Cannabis
Is Cannabis Use Disorder Really a Thing?
We used to just call people stoners, that was enough. But the medical world always likes things to be more specific, and so now we have the term ‘cannabis use disorder’. But is this really a thing? Or a combination of fear-mongering, and over-enthusiasm to make everything into a problem? Read on and form your own opinion.
How is cannabis use disorder defined?
Though cannabis use goes back for thousands of years without a use issue stated, somehow, when legalizations started happening in the US, it popped up as a disorder. It’s currently listed in the DSM V, which came out in 2013. The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) states the qualifications for psychiatric diagnoses. Since there aren’t medical diagnoses for these issues, this guide is meant to tell doctors how to diagnose psychiatric problems. In the previous edition which was used between 2000-2013 (the DSM IV), cannabis was associated with ‘dependence’ and ‘abuse.’
According to VeryWellMind, cannabis use disorder denotes “problematic marijuana use.” The site then goes on to list the symptoms related to this problematic use. These symptoms include:
“Continuing to use cannabis despite physical or psychological problems; continuing to use cannabis despite social or relationship problems; craving cannabis; difficulty controlling or cutting down cannabis use; giving up or reducing other activities in favor of cannabis use; problems at work, school, and home as a result of cannabis use; spending a lot of time on cannabis use; taking cannabis in high-risk situations; taking more cannabis than was intended; tolerance to cannabis; withdrawal when discontinuing cannabis.”
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However, given all this, it then goes on to stipulate: “Just because the name has changed and the term “cannabis use” has replaced “cannabis abuse” or “cannabis dependence” doesn’t mean that cannabis is not addictive. In fact, research shows conclusively that cannabis is addictive.” However, contrary to this article, research, in fact, does not show any ability for a physical addiction to cannabis, as well as no death toll; and the fact it was downgraded in this way, really says a lot about how innocuous it is.
Have I ever seen a real example of cannabis use disorder in life?
No, not really. And that means something. I can’t speak for every person reading this, but I can speak for my own experience. I’ve been smoking weed for well over 20 years. I admit I never got into it in high school, but when college came around I finally understood what all the hype was about. In reality, I had tried it in high school a couple times with some (now I realize) low-grade herb stolen out of the top drawer of my stepfather’s dresser. He had back issues and had likely procured the green for his pain.
I was one of those people who simply couldn’t get the inhale right. The non-cigarette smokers among us sometimes have problems with this in the beginning. But in the throes of university, I figured it out, and by the end of my junior year, I was a full on stoner. In fact, I went from 0 to 100 in no time at all.
I’ve had times in my life when I wouldn’t go places without a joint rolled or a one-hitter in my pocket. I used to be the one stinking up greyhound buses with my bag of weed stuffed in my backpack, and the scent emanating out. It used to be customary for me to sneak a smoke break in my car at lunch, or to go for a walk and toke up, pretty much whenever possible. My habit might have been irritating to those who didn’t understand my desire to constantly be high.
But the truth is, I never had to do it. If a situation arose whereby I couldn’t have weed, I might have complained, but it was more of a superficial thing. My body wasn’t upset by not getting it. I didn’t go into DTs, or get incredibly sick. I wasn’t irritable and in a generally bad mood; and if I was, it was related to me, not the weed. Because I was never addicted to it.
It also never messed anything up for me. I never prostituted myself to get it, robbed anyone or anything for the money, or missed out on something because of it. It didn’t cause me to fail out of school, lose friends, or become a social outcast. The most is did was make me lazy, and hurt my lungs (the latter of which was rectified by vaping over smoking).
Want the real reality check? Most of the time I’ve used like that, I’m unhappy in general, or stressed out in life, with no other way to deal with it. You know that whole idea of self-medicating? It isn’t that a person wants to be blown out of their mind, its that they’re trying to fix a problem, whether consciously or subconsciously. What my weed use indicates to me, is a discomfort in life and in myself, and that has nothing to do with a use disorder, but rather, a reason for use. As in, something not right = more weed use, feeling okay = less. I expect this is true for nearly every person who uses a substance regularly.
Most users I know go through different periods in life with their consumption. And many people seem to cut down on their own when the time is appropriate, or if they feel they’re going overboard. A real drug use disorder involves a lack of control to the point of a problem, but that indicates it needs to cause a real problem. I have yet to see even one person directly ruin their life because of weed. Which, in my opinion, makes for no actual use disorder attached.
Have YOU ever seen a real example of cannabis use disorder in life?
