Should You Get High Or Get Still? Meditation Vs. Marijuana For Anxiety Relief

[dynamo]

Scott O’Reilly (https://www.thealternativedaily.com/author/sreilly/) May 22, 2018

https://cdn.thealternativedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/meditationversusmarijuanaforanxietyrelief_960x540-640x360.jpg
Anxiety has been likened to quicksand — it is a mindset that is difficult to escape. Rates of the condition appear to be on the increase and people diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder are at greater risk for a number of health problems (https://www.bustle.com/p/11-things-people-who-cope-with-anxiety-well-do-differently-8837421) including gastrointestinal disorders, heart disease and migraine headaches.

Traditional treatments for chronic anxiety (https://www.thealternativedaily.com/if-you-have-anxiety-or-depression-this-is-how-you-talk/) include tranquilizers, antidepressants and beta-blockers, but each of these medications entails severe side-effects (https://www.thealternativedaily.com/ways-to-fix-anxiety-naturally/). As a result, psychologists, psychiatrists and medical practitioners (not to mention patients) are on the lookout for safer and more effective treatment options.
Of late, both marijuana (https://www.thealternativedaily.com/weed-is-awesome-for-people-over-45/) and meditation have generated interest as alternative approaches to counteracting anxiety. How effective are they in alleviating mental distress? Here’s what you need to know.

New research on marijuana and anxiety

https://cdn.thealternativedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Several-studies-have-found-that-cannabis-can-reduce-depresison-and-anxiety.jpgSeveral studies have found that cannabis can reduce depression and anxiety.

These are rather heady days for cannabis (https://www.thealternativedaily.com/the-best-way-to-ingest-marijuana-smoking-vaporizing-or-edibles/). In case you’ve been tuning the news out, the World Health Organization has convened a special session (https://www.politico.com/magazine/story/2018/04/24/pot-marijuana-2018-congress-218069) to review marijuana’s medical status, Dr. Sanjay Gupta wrote an open letter (https://www.cnn.com/2018/04/24/health/medical-marijuana-opioid-epidemic-sanjay-gupta/index.html) explaining the evidence-based benefits of using pot (https://www.thealternativedaily.com/benefits-of-cannabis-tea/) to ease the opioid epidemic, and former Speaker of the House, John Boehner, just joined the board of a cannabis startup (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-04-11/ex-speaker-john-boehner-joins-marijuana-firm-s-advisory-board).

When a lifelong Republican (who used to be used to be an anti-pot crusader) joins a marijuana firm’s advisory board, then you know it’s only a matter of time before weed-based businesses start sprouting up nationwide.
Cannabis is also generating a lot of positive news buzz in other areas too. Recently, a number of studies have concluded that the herb can significantly alleviate anxiety, stress (https://www.thealternativedaily.com/tai-chi-helps-ptsd/) and depression.

Findings like these are giving many people high hopes that compounds found in marijuana (most notably CBD) may help individuals suffering from mood disorders and psychiatric conditions like PTSD (https://www.thealternativedaily.com/5-alternative-tools-for-PTSD-you-can-try/).

How convincing is the evidence?
How does cannabis stack up against anxiety treatments that we know are safe and effective (like yoga and meditation)? Let’s take a look at some of the most compelling evidence:


A study (http://www.wweek.com/news/2018/04/20/washington-state-university-study-among-first-to-test-effects-of-different-strains-of-cannabis-on-depression-and-anxiety/) by scientists at the Washington State University found that just a couple of puffs of marijuana is enough to lower anxiety and depression for most users. This was one of the first studies to examine the strain-specific effects of cannabis on mood. The researchers concluded that herbal strains high in CBD (https://www.thealternativedaily.com/this-homemade-coconut-oil-cbd-recipe-will-get-rid-of-pain-instantly/) (a natural anti-inflammatory compound with no psychoactive properties) but low in THC (the compound responsible for marijuana mind-altering effects) had the most beneficial impact on mood. Summarizing the results, assistant professor of psychology, Carrie Cutler, explained that “one puff of cannabis high in CBD and low in THC was optimal for reducing symptoms of depression, two puffs of any type of cannabis was sufficient to reduce symptoms of anxiety, while ten or more puffs of cannabis high in CBD and high in THC produced the largest reductions in stress.”
Research published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21307846) found that the CBD in cannabis “significantly reduced anxiety (https://sciencetrends.com/new-study-on-cbd-a-marijuana-extract-shows-signs-of-easing-anxiety/), cognitive impairment and discomfort” in patients suffering from social phobias and conditions like seasonal affective disorders.
In 2012, researchers (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3691841/) reported that compounds in cannabis offered enormous potential for treating anxiety and other mood disorders.

In the past, studies investigating marijuana’s effect had been mixed, but scientists believe the primary reason for this is that previous research did not distinguish between CBD (known for its calming effect (https://www.thealternativedaily.com/world-health-organization-says-dea-is-wrong-about-cbd-oil/)) and THC (a compound that can induce temporary feelings of paranoia).
For a look at how CBD oil is easing anxiety in some patients you can check out cool video:
While the latest studies on cannabis and anxiety are encouraging, there are some caveats too. For one, the scientists at Washington State University noted that long-term heavy use of cannabis may actually worsen symptoms of depression. As they explain, “continued use [of cannabis] may exacerbate baseline symptoms of depression over time.”

Why meditation is the best choice for treating anxiety
https://cdn.thealternativedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Meditation-should-be-a-first-line-treatment-for-anxiety-and-depression.jpgMeditation should be the first-line treatment for anxiety and depression. On the other hand, studies suggest that meditation offers unequivocally positive benefits when it comes to alleviating anxiety, but without any known downside.

Confirmation of that meditation can mitigate anxiety can be found on multiple fronts. For example, recently researchers investigating meditation techniques presented impressive study results (https://www.usnews.com/news/health-care-news/articles/2018-04-20/study-meditation-improves-anxiety-and-cardiovascular-health) at an annual Experimental Biology conference.

According to Dr. John J. Durocher an assistant professor of biological sciences at Michigan Tech who presented the findings (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180423135048.htm) at the scientific gathering, “Our results show a clear reduction in anxiety in the first hour after the meditation session, and our preliminary results suggest that anxiety was significantly lower one week after the meditation session.”
In fact, the evidence supporting meditation as a first-line treatment for anxiety and depression is especially persuasive because it has been confirmed in a number of ways.


EEG (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/03/100319210631.htm) electrodes used to measure brainwave activity show that meditation induces more relaxed mental states.
Neuroimaging (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4471247/) and MRI studies show that meditation, yoga, and Tai Chi impact brain structure in a positive way.
Sonograms show that meditation can have positive effects on cardiovascular health. For instance, as Dr. Durocher noted about subjects in his recent study, “[our] participants also had reduced mechanical stress on their arteries an hour after the [meditation] session. This could help to reduce stress on organs like the brain and kidneys and help prevent conditions such as high blood pressure.”

Numerous other studies confirm that meditative practices reduce biomarkers correlated with coronary artery disease. Taken together, the evidence is overwhelming that meditation (and related mindfulness activities like yoga (https://www.thealternativedaily.com/the-many-benefits-of-yoga-for-stress-relief/) and tai chi) counteracts anxiety and stress.

To learn more about how you can use meditation to reduce anxiety you can check out this fantastic video with psychologist Daniel Goleman:
The evidence that cannabis can reduce stress and anxiety is also persuasive and encouraging, but it is not as unequivocally positive as the data supporting meditation. Thus far, the research appears to suggest that low doses of strains that are high in CBD (but low in THC) appear to be the most efficacious when it comes to reducing anxiety.

