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Hobgoblin

2y ago

Cannabis and Bipolar Disorder: Help or Harm?

Im bipolar 1 and have been a cannabis user since 14 (currently 19, almost 20). I've read that thc reacts really bad with the bipolar brain and especially bad with medication. I've been trying to stop but I'm finding that I'm just getting worse without it to calm me down, help me sleep and eat, feel happy, and not be so hyper. (The reason I'm stopping is because it's illegal for me which is scary and i don't like the fatigue and irritability I get when I come down from the high). What are other people's experiences smoking weed with bipolar disorder? Does it help you or make it worse?

Your answer

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Mellow_love

1y ago

Hi, I'm 20 and am from TN. It is also illegal here but I have tried it to help with my bipolar 1. It certainly calms me down and makes me a more reasonable woman to talk to but it also makes me pretty incoherent most of the time. I understand the benefits but it's possible that there could be some problems with using cannabis for this disorder. If you wanna talk more about it I'm here.
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pandasss

1y ago

It makes it better for me, I typically just smoke when I'm manic because it's the only way that calms me down but if it makes you fatigue and lightheaded then it might not be right for you based on your meds you take, message me if you have any questions or just want to talk 💕
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doobie

2y ago

I had issues with my depression becoming more prevalent only when I was chainsmoking daily and being high became my norm. I believe it helped abolish my manic episodes but I also became extremely depressed and suicidal. After taking an extended break and smoking only in moderation now I can say it is extremely helpful. As long as you can find what works for you, and if you don't notice any side effects, go for it as much as you feel comfortable.
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lizziemay

2y ago

i smoked nightly for the first year of the pandemic and i have finally been off it for a couple months at the encouragement of my boyfriend. i still do it socially and sometimes edibles on special occasions, but the distance from it has made me wayyyyy less foggy, less dissociated, and less depressed. i had a doctor once tell me weed “sets the bipolar brain on fire” and makes it rapid cycle too.
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bee555

2y ago

i use cannabis daily and im bipolar 2. the downsides ive noticed (for myself) is i use cannabis as a coping mechanism and to ignore my negative feelings such as anxiety and depression, which helped in creating a dependency to weed. i feel like it’s very difficult to eat, sleep, or even function without being high. currently im trying to just distract myself from my urges and do things like listen to music when i get anxious, and use other coping skills, rather than instantly jumping to using.
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ThatOneNerd

2y ago

Try CBD
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Hobgoblin

2y ago

Though*
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Hobgoblin

2y ago

I really like shrooms too but research says psychedelics don't mix with bp and my therapist said not to use them which really upset me 😂lsd doesn't go well with me to
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vomitlilac

2y ago

Weed really messes with me if I smoke too much. It messes with my emotions and makes me sometimes see things just overall not really great for me. But I do really like shrooms and micro dosing its really helped with my bipolar, bpd, anxiety and depression. Shrooms overall are just great in my opinion
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Jadie

2y ago

Absolutely! I hope the CBD works well for you and you get a doctor who might have some knowledge so you can find an effective treatment plan. ❤️ 👍
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Hobgoblin

2y ago

Thank you two for responding, I really appreciate the feedback. I think I'll try CBD exclusively more and see how that works. It's an age and an area issue for why it's illegal for me, but I plan on moving to a legal state eventually so hopefully I'll be able to find a doctor that understands how it would affect me and give advice on what to use more than the doctors in the midwest 😅
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Jadie

2y ago

I have type 1 and medicate it with weed. I am very treatment resistant and its the only thing that works. Its known to medicate bipolar, but of course everyones different and it wont work for everyone. I also would not be surprised if it messed with certain medications. Not sure if its just age or also your area why its illegal but you could look into CBD products and see whats manageable there. Both THC and CBD are known to help but not everyone needs both. The type you smoke also matters a lot and could be causing fatigue. If its an age thing using CBD might be a way to help until its legal for you to use. (Also double check if that irritability and fatigue is the weed or mania as if I dont smoke for a certain amount of time I will have strong episodes the same way when you stop using mood stabilizers.)

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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