Are you a weed consumer? And if so, how would you characterize your own use? Do you feel compelled at any point to use it? Do you feel like your life is lacking something because of it? Do you feel out-of-control in your ability to use or not use it? Now think of the people around you. Do they seem out-of-control on weed? Like, unable to make decent decisions? Unable to stop from doing more? Unable to stop themselves from tanking out their lives? And all due only to weed?
And have you seen it fundamentally mess up another person’s life? Job lost, partner left, family leaves them behind? Have you seen anyone destitute on the side of the road because they just couldn’t stop smoking weed? Have you heard of a store being burglarized because of it, or a person performing sexual acts to get it? Maybe you have, I can’t say, but I’d certainly bet not. If you had seen it, I probably would have too.
Now, last, have you watched person after person, unable to stop using weed? Trying to quit repeatedly, and unable to consume less, or stop at all? Have you ever heard anyone talk about needing an AA style meeting, or a counselor to get them through the hard part? Has anyone ever disclosed to you their painful experience of trying to leave weed behind? Again, if you say ‘yes’, I won’t argue, but I expect if this were a thing to see, I’d have seen it in my over 20 years of being in the weed scene.
So is there really a cannabis use disorder?
In order for the medical community to prescribe you a medication for anything, they legally need a reason to do it. That reason comes as a diagnosis that creates a need for a treatment, which is then prescribed as a medication. The diagnosis acts as a justification to allow the patient to have a specific medication. A doctor can’t prescribe a medication that requires a prescription, without that justification.
If you go to a doctor with a urinary tract infection, that infection is tested for, and the diagnosis made based on the results of the tests. As in, it’s a verifiable problem, for which a medication exists to treat it. There’s 100% no subjectivity there. These are objective tests. This is the same for any medical issue, with a medical definition. Cancer is definable, the flu is definable, a broken bone is definable, a genetic mutation is definable.
Then we get to psychiatric disorders, and the process is the same, but with one not-so-minor stipulation which gets constantly steamrolled over. Psychiatric conditions have no medical diagnosis. There’s nothing to verify they exist, and no way to test for them, or differentiate them. Now, if you’re thinking ‘I’m sure that doctors can test and diagnose issues like schizophrenia’, the sad truth is they uniformly cannot, as there is no true verification method. All diagnoses therefore come from the opinion of each specific doctor. They are only subjective, with absolutely no objectivity involved.
Ever heard of two doctors having two different opinions? Happens all the time! And that can mean two wildly different diagnoses depending on the specific beliefs of the individual doctors. And two wildly different medications prescribed, that can have wildly different effects. Breast cancer is breast cancer no matter which doctor you go to. But depression might be depression to one, bi-polar to another, and a personality disorder to a third. All the doctors will pick up on what they see, which is usually centered on their ideas and beliefs. Now think of how opinionated most doctors are.
So does cannabis use disorder actually exist? Or is the medical community trying to make an unnecessary label so it can prescribe you more meds? It’s not my place to say for sure, but I can give my opinion. Remember that part where I’ve been both a weed user and in the weed community for over half my life? If I can go this long without seeing something that mirrors the conditions of this disorder, than far as I can tell, it’s pretty much the last thing you’ve got to worry about.
Conclusion
Want to worry in life? Worry about getting addicted to opioids, or benzodiazepines, or meth. Worry about your alcohol intake and how you’ll get home without driving drunk. Worry about the boxes of cigarettes you go through and how they affect your health and the health of those around you. And worry about why your governing bodies are consistently pushing you to use unhealthy options over healthier ones.
Worry about the pollution in the air and water, the chemicals in your food, and the long hours you’re made to work that take you away from your family for most of your waking hours. Worry about the stress that gets piled on you, and the terms used to describe the ways you deal with it. But if you like to de-stress yourself with weed, maybe don’t worry so much that you have a so-called disorder, since it doesn’t look to actually cause problems.
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Unlike alcohol – cannabis can be consumed in a ton of different ways – here is a quick overview
Marijuana has become mainstream and popular with over 85% of population believing it should be legal in some form. One of the things as weed “comes out the closet” is a the entry of a bunch of new users and former “closet smokers”. These new consumers are being more open and curious. The legal market is also opening a variety of way for more people to try different ways to imbibe. It is all a journey, some ways are for more experienced veterans, others are ok for you very first time.
Here is all the ways to consume cannabis and the basics around the method.
Smoking And Vaping
The most popular form of consumption is smoking, vaping, or otherwise inhaling marijuana via the lungs. It is one of the quickest way to feel its effects. Users feel euphoria envelop them within minutes of consumption. You can do old school with joints or store bought pre-rolls. Bongs and bowls are options. Vaping is almost rivaling smoking and is just as quick in effects but much more discreet. You can purchase vapes for a one time use or invest in system you can reload time and time again.