Additional tips for coping with anxiety
https://cdn.thealternativedaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/In-addition-to-meditation-try-stress-busting-foods-and-drinks-like-chamomile-tea.jpgIn addition to meditation, try stress-busting foods and drinks, like chamomile tea. Rates of anxiety have been rising in our society, particularly among adolescents (https://www.medicaldaily.com/rise-prevalence-anxiety-among-us-children-and-adolescents-study-423763) and young people. According to some of the latest statistics (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180424184119.htm), more than one teen in twenty suffers from some form of severe anxiety or depression. Experts suggest a number of things that can help individuals cope (https://www.bustle.com/p/11-things-people-who-cope-with-anxiety-well-do-differently-8837421) with anxiety including:


Finding social support networks
Discovering a mindful activity that you practice regularly (this could be meditation, prayer time or solitude breaks)
Engaging in stress-busting forms of physical activity (like walking, swimming or dancing)
Learning everything you can about anxiety. As therapist Laura MacLeod explains, “being proactive about seeking information is a strong, practical way to fight anxiety … [Doing so] builds your self-esteem, which also decreases anxiety.”
Take up a hobby that gives you pleasure (be it a musical instrument, gardening or knitting)
Take your focus off yourself by doing something for others. Volunteering is a great antidote for affluenza-related anxiety
Using stress-busting plant-based essential oils (https://www.thealternativedaily.com/ease-stress-and-anxiety-with-these-5-essential-oils/) to alleviate anxiety
Eating more stress-busting foods (try chamomile tea, nuts, avocados and bananas)

Anxiety is a part of the human condition and no one is immune from it. But when it starts to interfere with your life, then take a deep breath and consider these wise words from Deepak Chopra: “The best use of imagination is creativity. The worst use of imagination is anxiety.” Anxiety may be a part of your life, but it should not define or circumscribe it.
— Scott O’Reilly

[Valerie Villars]

Marijuana allows me to stay in the moment and focus on important things like God, music and nature. On the other hand, I wouldn't try to read a book and understand it after partaking.

Because it's beneficial to us, the ptb will try and restrain it's use for all they are worth. There's a reason why it's so popular.

"Governments loathe people being free."

[dynamo]

Marijuana allows me to stay in the moment and focus on important things like God, music and nature. On the other hand, I wouldn't try to read a book and understand it after partaking.

Because it's beneficial to us, the ptb will try and restrain it's use for all they are worth. There's a reason why it's so popular.

"Governments loathe people being free."
Good points, Valerie Villars.
I used to feel the same way in my younger days.
These days, I try to stay more focused (being a parent) all of the time, so pot has gone the way of the dodo bird for me.
Don't get me wrong, I am not saying pot doesn't serve a purpose for millions.
It just doesn't serve a useful purpose for me anymore.
Besides, it is so damned potent these days compared to what we had in the 70s and 80s, one puff and my mind starts racing for hours LOL!

[Hervé]

A few wise words of caution from a very old tradition:


[...]

[...]
Here are the words from a very old oral tradition echoed to the ears of an apprentice to the Gypsy tradition (Pierre Derlon, Voyage au delà du Mental):



“Never in my life have I ever used hypnosis as my masters constantly repeated to me that what destroys Man’s will, destroys Man. Hypnosis destroys consciousness of motion and therefore massacres personality. For hypnosis is to a man’s brain what drug is to his body: a poison which, by killing his will, enslaves his soul into only perceiving lies.

“The difference between drugs and mental disciplines is that drugs kill; whereas, whichever ascetic discipline chosen, it strengthens/empowers. Man is prisoner of drugs, he is the master of the disciplines he subjects his body to in order to free his spirit from the gangue he is prisoner of.

"Man is ignorant of the fact that he is both a machine as well as its mechanics. He distances himself from nature and resorts to artifice. Artifice slowly kills him."
Crutches are good in helping broken lower limbs heal... then, one needs to relearn how to walk without them...



what destroys Man’s will, destroys Man.Whence the spiritual battle raging all over this planet... producing "Fallen Angels" by the millions when the latter yield to artificial moments of pleasure in lieu of training.

Whence, also: Psych Drugs: The Real Weapons of Mass Destruction (http://projectavalon.net/forum4/showthread.php?56969-Psych-Drugs-The-Real-Weapons-of-Mass-Destruction)

[Valerie Villars]

Never would I advise anyone to use anything as a crutch. Everyone has to find their own way. No victim-hood allowed. Intention is all. Imposing one's will over another is the worst form of tyranny.

[TomKat]

I vote marijuana. We don't have enough possessed people in this world. When your pupils become permanently over-sized and you need an exorcism to get them back to normal, then maybe try some smack to make them smaller :-)

[Tam]

Well, it's no secret that I'm pro-pot. In my opinion, the cons are minimal, but the pros are myriad, and not just for medicinal or recreational reasons. Hemp is a wonderplant. And CBD oil is something that is oft-forgotten. It won't get you high, so it's used for medicinal purposes, and is very effective at treating a laundry list of ailments, diseases, and disabilities. It would be my primary use if I had the luxury, but alas, I live in Texas, so I can only get bud from the black market. My dealer is the only dude I trust.

I use weed primarily for medical uses, mainly for menstrual pain and migraines, and I can vouch for its effectiveness. I wish I didn't have to get the high that goes with it each time, but it is what it is.

I am convinced that the whole marijuana thing is the modern-day Prohibition. It's high time (ha) that we end this ridiculous legislature about it. It's 2018. Time to catch up.

There is no way to overdose, no addiction (only attachment, and that's the user, not the plant), and it won't make you sick or violent or angry the way alcohol does. If people are concerned about those who drive while high, well, that's a stupid thing to be afraid of, frankly, because driving while intoxicated is an irresponsible idiot problem, not a weed problem. It's like saying that we shouldn't allow fire to exist because some people play with it.

The cons are memory-oriented issues while the THC is in your system, smoke inhalation if smoked, and weight gain. That's pretty much the end of the list.

It really grinds my gears when conservative types spread bold-faced lies about marijuana, and I'm very much concerned about the sudden corporate interest in weed, but it is what it is. There's no way they're going to legalize it free and clean without a few caveats. This is America we're talking about. It's always about money, at any cost.

[Dennis Leahy]

I'd say, interesting article, but kind of a click-bait and disingenuous title. The cannabinoid CBD is not about getting high - as the article says, it's not psychoactive. Interestingly, CBD even moderates the euphoria (high) from THC. CBD (cannabidiol) is the compound in the CBD-rich strain of cannabis called "Charlotte's Web", named for the little girl whose epileptic seizures were finally quelled by oil made from the Charlotte's Web cannabis strain. So, it is pretty obvious that CBD can have a profound effect on the nervous system.

THC is also a miraculous medicinal compound, but, like CBD, provides a more effective treatment into a wider range of conditions when the oil is extracted as a "Full Extract Cannabis Oil" (FECO), rather than as a fractional distillate of relatively pure CBD or pure THC. Fully extracted cannabis oils contain myriad cannabinoids, terpines, and waxes, not just the one single cannabinoid compound like the fractional distillate products. (FECO THC-rich oil is mentioned frequently in alternative medicine circles, but you don't see FECO CBD-rich oil mentioned as frequently.) A fully extracted oil from a CBD-rich cannabis plant is really what the article should be pointing to, for anti-anxiolytic effects. The other piece of savvy advice missing from the article: Almost all CBD oil/tincture on the market is made from commercial-grade hemp (biochemically simpler plant, less beneficial compounds, accumulated soil toxins) and worse, it is a fractional distillate, not FECO. If you want to include CBD in your health regimen, you will have to look hard to find any with much medicinal value, (and it is expensive), or grow your own high-CBD strain (such as the famous "AC/DC", a 20:1 CBD:THC cannabis strain) and make the oil yourself.

