFChris on Oct 4^th, 2002, 6:15pm

Fubar,

I've been known to enjoy the occasional bit o' weed (purely for medicinal reasons of course) and I have found that it will trigger a headache for me. A good friend of mine gets pretty severe migraines and he swears that it helps his headaches.

By the way - In San Francisco (my hometown) there is an upcoming ballot measure to have the city grow and distribute green bud because the Feds keep raiding the cannibus collectives. "States Rights" are great when the Republicans aren't morally offended, but if it comes to Medicinal Pot - forgetaboutit!

BTW - This ballot measure is going to win with over 70% voting in favor of it.

PFDAN, Chris

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Charlie on Oct 4^th, 2002, 6:24pm

Oddly, the only time I used the stuff was when my CH began. I used so little, it couldn't have made a difference tough.

Charlie

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by jonny on Oct 4^th, 2002, 6:28pm

Hell, we know that, Charlie.

You was into speed balling ;D

..................jonny

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by don on Oct 4^th, 2002, 6:36pm

In my earlier years I provided 3/4 of the Jamiacan National Economy.

Triggered evey time when in cycle.

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Jim R on Oct 4^th, 2002, 6:36pm

Interesting topic - I have little to add to it though 'cause I haven't smoked any appreciable amount in years - but the whole topic of different strains is interesting. What is it about the various strains that are different? - I wouldn't know living here in NH - "live free or die" state! LOL! If it helps you, fubar, I say go for it. If I found something illegal (here anyway) that helped, I wouldn't give a shit about the implications of using it, IF it helped... Good luck to you and PF always. - Jim R

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by fubar on Oct 4^th, 2002, 6:57pm

Jim,

You hit the nail on the head. The point I'm trying to make is, since there is now a regular supply of known strains, we can actually do meaningful evaluation of 'does this work or not'.

Since most of the anecdotal information that people post is lacking any knowledge of what they were smoking (strain-wise) it is useless. In fact, I think it is highly unwise to assume that anything meaningful can be concluded from this information. Many people assume it has no medical value because of accounts like these that have no actual research value.

On the other hand, there is actual research that is beginning to prove the value of cannabis specifically for migraine. They have found specific triggers and specific receptors in the human brain, all reactive to cannabis. The problem is there are hundreds of strains of cannabis, and they are all very different chemically.

So, now that we can have a regular supply of a given strain, it is a simple matter of finding what works (if anything). You can't assume they all will trigger a headache just because one type did. There are two basic strains, indica and sativa. In those, there are countless variations. With controlled cultivation, it is a simple matter propagate a strain that is 'good', so certain strains have been commercialized and have names that people in that world know and recognize wherever they go. That means if you buy 'white widow' here or in Holland, it will give you the same feeling and be of approximately the same strength.

All of this is good for those who are using cannabis for medical purposes, because it would be folly to try to medicate yourself with a constantly changing drug.

The landscape has changed a lot.

Now I'm getting verklempt.

Medical Marijuana. It's neither medical nor marijuana. Discuss amongst yourselves.

-fubar

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by don on Oct 4^th, 2002, 8:44pm

Excellent point Fubar.

Most of the weed smoked around this board has not been produced in any type of controlled environment. Nothing is known about what was used to cultivate or treat it.

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Bob P on Oct 4^th, 2002, 9:12pm

Shows how out of touch I am. I thought weed was cannibus sativa, period. Is THC the active ingredient in both strains?

I'd like to see an article on which neurotransmitters it mimics or which receptors it effects but I'm too lazy to do my normal web search tonight.

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by BH on Oct 4^th, 2002, 9:15pm

Different strains , different outcome.Had times were as soon as you inhale BANG! :o get a wicked HA.Other times have been tired of doing the dance & belting my head, have a billy and you would think you just had a shot of imigran ;DHA gone instantly!
PFDAN to all BH

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by maria on Oct 4^th, 2002, 9:23pm

Bob P, could be either 5ht 1-5, what do you think? Maria

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by fubar on Oct 4^th, 2002, 9:39pm

Bob,

THC is one of many active compounds in cannabis. Not only are different strains composed of varying amounts of different compounds, the delivery method has an enormous impact on the final composition of what you are consuming.

