6 replies to this topic

[victortsoi]

Cannabis isn't really discussed on this board as a beneficial supplement. I want to bring it up. Obviously, there is the concern that frequent or even semi-frequent use may (does, IMO) lead to impaired short term memory and a general malaise, amotivation, or depression.


Would bimonthly use (or even once a week) contribute net positives in mood, anxiety, creativity, while avoiding the pitfalls of overuse?

[hippocampus]

I wouldn't be sure about anxiety. If you're prone to mental ilness (especially psychosis) I'd definitely recommend you to avoid cannabis or any psychotropic drugs (unless there is proven beneficial effect without long-term shortcomes). It works differently for everyone.
And of course you should ingest it or use vaporizer in any case; smoking is bad for ya.

[mia22]

In my somewhat oversimplified opinion here, speaking from my own experience, I would say that marijuana will more amplify what is already going on inside of you as opposed to shoot you in one emotional direction or another, not to say that it won't or can't do that either though...therefore you need to be cognizant of yourself if that is your concern, it may or may not help. Certain varieties(indica vs.sativa etc.) may or may not help. There are many variables at work here.
Beyond that, as far as I'm concerned marijuana is a wonderful substance that deserves less demonism and more research into it's properties and effects. The illegality of it is certainly absurd but we can thank Dupont and the like for that I guess.
Moderation is always a wise approach although I personally don't abide when it comes to the herb as of late. The method of delivery is also important to take into consideration as noncombustible methods deliver what is basically a nontoxic substance into the body whereas smoking anything is harmful.

Edited by mia22, 11 October 2012 - 11:25 PM.

[Luminosity]

I've seem plenty of marijuana use. It seems to be very addictive for people now, so thinking you can control your usage may be your first mistake. It's bad for your lungs and brain. As far as creativity, I've seen a lot of bad poetry. I don't think it would help you. Get a massage or something like that.

[hippocampus]

lol, Luminosity, it's not really true. Marijuana is addictive like coffee or even less. Smoking may be bad for your lungs, but eating it or vaporizing is not bad for your longs. Brain: yes it's bad for your brain if you're 15 years old or if you're prone to psychosis, but it may be good for you if you have Parkinsons', Alzheimers' or multiple sclerosis. As far as creativity, I've heard many good psychedelic songs. So what? Marijuana can enhance creativity but this doesn't mean you'll start producing good art or whatever. I don't think you know a lot about marijuana. Read a book or something like that.

[maxwatt]

MJ is addictive by the same mechanism as cocaine, heroin et al., by releasing dopamine in the brain, but because cannabinols are fat soluble, enough is stored and slowly released which prevents acute withdrawal symptoms.

It does have proven medical benefits, such as pain relief in cancer patients, appetite stimulant in wasting diseases, and for asthma. An individual I know takes one toke nightly to clear his nasal passages; more than that he finds unpleasant. It does interfere with short term memory, and claims of increased creative are anecdotal, with no studies to substantiate such claims (doesn't mean claims are untrue, only unproven.)

In Canada use is legal. In the US, despite some states now allowing it for medical use, the federal law still forbids it with ridiculous and often tragic consequences.

[hippocampus]

Yes it's addictive, but you can say the same for coffee, facebook, watching porn, playing poker etc. It's not THAT addictive. Everything that it's pleasurable releases dopamine in the brain.

Regarding creativity: there are some studies that found that marijuana increases distance between associations (in Remote Associations Test which is one measure of creativity albeit one could argue if this is everything about creativity - it similar to inspection time - IQ correlation - it correlates but correlation is not complete of course). It also decreases latent inhibition which is good for creativity (but lower latent inhibition is also found in schizophrenia).

Cannabis has the effect of slightly increasing alpha-wave activity in the brain, and increasing blood flow into the right hemisphere, which is associated with holistic, nonlinear thought. Alpha waves, and right-brain thinking, are generally associated with meditative and relaxed states of consciousness, which are, in turn, often associated with creativity.

http://www.psycholog...-and-creativity
http://santacruz.pat...oost-creativity

But I must also say this: even if it's true that marijuana boosts your creativity-tests scores, that doesn't mean you'll be more creative after you smoke a joint. Many people are full of ideas when intoxicated, but they are not in the state to put these ideas in reality. It may increase "creativity as a process" but it may not increase "creativity as a personality trait".
It's also possible that cannabis has different effects on different people - like piracetam, for example. It works for some people, but others may not feel anything.

Edited by hippocampus, 15 October 2012 - 07:34 PM.