Finally, it is a false dichotomy - you don't have to decide between meditation and using natural substances (such as magnesium, chamomile, and cannabidiol-rich oil) to help to calm yourself; you could do both.

[Mark (Star Mariner)]

On the cannabis, I say go for it. I've seen the medicinal benefits in friends first hand. Inverse to those benefits however is the detriment of excessive recreational use. Seen a good few people wander off the reservation on it.

I recall attending a house party in the mid-nineties, where I availed myself of an especially grand chocolate cake they were serving. I scoffed two large slices of it. When I started to feel a bit sick, I drove home - scarcely twenty minutes away. That turned into an hour and twenty minutes. A entire 1 hour of genuine missing time. To this day I have no idea what I was doing. Of course, there were no UFOs involved, I was simply out of my face, enough to get lost driving around my own neighbourhood. Later I found out they called it 'space cake'. A very special cake indeed. For me, never again!

[Spellbound]

I've been smoking pot daily for almost 30 years (I also quit drinking in 1989....not a drop since then). 4 years ago I started vaping, which I highly recommend over smoking joints or pipes as it is much easier on the lungs (and cheaper on the wallet). Unfortunately, the US gov't demonized marijuana decades ago with Reefer Madness which brainwashed the public to believing that pot is such an evil drug, which is bull$****. Alcohol is far worse for the human condition that pot could ever be.

Dave - Toronto

[Michelle Marie]

I respect all natural plant medicines. There's a time and a purpose for each of them.

My daily meditation practice and my current peaceful lifestyle has alleviated the need for m.j. to relieve anxiety. But when I was younger (and m.j. wasn't so strong, as Dynamo mentioned), it was a lifesaver for painful cramps, anxiety, etc.

I've observed the process of FECO production, and I've heard numerous testimonials about beneficial effects. I've also made medicines combining cannibas with coconut oil, and comfrey with coconut oil. Natural and beneficial.

My personal experience with meditation (long-term daily practice) has resulted in a deeper peace and a multitude of unexpected benefits.

Anything is better than pharmaceuticals, from my understanding! :)

As we become masters of vibration & frequency, and consciously control consciousness, the tools and training wheels will no longer be required. Each person has their own path; all have validity. I would never attempt to tell anyone what to do, and I remain autonomous in the decisions I make for mySelf as well.

MM :sun:

PS. The stored sunlight in anything green supports the light of our energy field, from my perspective. :flower:

@Star Mariner..."Space Cake" ... ... ... LOL :laugh: :) :bounce:
Watch out for edibles!!!

[Foxie Loxie]

Wasn't marijuana "demonized" because people using it are harder to mind control? :confused:

[Bluegreen]

Wasn't marijuana "demonized" because people using it are harder to mind control? :confused:

Marijuana was demonized on behalf of and for the immense personal profit of the DuPont family, one of the 13 satanic bloodlines of the illuminati.

[Mike]

I'm not anti weed. But I'm one of those people who just feels kind of tired and sluggish having smoked it. I'm more of a beer man...and to me, weed is sort of comparable to that.

I am anti addiction. And weed is addictive. This isn't something I read in a textbook; I have 2 friends who are clearly addicted to it. One admits he's addicted, and the other is in varying states of denial ("I'm not addicted," he says. "I just prefer to smoke all the time".:)

I love beer, so I will hardly sit in judgement of a weed smoker. Having said that, weed requires one to seek it out from someone else for purchase; so now you are relying on someone else, and relying on money. That has all sorts of ramifications. Whereas meditation requires one to be totally self reliant, which seems, at least to me, a more empowering option, especially if one is seeking to overcome anxiety.

[Tam]

I'm not anti weed. But I'm one of those people who just feels kind of tired and sluggish having smoked it. I'm more of a beer man...and to me, weed is sort of comparable to that.

I am anti addiction. And weed is addictive. This isn't something I read in a textbook; I have 2 friends who are clearly addicted to it. One admits he's addicted, and the other is in varying states of denial ("I'm not addicted," he says. "I just prefer to smoke all the time".:)

I love beer, so I will hardly sit in judgement of a weed smoker. Having said that, weed requires one to seek it out from someone else for purchase; so now you are relying on someone else, and relying on money. That has all sorts of ramifications. Whereas meditation requires one to be totally self reliant, which seems, at least to me, a more empowering option, especially if one is seeking to overcome anxiety.

The addiction thing in weed isn't the weed itself, in my experience. My boyfriend's ex-roommate is the perfect example. Your textbook pothead. Really sweet dude that would give you the shirt off his back, but he is just the most astoundingly, pathetically lazy shut-in I have ever met. I thought I was a case, but man, this dude is one a whole different plane.

He smokes high amounts of pot daily. He's pretty much stoned 60% of his waking hours. But he himself says he isn't addicted per se, but rather, is just self-medicating because he has severe anxiety and depression.

The things about Mary Jane is that while it isn't addictive itself the way, say, cigarettes or cocaine or cola are, people can and will get hooked to the peace it gives you. But then, like I said earlier, it's a fault within the person, and not the plant itself. If it wasn't weed, it would have been one of the other major coping mechanisms. Food, alcohol, porn, working out, only owning and wearing pink....whatever works for that person.

We all need to be careful not to let ourselves fall into addiction. But calling weed addictive isn't really fair. We have to dig deeper than that, and ask ourselves why so many people turn to some kind of distraction to attach themselves to.

[Valerie Villars]

Wasn't marijuana "demonized" because people using it are harder to mind control? :confused:

Foxie, you hit the nail on the head. That is exactly my thought on the matter. And I did live through some nasty attacks.

No one will ever convince me that pot during that time didn't help save my life.

For the record, I, too am for anti addiction, but this is a tough world we live in and some people, some time, for some reasons need to use their instincts and their intellect in getting through. As Lennon said, "Whatever gets you through the night.."

[Caliban]

That's tricky, because as many of us know, cannabis can "lead" to what seems like anxiety (some call it paranoia). My take on that is that the pot is showing you some stuff you've not dealt with -- that it's not "creating" the anxiety in you. People get spooked though and blame the MJ. It's a medicine, it's a teacher. Everyone's gotta find their own dose, especially now since it's a lot stronger than it used to be.

OTOH, I've never found it to be calming, per se. Re-vivifying, revealing, spiritual, heart-opening, oh yeah. And that might lead to calm. And it might lead to a peace that passeth understanding but you've got to be willing to do some work, i.e. face some demons, old patterns. It's not a trifling thing but it is innocuous.

Everything though starts and returns to meditation. You don't need MJ for that. All you need to go home is your key and your key therein is sitting and being quiet. Most people don't want that, have you noticed?

[Mike]

Hi Indigris, yep I hear you!:)

It's likely we all seek out(or fall in to) vices due to some ....oh I want to say "emptiness" but it sounds kind of trite and cliche. Maybe it starts as a weekend thing, and then eventually graduates to a 3 or 4 day a week thing, and then an every day thing. What started as a psychological crutch now becomes a physiological addiction over time.

