Cannabis Usage (Any similar experiences?)

[Magna]

Thanks! This is interesting. I will certainly check out your suggestions. I want to avoid THC, I don't want to get high I just want to find ways of controlling anxiety and pain levels if it's at all possible. Case in point, I've been feeling quite unwell the last month or so. Lots of pain, super low energy and worse than usual anxiety.

I probably burnt myself out a bit as I was doing much more demanding things for a while that were basically exhausting me and eventually I just ground to a halt.

CBD "marketing" always suggests that it can help mitigate lots of things I have difficulty with, but I can't seem to find any that works longer term. A few years back I first tried CBD and it actually seemed to quickly help with my back and neck pain. But the effects seemed to diminish so rapidly, I chalked it up to the placebo effect. I've always wondered about that though as I don't tend to be very prone to the "power of suggestion" as a rule.

CBD tends to be so expensive though and I don't have the money to experiment with different brands or types. When I've asked questions about CBD online I'm often told "Oh you need to get a good quality 'full spectrum' CBD...", "Most retail CBD isn't 'full spectrum'..."

I certainly don't want to buy anything illegal or narcotic lol!

"Full Spectrum CBD" means that it does have a small amount of THC, the psychoactive "narcotic" component of cannabis. According to the current accepted research, CBD in total absence of THC isn't effectively used by the body. Maybe others here know more about the science, but something about THC is needed even in just trace amounts to bind with the cannabinoid receptors in our bodies which then allows CBD to be efficacious. It's a pretty recent discovery that the human body, in addition to the musculoskeletal system, the digestive system, reproductive system, cardiopulmonary system and nervous system, also has an "endocannabinoid system". The endocannabinoid system is throughout our entire bodies. CBD without any THC isn't effective.

Currently in the U.S. at the federal level, hemp derived "full spectrum" CBD is legal across the country provide the THC level is less than 0.3%, which is supposed to be below the threshold of psychoactivity for the average adult.

 

[Boogs]

Well it seems to me that the nearest thing to 'full spectrum' is going to be the original plant material (because that's the definition of 'full spectrum'), rather than an extract. Obviously extracts are far more convenient to consume though, and the CO₂ extractions tend to be the best (wide spectrum) solvent extracted products.

The proper UK-legal CBD hemp has no more than 0.2% THC, not enough to notice any psychoactive effects, while the CBD levels are around 20% w/w.
How well it works will depend on yourself, your current state, and what symptoms you hope to alleviate. No guarantee's it'll help, but there seem to be much fewer bad interactions compared to THC cannabis.

I get mine from: High-Quality Legal CBD Hemp Flower | Gethemp
e.g.

But there are other suppliers to choose from. Pay from around £5 a gram, so it's cheap to give it a try if you think it may help.
Some will often refer to it as 'hemp tea' but I think it'll work far better if vaped, as most of the terpenes are not very water soluble so not very efficient if made into tea (also questions on decarboxylation - may need to be properly decarbed if consumed orally).
GetHemp also do some full spectrum extracts, currently on sale at £10 (sale price) for 1g CBD in 30mls, but are out of stock right now.

 

[gj13]

As with any drug, mindset (set) and setting are important but yes I reckon it does help quiet my mind and reduce anxiety and stress. Basically, make sure you're in a relatively positive mindset and ensure you're in a comfortable setting. It's generally advice for psychedelics but with the strength of cannabis these days, it seems relative.

If it cannabis doesn't seem to have an effect or provide relief for me, then it's usually a sign I have some internal thoughts I need to process and work through.

Alcohol was my go to before I was diagnosed in adulthood. it doesn't seem to help and the alcohol effects can last a lot longer. Vaping dry herb cannabis lasts a 2 to 3 hours so it's a lot better with my way of life.

To each their own though, not passing any judgement. If anything works to give anyone relief it is worth it.

Cheers