For example, smoking destroys a high percentage of the active compounds before they ever reach your body. As you can imagine, some compounds have different vaporization temperatures, so the method in which you smoke it can change things as well. A joint, for example, will burn on the end, but act as a filter for the smoke, heating various compounds to vaporization temperatures along the way. By the time a joint is half-consumed, you are consuming a completely different mix of chemical compounds than when you started.

In order to do meaningful research on the efficacy of cannabis, one has to have what the medical world calls standardization. Essentially, you have to know what you are consuming and in what quantity. Then and only then, it can be accurately tested. Anything we think we know from anecdotal accounts is hogwash, especially because of the logistics behind getting a standardized supply.

-fubar

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Drk^Angel on Oct 5^th, 2002, 1:51am

I must admit... I've known alot of potheads, dealers, suppliers, growers, runners, and transporters in my time (and many of them were very proud of their knowledge of their favorite cash crop) but none of them seemed to know as much about cannabis as you seem to know fubar. Although, I believe Indian Hemp is more known for hashish, while marijuana is more known for joints (and other methods of smoking the dried leaves), although ganja is fairly popular with some groups.

PFDAN......................... Drk^Angel

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by fubar on Oct 5^th, 2002, 2:05am

As Jeffrey Goines (Brad Pitt - 12 Monkeys) would say:

"Know your meds"

-fubar

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by firebrix on Oct 5^th, 2002, 4:31am

:-X Here's the chemistry!
http://www.erowid.org/plants/cannabis/uk_lords_report/Pharmacology.shtml

Have fun!
firebrix

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Peppermint on Oct 5^th, 2002, 10:43am

:) Hey Firebrix, where ya been? Just want to say thanks again for your perspective - it wasn't easy the first few days. Your input was duly noted and tucked away for future reference....And it looks like I will be needing it.. :P

BTW, thanks for the link - interesting - I was about to quote an intriguing line from note 3.4, but I think I'll pass on the baton... so to speak. ... ::)

Gee, it rubs off on you before you even realize...

Peppermint ;)

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Drk^Angel on Oct 6^th, 2002, 2:11am

Mint... Ya thought the prospect of someone shovin' a joint up their bum to be intriguing 'eh? :P

PFDAN....................... Drk^Angel

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Peppermint on Oct 6^th, 2002, 2:31am

oooo, Drk, can't get anything past you... :P

Only you would get that... :P

wonder why??? ;D

Minty FRESH.. ;)

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Drk^Angel on Oct 6^th, 2002, 2:44am

It'd prolly be best to light it before you insert it, because tryin' to light it afterwards might be a bit of a problem. Wonder if ya should take some anti-gas medicine before starting this. Having flatulence while havin' a lit joint up your bum might turn ya into a bad joke.

PFDAN........................... Drk^Angel

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Peppermint on Oct 6^th, 2002, 2:50am

Oh, Drk, didn't mean to hurt your feelings...

Howz that burn healing?? ;D

;)

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Drk^Angel on Oct 6^th, 2002, 3:01am

Gettin' better... Should've stayed away from the bean burrito with extra guacamole... Never seen a joint fly like that before.

PFDAN............................. Drk^Angel

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Peppermint on Oct 6^th, 2002, 3:06am

;D LMFreakinAO Drk...
.... next time bring the damn Lysol...

;)

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Drk^Angel on Oct 6^th, 2002, 3:14am

Actually, I think a fire extinguisher would have worked better. Ya even try puttin' out a flame thrower with lysol... It's not pretty...

PFDAN........................ Drk^Angel

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Peppermint on Oct 6^th, 2002, 3:20am

Drk, you're so right - make that 1 commercial size fire extinguisher...

NEXT!

;)

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Drk^Angel on Oct 6^th, 2002, 3:33am

Good thing I don't keep my O₂ in that room... Wouldn't that have been interesting... First man to put himself into orbit physically with pot, instead of just mentally.

PFDAN........................... Drk^Angel

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Peppermint on Oct 6^th, 2002, 3:46am

:D :D :D :D :o :o :o :P

You know with the energy crisis these days. . . :-X

never mind.. 8)

;)

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Drk^Angel on Oct 6^th, 2002, 4:00am

Energy crisis 'eh? Wonder if I could sell the gas company some Grade A natural gas, fresh from the source... LOL

PFDAN......................... Drk^Angel

Title: Re: Cannabis
Post by Peppermint on Oct 6^th, 2002, 8:39am

ha......
ha...
.BAHAHAHAHAA HA HAHA..

Oh Drk....ROTFLMAO... ;D

;)