I haven't done the research on weed, therefore I have no idea how to separate the psychological crutch part from the physiological addiction part...or even if that's possible. I'm getting a headache just thinking about it (sh!t I need a beer lol)

When I drink a 6 pack of Guinness, I'm looking for something other than the standardism of everyday life. Those first few sips are a wonderful revelation. It takes me somewhere. It's beautiful. It provides a relative mentality other than the one I normally experience.

But if I drink a 6 pack every day, over time it becomes the boring standardism that my previous baseline represented. There is no longer anything to compare it to. No relativity. It can only take me somewhere if I'm not there already. If I'm there all the time, well.....you get the point. Everything gets boring if one does it all the time.

Whenever I've felt addicted, it was because I was desperately trying to recreate the magic night after night after night.

Was that a psychological crutch or a physiological addiction? Rhetorical question there. Man I can't answer that.

I hope this isn't too terribly off topic .

[Omni]

I'm not anti weed. But I'm one of those people who just feels kind of tired and sluggish having smoked it. I'm more of a beer man...and to me, weed is sort of comparable to that.

I am anti addiction. And weed is addictive. This isn't something I read in a textbook; I have 2 friends who are clearly addicted to it. One admits he's addicted, and the other is in varying states of denial ("I'm not addicted," he says. "I just prefer to smoke all the time".:)

I love beer, so I will hardly sit in judgement of a weed smoker.
Cannabis is medicinally beneficial, and is only psychologically addictive not physiologically addictive. Beer (alcohol) on the other hand is both psychologically and physiologically addictive, and alcohol is not much of a medicine it is more a toxin/poison.

For myself "weed" aka cannabis is nowhere near just recreation. I am a satanic ritual abuse survivor and severe mind control victim and cannabis has been one of if not the most effective things at combating what happens to myself. The only thing that I can think of that compares is knowledge. I get tortured 50-1,000 times a day with automated targeting, and if I smoke it provides a barrier that contributes to keeping a positive morale. It does not make me sluggish or lazy, in fact I have worked every single week, and almost every day for over a year on my own projects while smoking heavily to combat the counterintelligence abuse.

[Bubu]

Hi Indigris, yep I hear you!:)

Whenever I've felt addicted, it was because I was desperately trying to recreate the magic night after night after night.

.

I dont do much reading as much as observe the effects of it on me. To me MJ is an enhancer. So if I am sad or angry I dont touch it. Its like there is some kind of compound which our body produce that works with it to produce/enhance whatever we are feeling at the moment. When we have used up all that substance that is produce by the body the THC/CBD has nothing to combine to thus there is no noticeable effect this makes me puff more and more until to the point of excessive. I have learned that lesson quickly so not doing it again. There should be no blame on the weed for any adverse effect. its on the person using it. I found out that sweating can quickly remedy the over use. I actually feel very good after the exercise. MJ is very very good if you know how to use it, to physical and mental health. I even use it when I am designing the most difficult parts of the machines and devices I create. But I have to pass on it 1 or 2 days and wait for that something/compound to accumulate.


"Finally, it is a false dichotomy - you don't have to decide between meditation and using natural substances (such as magnesium, chamomile, and cannabidiol-rich oil) to help to calm yourself; you could do both"

I am a guy who always fall asleep when meditating.Not anymore when I discovered that a puff makes me stay on course. But the goal (meditating) should be establish in my mind first before the puff as I have said its an enhancer to me. It gives clarity as to what food should I eat or should I eat or what I do all I have to do is meditate and listen after the puff. It gives me direction but I have to seek that direction in my mind consciously.

Finally MJ is prohibited because it makes people more creative, more independent thinkers, happier, more peaceful, more aware and as Foxie said "harder to mind control"

[Bubu]

MJ looks to me unstoppable thus their only choice is to weaponize it. Please have your own original strain going. I am lucky to have friends that have their original strains for years.

[Mike]

I'm not anti weed. But I'm one of those people who just feels kind of tired and sluggish having smoked it. I'm more of a beer man...and to me, weed is sort of comparable to that.

I am anti addiction. And weed is addictive. This isn't something I read in a textbook; I have 2 friends who are clearly addicted to it. One admits he's addicted, and the other is in varying states of denial ("I'm not addicted," he says. "I just prefer to smoke all the time".:)

I love beer, so I will hardly sit in judgement of a weed smoker.
Cannabis is medicinally beneficial, and is only psychologically addictive not physiologically addictive. Beer (alcohol) on the other hand is both psychologically and physiologically addictive, and alcohol is not much of a medicine it is more a toxin/poison.

For myself "weed" aka cannabis is nowhere near just recreation. I am a satanic ritual abuse survivor and severe mind control victim and cannabis has been one of if not the most effective things at combating what happens to myself. The only thing that I can think of that compares is knowledge. I get tortured 50-1,000 times a day with automated targeting, and if I smoke it provides a barrier that contributes to keeping a positive morale. It does not make me sluggish or lazy, in fact I have worked every single week, and almost every day for over a year on my own projects while smoking heavily to combat the counterintelligence abuse.



Hey Omni, I'm glad you've found something that provides some relief from your problems. Of course there's no need to suffer needlessly if we don't have to.

Indigris had said that weed wasn't really addicting in and of itself, it was that people were just addicted to the feeling it gave them. But my next thought was: isn't every drug or recreational substance addicting because of the feeling it gives you? And then the next question must be: why does it give you that feeling? The logical answer to that is that it alters ones physiology in some way, chemically. When one finds one is distracted to the point of extreme restlessness if one can't alter their physiology to create some sense of calm, or high, or whatever, and *needs* a drug or substance of some kind to achieve it, I would call that addiction.

In this sense, I'm having a hard time distinguishing weed from any other substance (..when it comes to addiction! I'm not comparing it to hard drugs like cocaine or heroin or anything in terms of potential bodily harm)

Having said all that, there is no need for anyone to suffer needlessly. I have a friend that would have died years ago if it wasn't for anti anxiety medication. And my sister would have a terrible time functioning without anti depressants (I worked with her and tried every herb and nutritional substance in every combination you can imagine, to no avail). I know no one wants to take either of those drugs, but it beats suicide.

Not comparing weed to those drugs either, I'm simply saying that we have no idea how terribly other people are suffering, so we have absolutely no right to judge their choices. No right at all. I love the idea of meditation, conceptually, but i really dont know if its a realistic option for those who are in absolute hell and in need of an immediate solution.

As a daily tonic, weed has much more upside and much less downside than most options. In that sense, perhaps it could be thought of as more of a treatment than an addiction. I might be willing to make that semantical concession. Not sure though - Its hard making these distinctions!:)

[Michelle Marie]

Hi Indigris, yep I hear you!:)

Whenever I've felt addicted, it was because I was desperately trying to recreate the magic night after night after night.

.

I dont do much reading as much as observe the effects of it on me. To me MJ is an enhancer. So if I am sad or angry I dont touch it. Its like there is some kind of compound which our body produce that works with it to produce/enhance whatever we are feeling at the moment. When we have used up all that substance that is produce by the body the THC/CBD has nothing to combine to thus there is no noticeable effect this makes me puff more and more until to the point of excessive. I have learned that lesson quickly so not doing it again. There should be no blame on the weed for any adverse effect. its on the person using it. I found out that sweating can quickly remedy the over use. I actually feel very good after the exercise. MJ is very very good if you know how to use it, to physical and mental health. I even use it when I am designing the most difficult parts of the machines and devices I create. But I have to pass on it 1 or 2 days and wait for that something/compound to accumulate.


"Finally, it is a false dichotomy - you don't have to decide between meditation and using natural substances (such as magnesium, chamomile, and cannabidiol-rich oil) to help to calm yourself; you could do both"

I am a guy who always fall asleep when meditating.Not anymore when I discovered that a puff makes me stay on course. But the goal (meditating) should be establish in my mind first before the puff as I have said its an enhancer to me. It gives clarity as to what food should I eat or should I eat or what I do all I have to do is meditate and listen after the puff. It gives me direction but I have to seek that direction in my mind consciously.

Finally MJ is prohibited because it makes people more creative, more independent thinkers, happier, more peaceful, more aware and as Foxie said "harder to mind control"

I have a friend who meditates daily. She puffs before going within.

We each find what works for us. No judgment; just understanding.

VV...JL..."Whatever gets you through the night." :yes4: Life can be difficult. We can regulate the intensity.

I feel compassion for you Omni. :bearhug:

MM

[Leonard]

Cannabis is medicinally beneficial, and is only psychologically addictive not physiologically addictive. Beer (alcohol) on the other hand is both psychologically and physiologically addictive, and alcohol is not much of a medicine it is more a toxin/poison.
....

Ahh~~ my friend, that's a very good explanation regarding weeds. Always be grateful if you have a chance to use marijuana, not many ppl got the chance to use this wonder medicine due to our sick society. Some ppl asked where is hell and I will said earth is hell. Ironically, we created this hell hole in order to experience it and know what is abundance and love.
You also reminds me of many ppl who discovered this forum used to have some sort of depressions and realized there is something wrong with this world.
I will recommend using both for ppl who can't do it with just meditation due to past traumas. By the way, weeds also cure cancers and there are kids using it.
TXKjRkkoIOU

[what is a name?]

For me personally the 2 go together hand in glove but as everyone is unique in in their various body make-ups, and each will have their own unique experience of it.

In my 'awakening' 5 years ago I was told to 'cultivate cannabis and tobacco' and yes the tobacco aspect will be seen by most as the more controversial, but is this another case of a demonising by 'controllers' to prevent the use of a beneficial substance?

In the last year my wife was diagnosed with stage 3b aggressive ovarian cancer and after research went hell for leather in the consumption of cannabis oils. Before her chemotherapy course was finished she was given the 'all clear'. Of course we cannot say it was only due to the oils but more and more cases are coming up showing similar results. And the pain relief compared to the nasty opiates offered was amazing! Ovarian cancer has an extremely high 'return' rate therefore a good lifestyle etc etc is being adhered to.

For me the mindset of the individual will determine how the cannabis interacts with them - if used in the 'right vibration' then benefits will come.

[Bill Ryan]

The addiction thing in weed isn't the weed itself, in my experience. My boyfriend's ex-roommate is the perfect example. Your textbook pothead. Really sweet dude that would give you the shirt off his back, but he is just the most astoundingly, pathetically lazy shut-in I have ever met. I thought I was a case, but man, this dude is one a whole different plane.

He smokes high amounts of pot daily. He's pretty much stoned 60% of his waking hours. But he himself says he isn't addicted per se, but rather, is just self-medicating because he has severe anxiety and depression.

I've been reading this thread with interest. Personally, the only 'drug' I ever take is coffee. :) No alcohol, or anything. I try to stay as 'clean' as I possibly can, in a very toxic and tempting world.

The most important comment I've read is that of Indigris above. It seems one can use cannabis in two ways: to genuinely solve or mitigate real problems in a proactive, aware, and responsible way — or to avoid problems by 'self-medicating', just as a drunk in a bar may try to drown their sorrows rather than facing them and taking responsibility.

One can only look in the mirror and know for oneself (if one has the courage) what one is really doing, and why.

One comment, though: when doing depth processing such as guided past-life recall, marijuana will definitely inhibit and block all that, as will any drug (including alcohol or even many prescription meds). The bodymind needs to be as clean as possible in order to embark on very subtle journeys of that kind.

[william r sanford72]

Every one should learn how to grow and use herbal/root medicine and Food.Also breathing and calming methods for quieting the mind and emotions for focus and relief of undue stress.. These things Should bee required and taught in all schools in my op..like Math and History.

[TomKat]

He smokes high amounts of pot daily. He's pretty much stoned 60% of his waking hours. But he himself says he isn't addicted per se, but rather, is just self-medicating because he has severe anxiety and depression.

I've been reading this thread with interest. Personally, the only 'drug' I ever take is coffee. :) No alcohol, or anything. I try to stay as 'clean' as I possibly can, in a very toxic and tempting world.


Marijuana facilitates the absorption of lower astral entities by the partaker/host. It is nature's way of keeping the "thought sphere" clear so that people with clear auras aren't constantly targeted by these attachments. Alcohol is much less efficient, as one has to become quite drunk to become a human sponge. I applaud everyone who volunteers for sponge duty, as long as they don't stand too close to me. :-)

[petra]

You know what else is good for anxiety? Painting your finger nails!! ;-) I could not help but notice the two girls in the photos have painted nails.



For myself "weed" aka cannabis is nowhere near just recreation. I am a satanic ritual abuse survivor and severe mind control victim and cannabis has been one of if not the most effective things at combating what happens to myself. The only thing that I can think of that compares is knowledge. I get tortured 50-1,000 times a day with automated targeting, and if I smoke it provides a barrier that contributes to keeping a positive morale. It does not make me sluggish or lazy, in fact I have worked every single week, and almost every day for over a year on my own projects while smoking heavily to combat the counterintelligence abuse.

This is one of the best uses of pot that I have ever heard! I feel somewhat the same, but in my case I would not call it a "barrier". I can't stop attacks with pot, but it does seem to make them go away faster.

In my little brother's case, it's the opposite. He stopped smoking it entirely because he said (and I quote) "It gives me cosmic paranoia, as if the stars are talking about me"

[Gekko]

kP15q815Saw

[Gekko]

It was interesting coming across this thread last night and then the video above the day after smoking for the first time in a few months. It was quite intense and has gotten me thinking a lot about the drug.

I've found that it drastically alters my thinking process and brings up suppressed thoughts for examination. Sometimes this has been very helpful in getting 'unstuck', realizing and challenging old habits and fears. Shaking things up, so to speak.

Unfortunately, sometimes my thoughts become too detached from reality. The most recent time, it gave me ideas that I'm glad I was able to coax myself out of taking too seriously or even acting on. I've found this to be the case when I smoke too much and do it alone (in other words, no one else around to bounce ideas off of and keep me grounded). All it's taken is one short, skinny joint, which I think attests to how sensitive some people can be to it, or how potent it's gotten in recent years.

And the previous time that I smoked alone several years ago, the mental crisis it induced led to what I later recognized as a manic episode - which I had never experienced up to that point and haven't experienced since. Looking back, maybe overall it was still useful in moving me out of the stagnant funk I was in. But these experiences signal to me that for some people, THC isn't a drug to be taken lightly. It has its risks and requires some caution/respect.

I've been living on a college campus for the past year and have two friends that have struggled with addiction to it. Someone on my dorm hall who was prone to paranoia to begin with became addicted to it over the course of last semester and got into deep obsessions over who she thought was trying to ruin her life and reputation.

On the other hand of all this, I had a friend many years ago who had severe epilepsy. He used to smoke a good amount of marijuana and I think felt pretty guilty for it at times. This was before it was legalized in any states and before I had heard about it being beneficial for some people with epilepsy. I remember him buying K2 from time to time (synthetic marijuana which is horribly unhealthy). Eventually he committed suicide. Part of me wonders how the picture might have been different if he had a legitimized way of getting the drug and didn't have to feel ashamed for it.

[what is a name?]

Knowing that there are many, many strains of pot, each with a different cannabinoid make-up (CBD/THC) and each one has a slightly different interaction with the mind/body, being able to 'tailor' your choice can make a big difference in the pros and cons of weed.

As for synthetic cannabis - nasty. nasty, nasty. In the UK it's marketed as Spice and having seen on the pack that it's manufactured in the Ukraine (if you understand the whole dark scenario that wallows in that region then it comes as no surprise) and as Gekko mentioned, suicide while using is frighteningly common. Google 'spice suicide' and a whole lotta stuff comes up. I believe it is purposely manufactured for the negative effect on the mind/body/spirit, and since it nearly killed me after 3 days (not suicide), I can vouch for the 'evil intent' behind it.

[A Voice from the Mountains]

I know people with anxiety who can't sit still long enough to meditate. In fact I think most normal people don't have the patience to sit still long enough to meditate for any appreciable length of time.

I think to myself, "I wish they would just smoke some weed," but they won't, but neither are they capable of meditating. So they just stay like nerve balls all the time.



I'm not anti weed. But I'm one of those people who just feels kind of tired and sluggish having smoked it. I'm more of a beer man...and to me, weed is sort of comparable to that.

I used to enjoy beer until I learned that hops are the most powerful plant estrogen known to man. And estrogen analogs in men cause cancer, not to mention soyboy syndrome, though I admit I've known many men much manlier than myself who drink plenty of beer.

Weed is related to hops and probably has related effects. It tends to make me lazy and sluggish too unless I smoke only a very little. They make it so strong today it's ridiculous. And people brag about how strong theirs is, and then they pass out in the middle of the day and start drooling all over themselves in their sleep.

Tobacco on the other hand, though physically addictive, frees up fluoride from the body so it can be removed, and has decidedly masculine characteristics to it. It increases production of testosterone. I only smoke tobacco rarely though, because it is addictive, and only organic American Spirit tobacco out of a pipe.

Weed is psychologically addictive in the same way that using smartphones or the Internet is addictive. You won't have withdrawal symptoms if you stop, but you'll think about it an awful lot. I think this has more to do with habitual behavioral patterns than anything else.




As for synthetic cannabis - nasty. nasty, nasty. In the UK it's marketed as Spice and having seen on the pack that it's manufactured in the Ukraine (if you understand the whole dark scenario that wallows in that region then it comes as no surprise) and as Gekko mentioned, suicide while using is frighteningly common. Google 'spice suicide' and a whole lotta stuff comes up. I believe it is purposely manufactured for the negative effect on the mind/body/spirit, and since it nearly killed me after 3 days (not suicide), I can vouch for the 'evil intent' behind it.

This is probably better for another thread, but I will also vouch for the evil behind those synthetic drugs.

"Bath salts." I never had any interest in them whatsoever. But a rather stupid buddy of mine did. Some of the stories he told me later of the things that happened to him while he was on it creeped me out and convinced me that he was channeling some very dark energy while he was on it. I tend to be more analytical about consciousness experiences but this guy was just always looking for a cheap buzz one way or another, and he wasn't particularly spiritual or religious.

It gets to the point where the changes in your consciousness begin causing certain things to manifest in the "real world." Things that are synchronistic. But in this case, in a very bad way. Like thinking you are hallucinating a man with a bandana hiding in the room at the end of your hall, and it creeps you out, so you don't go back there. But then later you find the bandana, and realize that there actually was at least one person hiding in your house while you were there, and you weren't hallucinating it at all. That kind of creepy. And that is essentially the story he related to me, and he had no idea who it could have been or wtf was going on. I questioned him about it at length. He was very confused about it but I very much suspect he was tapping into some extremely dark things based on what else he was saying about it.

Long story short I wouldn't touch that stuff if you paid me.

[dynamo]

Simply put, my opinion is that if you are aware enough to realize what is truly going on around you, i.e. your own reality, then you should work with it, with the faculties you already have.
There is no need for mind-altering substances to cloud or change your reality.
You are already "one" with the universe, you simply have to become aware of it.
Most are more aware at birth and as youngsters, before their consciousness is clouded by all of the inputs from society and media, for example.
Find yourself, you have all you need to get through this phase of your existence.
Much love!

P.S. please note, I am not saying to not use pot or other mind altering substances.
There are pros and cons both ways.
One has to decide what is right for themselves and try to stay clear of peer pressure.

[what is a name?]

"There is no need for mind-altering substances to cloud or change your reality"

Hi dynamo, what if our reality IS changing and pot allows the mind to become more transient to these changes? I would put that in the context due to the ongoing changes of the energy/frequency signature of the planet and everything on it.

Of course I have no way of proving my above statement!

[dynamo]

"There is no need for mind-altering substances to cloud or change your reality"

Hi dynamo, what if our reality IS changing and pot allows the mind to become more transient to these changes? I would put that in the context due to the ongoing changes of the energy/frequency signature of the planet and everything on it.

Of course I have no way of proving my above statement!
This is a discussion forum, so of course the more we discuss, the more we all learn.
I am merely stating my opinions, What is a name?, so of course, I may be wrong.
However, i am speaking from my experiences with pot, LSD and other "mind altering substances" going back to the early 70s.
Personally, I have outgrown them and find life easier without so-called "drugs".
I think more clearly and can function on "all 8 cylinders", whereas when I used alcohol and drugs, I was "hitting on 6 cylinders or less", so to speak.
Thanks for your feedback.

[Spellbound]

The addiction thing in weed isn't the weed itself, in my experience. My boyfriend's ex-roommate is the perfect example. Your textbook pothead. Really sweet dude that would give you the shirt off his back, but he is just the most astoundingly, pathetically lazy shut-in I have ever met. I thought I was a case, but man, this dude is one a whole different plane.

He smokes high amounts of pot daily. He's pretty much stoned 60% of his waking hours. But he himself says he isn't addicted per se, but rather, is just self-medicating because he has severe anxiety and depression.

I've been reading this thread with interest. Personally, the only 'drug' I ever take is coffee. :) No alcohol, or anything. I try to stay as 'clean' as I possibly can, in a very toxic and tempting world.

The most important comment I've read is that of Indigris above. It seems one can use cannabis in two ways: to genuinely solve or mitigate real problems in a proactive, aware, and responsible way — or to avoid problems by 'self-medicating', just as a drunk in a bar may try to drown their sorrows rather than facing them and taking responsibility.

One can only look in the mirror and know for oneself (if one has the courage) what one is really doing, and why.

One comment, though: when doing depth processing such as guided past-life recall, marijuana will definitely inhibit and block all that, as will any drug (including alcohol or even many prescription meds). The bodymind needs to be as clean as possible in order to embark on very subtle journeys of that kind.

Hi Bill,

I quit drinking alcohol back in August 1989 (not a drop in 29 years). I drank too much in my youth, learned a lot about alcoholism being very hereditary (and learning that I had it on both side of my family from grandparents down to both parents down to my sister and myself). Quitting drinking was a life decision (and best decision I ever made...bar none). No way I would have made it this far in life had I continued drinking (I'd be dead or in jail). That being said, I have been smoking pot daily for going on 30 years (using a vaporizer for the last 4 years, which I highly recommend to anyone who puffs). It's funny, because my doctor accused me of "self medicating" once when he asked if I smoked and I told him I didn't smoke cigarettes but I did smoke weed.

So many people in society equate alcohol to weed when in fact they are two completely different substances (drugs if you want to call it that). Alcohol is FAR more dangerous to the human condition than weed could ever be. I've seen people lose their jobs, their families, their houses, their freedom....all because of alcohol. I've yet to see that happen with (or due to) weed. There is quite a difference between hard drugs and soft drugs. Alcohol, I would classify as a moderate to hard drug. Marijuana, I would classify as a soft drug.

I learned early in life that I can NOT function drunk....whereas I can function stoned. To quote Clint Eastwood....a man's gotta know his limitations.

Anyways...I just wanted to point out that alcohol is far worse than weed.

Dave - Toronto

[Olam]

Thanks for the post...

I smoked marijuana daily for 20 years. I started in my early 20's which is kind of late compared to some.
One day I moved in an appartment complex and in the appartment next to mine lived the local pusher, great guy, had the best stuff around and was generous.....score!

All was great, it gave me stress relief, greatly developed my sense of spirituality, made me play and learn great guitar.....at least, thats what it felt like!
:-)
but
things changed when the herb stopped serving me and suddenly I was serving it.
Then I found myself being high for no reason, got caught in the new strands that were way too strong, abnormally strong.
I could stare at myself in the mirror and wonder what the hell just happened?
Apathy set in and it was a downward spiral from there.

Still, that was a learning experience.
In the last years of this situation, I was fighting an addiction, not a marijuana addiction, but an addiction to fading away and not deal my life.

I have not smoked in almost 2 years now, not to say that I won't ever as I do enjoy the benefits, but I needed to get myself sorted out first.

In other words, yes marijuana has awesome benefits and its natural, but if you are emotionally hurt bad and generally are hurting, anything that will remove the pain will be detrimental long term.
I can now say that yes I will smoke again, but will smoke for pleasure and not for survival, which makes all the difference in the world, at least, thats what I get out of my lesson from all this.

:wizard:

[Michelle Marie]

Evidence of folks acquiring and applying wisdom on this thread. :) :sun: :star:

We live and we learn! Each experience of every person is perfect, imo; it has purpose.

In my daily life, I just choose to get still.

But I've had similar past experiences as described above. I've lived and learned. :) And I know people who are close to me that have benefitted by quitting alcohol and only do marijuana. Each person finds what works for them.

It's not always just one or the other, though. For awhile, I was meditating every day ('still' do), and using marijuana for stress and anxiety. When healed, it was no longer necessary or helpful. It faded into the past.

I sure do LOVE stillness! :heart:

MM

[Chris]

Both Marijuana and Alcohol have some medicinal value, the more interesting point here is whether they do anything spiritually. I noticed whilst travelling in India that many Sadhus and Gurus use hashish to enhance their meditative practice. There are also tantricas (Yogis who follow the tantric tradition), who will use alcohol in a measured and ritualistic fashion to achieve the same effect. Indologists believe that the Soma of the Vedas, which we now interpret to be Nectar or Ambrosia, food of the gods, was in fact a hallucinogen created from a mixture of mushrooms and plants, the recipe of which is now lost to us. Then we have Peyote, Ayahuasca, etc... which are all used to enhance spiritual experience and connect people to the spirit world.

My own view is that these are generally unnecessary if you do meditation and yoga right. We now know from medical studies at Oxford university that DMT is the active ingredient that causes these visionary experiences with the use of Ayahuasca for instance. During meditation, or as a result of it, DMT is naturally secreted by the pineal gland, leading to the very same visionary and unitary experiences, e.g. connection to other levels of reality. Graham Hancock has written and spoken about this extensively, as has Rupert Sheldrake.

Perhaps Marijuana, Psychedelics and Alcohol can lead to a quicker activation of the pineal gland, but it also increases the risks of things going wrong. I would personally stay away from them, unless absolutely necessary. They might make sense as a one-time deal, especially psychedelics, as it may open up the mind of a person who is normally completely closed up and unresponsive to any sort of spiritual experience.

[Mike]

The word "alcohol" is unfortunately a blanket statement...when in fact there is quite a distinction between various forms of alcohol (with different people reacting in different ways of course)

When I'm in a grocery store, and I see someone rush into the beer aisle, grab a case of Budweiser and rush off, there is a small part of me that wants to put my arm around that guy, guide him back to the beer aisle, and calmly explain what he's missing out on by carelessly selecting that God awful sh!t. There's beer and then there's beer....and if you're going to be reckless about it you might as well piss in a jug and add rubbing alcohol before you waste your money on some of the stuff that's out there. Or drink terpentine. It's actually healthier.

Look, I'm not a beer snob (maybe a little). But you have to apply a little art to the process (it's what separates the conscious imbibers from the automatons) By art I mean...linger a bit, visually take in all the foreign and domestics, don't rush to get the cheap sh!t, actually read the labels. In other words, make sort of a ritual out of it.

When you get home, sip it. Savor it. This isn't some high school chugging contest. Observe how you feel when you drink it, and most important...observe how you feel the next day.

There's a little trial and error involved, but soon you'll learn which beers make you feel good and which make you feel bad...and how many good ones you can tolerate without being hungover the next day. There are several beers that actually make me feel better the next day. Guinness extra stout being on the top of that list.

If you're going for a mystical experience, I think these various substances give you a glimpse of something you'll eventually have to earn the hard way...but a glimpse nonetheless. I don't think they were ever intended as long term solutions. That's how addiction happens etc

[dynamo]

...
If you're going for a mystical experience, I think these various substances give you a glimpse of something you'll eventually have to earn the hard way...but a glimpse nonetheless. I don't think they were ever intended as long term solutions. That's how addiction happens etc
A very wise man, IMO, my 90 yr. old Father, always reminds me of his views on life.
One that is relevant to this thread is "everything in moderation".
Addictions are easy to form and can be very hard to break.

[Bill Ryan]

Advice to consider. (Maybe! :) )

Whatever one may feel is troubling, whether it's anxiety, striving (but failing) to achieve an altered state, or difficulty in interacting with the world (and/or other people) in a way that's comfortable:


Look at the causes. The discomfort may be doing you a favor.
Don't medicate the symptoms to make the discomfort go away.

[Dennis Leahy]

Again, I'll assert that the thread's (and article's) title is problematic - and looks like it was the major reason that CBD vs meditation for anxiety relief was mostly ignored as a topic. It's actually an interesting topic. Making this about THC and getting high is a tangent, and has nothing to do with CBD - which does not get you high. If the topic was eating chocolate versus meditation, should its title be "meditation versus snorting cocaine", since it is from the same plant?

Not that discussing "smoking weed" versus meditation for anti-anxiety isn't an interesting topic - it is - but allow me to add a bit more on the topic (from the OP) of comparing the mental/emotional/physiological effects on anxiety of meditation to the phytocannabinoid cannabidiol ("CBD".)

Have you ever been to a rose garden, with a lot of different varieties of roses? Good, now think of the smell (or lack of smell) of all the different roses, and think of all the different colors... Hold that thought - I'll come back to it.

A few terms:

"phyto-" prefix means "from a plant"
"endo-" prefix means "from the body"
"cannabinoid" is a class of natural compounds
"phyto-cannabinoid" means a cannabinoid compound made by plants (over 100 have been found and named. THC and CBD are the best known)
"endo-cannabinoid" means a cannabinoid compound made by the body (at least 5 have been found)
"receptor" is a tiny physiological structure within the body where chemical messages are received
"THC" is tetrahydrolcannabinol, a psychoactive phytocannabinoid
"CBD" is cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid

Around 1985, researchers were looking to see where the cannabinoids (primarily THC) from cannabis molecules attach in the human body. They knew, by physiological action, that the THC molecule had to bind to a receptor in the human body. What the researchers found should have been front page news across the world: they discovered a heretofore unknown system in the human body (which they call the "endocannabinoid system", and now know it as the super-regulatory system of the body.)

The researchers found that THC molecules were binding not to known receptors, but to previously undiscovered receptors, which they named "CB1" and "CB2." It is now known that CB1 and CB2 receptors are all over the body, human and (I think) all "higher" animals.

The researchers knew, of course, that our body wouldn't have these receptors unless the body makes molecules as transmitters to bind to those receptors. So, they went looking for and found the cannabinoid compounds made by the body (thus, endocannabinoids.) Since THC and CBD are by far the most abundant phytocannabinoids in cannabis, the research centered around them. They named the first endocannabinoid that they found "anandamide", recognizing that the phytocannabinoid THC mimics anandamide. (If a body sees an influx of THC, it is seen - and used by the body - as an influx of anandamide.) The second endocannabinoid discovered was called 2-arachidonoylglycerol, or 2-AG for short. 2-AG affects both CB1 and CB2 receptors. CBD does not directly bind with the receptors, but chemically influences them and moderates production of 2-AG. (CBD's action in the human body is not as easy to explain as THC's mimicing anandamide, but it does indirectly affect the endocannabinoid 2-AG, which utilizes CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system.)

"Smoking weed" is primarily about THC, which is not what the original post/article was about (though the article's author does confuse the issue with statements about THC.) THC is not known as an anti-anxiolytic compound, and can even induce anxiety and paranoia. ("Pure" THC, whether synthetic or a product of fractional distillation, is pretty much guaranteed to cause anxiety!) THC provides a very bad, even ridiculous, comparison to meditation for anxiety relief. CBD is known to be anti-anxiolytic, while at the same time is not psychoactive. That's why the original article (but not the article's title) is about CBD, which has nothing to do with getting high, and its effects really can be compared to meditation.

A change from anxiety to calm is not just mental, it is physiological - brain chemistry changes. Drinking a glass of water or breathing can change brain chemistry. It's subtle. Meditating or taking cannabidiol can change brain chemistry. It's subtle. The effect of THC on the brain is about as subtle as Ted Nugent performing his smash hit "Scream Dream" riding atop a neon pink bulldozer with the amplifiers turned to 11, driving through the crowd. Conversely, the effect of THC on the brain can also be deeply sedative, stupefying, "couch-locking", "drool-inducing" - again, not subtle, and nothing like what I'd call a meditative state.

So, on the topic of comparing cannabidiol (CBD)'s effects on anxiety to meditation's effects on anxiety, I'd say: theoretically, meditation - to the point of actually changing your body's brain chemistry - has the advantages of being free, anytime, anywhere (within reason), and with no need to ingest anything. The disadvantages of only using meditation to quell anxiety include that in real life, we just cannot stop and get into a meditative state anywhere or anytime we need to. Another disadvantage is that (I suspect) the vast majority of people are incapable of getting into a meditative state that is capable of making the brain chemistry changes necessary to be anti-anxiolytic, and/or could not sustain the brain chemistry changes over time well enough to actually control anxiety.

The advantages of CBD over meditation (if forced to pick just one of the two modalities), to me, are:
Well, let's start with the ability to eliminate ALL anti-anxiolytic pharmaceutical drugs, (all of which are synthetic), with the natural substance cannabidiol. Maybe 2% of people with anxiety will take up the challenge to simply "get over it" by using meditation, whereas 100% of people experiencing anxiety could have it naturally alleviated or attenuated using CBD. CBD could be the natural substance replacing the synthetic pharmaceutical substances (with their side effects and difficulty to wean off of or discontinue), allowing patients to decrease or eliminate the CBD periodically, to observe the body's current attempt at brain chemistry homeostasis - this cannot be safely done with pharmaceuticals.

Sorry, didn't mean for this to be so long...
A quick trip to the rose garden to tie up those loose ends:

Some of the roses had no smell, some had just a faint smell, some smelled strong, some sweeter, ... Some were red, some pink, some yellow, some orange, and so on. There were a variety of smells and colors, but they were all roses. The differences between all the roses were in their genetics that caused different chemical compounds to be produced in varying amounts, and those chemical differences between roses can be measured. The plant genus we know as "cannabis" is like that, kind of, "on steroids." There are three species (sativa, indica, and ruderalis), and countless varieties of the species and genetic crosses of the species. The genetic variability of cannabis plants, and thus the variety of phytochemical compounds, is astounding. The chemistry of every single plant is different (which is why prized plant varieties are grown as clones, not from seeds.) A medical discussion of CBD would ignore cannabis indica (grown for THC production, and known to be sedative), hybrids that include indica, and cannabis ruderalis (northern species crossed with other cannabis species to get "auto"/known flowering time), and focus on cannabis sativa. Cannabis sativa ranges from the genetically less complex commercial varieties that get legally termed as "hemp" (as long as the THC content is .03% or less) which are cultivated/bred for long fiber stalks and massive seed heads, and have a very low amount of any cannabinoids, all the way to the genetically more complex cannabis varieties of plants bred for cannabinoids, with individual varieties as different as some that produce nearly 30% THC and almost no CBD, to other varieties with as much as 20% CBD and 1% or less THC.

Why am I going into detail with this? Because the vast majority, I'd guess 99% of CBD available on the market, is extracted from commercially grown hemp plants - and are very poor sources of CBD. All cannabis plants are known to suck up whatever toxins are in the soil - cannabis can be used for soil remediation - so using hemp (which is low in cannabinoids, so extraction requires a much larger amount of material) as the starting plant material for extraction aggregates soil toxins. Worse, almost all CBD available on the market is a fractional distillate - it's far too pure! The product is missing literally hundreds of other compounds from the plant that would normally work in concert with the CBD, to produce what is called the "entourage effect" - greatly enhanced and broader spectrum of effects - of the compounds within the body.

Just like the roses that give off a smell are producing chemical compounds known as "terpines", cannabis plants have a variety of terpines in varying amounts (some smell like skunk, some like lemon, some like pine, ...), and those terpines and hundreds of other compounds are all stripped out by fractional distillation. Thus, the CBD does not have the hundreds of other compounds to interact with to produce the entourage effect. So, if you want to try CBD for its anti-anxiolytic effects, you'd have to extract your own or seek out a source (I only know of one) to buy a CBD product that was not made by fractional distillation but rather using a "full" extraction process that extracts hundreds of compounds along with the CBD, and the extract must also start with flowers of complex (and high CBD percentage) cannabis, not the lowest quality (cannabinoid-wise) cannabis available: hemp. I doubt that the author of the article is aware of any of this, and the study cited (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21307846) probably utilized fractional distillate CBD to test for anti-anxiolytic effects (and still got impressive results.)

A comparison of fractional distillate CBD with full-extract CBD is an interesting topic.

A comparison of the effects of full-extract CBD on anxiety, compared to the effects of meditation on anxiety would be an interesting study, an interesting article, and an interesting topic.