RELATED: Differences In Marijuana Highs: Flowers, Edibles and Concentrates
Edibles
Edibles include baked goods, candies, mints, oils, cannabutter, and some random things like soups, sauces and other. The second most popular edible is chocolate as its fatty content allows it to be absorbed better. Edibles take from 30 to 90 minutes from the time you consume. The reason is the way it is processed by the body. It is advised to wait until you can actually feel the effects before deciding to add more.
While the effects of consuming edibles takes longer to kick in, the feeling also lasts hours longer than smoking cannabis. Like vapes, they have a no smell which is a nice, discreet benefit. And they are easy to transport and store.
Gummies
According to BDSA, an analytical company which covers cannabis, 49% of people who consume cannabis have done a gummy. Easy to carry and having no smell, they are good for a quick take. Usually in a 5 mg, you can microdose or manage a low level high. Like most edibles, they take between 20-60 minutes to kick in. Although Wana Brands have premiered Calm which is suppose to hit in under 15 minutes.
RELATED: Marijuana Dabs 101: A Guide to Your First Time
Sublingual
This refers a cannabis-based substance consumed by the placement under the tongue and includes tinctures, sprays, tablets and strips. It has rapid absorption rate with consumers feeling it within 15 minutes.
Beverages
With beer and liquor companies in the marijuana industry, there is a whole slew of cannabis beverages on the market. Beer like, juices and other flavors are all available. Like other edibles, this can take between 15-60 minutes to take effect. This is one area were hemp beverages have rivaled marijuana in potency.
Concentrates
Also known as wax, shatter, dabs and more, this form is not for the beginner. It normally contain extraordinarily high THC levels ranging from 40 to 80 percent THC amounts. This can be up to four times stronger in THC content than high grade or top shelf marijuana, which normally measures around 20 percent THC levels. When consumed through this method,the user can feel the effects immediately.
And
Cannabis suppositories are mainly used by medical patients. Cannabis has been found to be effective at reducing pain, and cannabis suppositories can provide fast-acting relief for menstrual cramps and other types of pelvic pain.
Finding a preferable method to consume cannabis is always a personal choice.
Some things in life can’t be avoid – and seem to suck the fun out of a day…but maybe a little cannabis can help!
Mowing the grass, brainstorming, exercise, and other everyday tasks just seem to suck the life out of a day – especially the precious weekend Saturday and Sundays. Not only are they mundane, but they have to be done…over and over again over the course of your life. What about making them more fun, engaging and pouring some happiness into every day tasks? Marijuana microdosing can improve mundane tasks to the point of enjoyment.
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Microdosing cannabis may be a beneficial way to achieve a relaxed, yet focused high. The sativa strain tends to energize and uplift and can place you into a state of timelessness, effortlessness, euphoria, and single-minded focus. Microdosing cannabis can help boost creativity, mood and productivity. Consider about 2.5 mg to start – which is about half a gummy or a puff or two from a vape.
Household Chores
From laundry and folding clothes to cleaning the fridge, these are must do activities to facilitate day to day life. Sometimes mindless, it is easy to slip into boredom trying to match an endless supply of socks or cleaning the oven. A little sativa can add not only energy but a bit of creativity in these tasks. You might be startled by how vacuuming can become fun!
Outdoor Chores
Mowing the grass goes down as the more boring job. Around 76% report their lawn is mowed at least every other week. What a dull routine and pattern, add in edging, weeding and other garden task and you can find yourself in a bi-weekly loop of boredom. Pop a gummy and you reimagine your garden again and again. The same for washing and cleaning the car or garage. And you end with a strong sense of satisfaction.
Exercise
Some people do not get the natural home people who enjoy physical activity enjoy. Some see it as a health or physical appearance reason and it can be a little dull. Trendmills, stationary bikes, walks, runs and more tend to be a set period of time which can get a bit dull day after day. Maybe mix it up with a little cannabis and put a little pep into the set.
Additionally, cannabis has been proven to have properties that not only aid in the recovery from working out, but also in the actual performance of certain activities. Studies have shown the plant’s ability to decrease anxiety and act as a bronchodilator increasing airflow to the lungs. Moreover, as one study found, “cannabinoids are potent anti-inflammatory agents.”
Brainstorm
Whether you’re writing a book, managing work project for your team at work, or organizing your family or friend life, the ability to think strategically and creatively is critical to being productive. Sometimes you can get stuck in a rut, a little time, weed, and space allows you a fresh, creativity perspective. While 80% may not work – 20% might be something you can build which could make life better.
RELATED: People Who Use Weed Also Do More Of Another Fun Thing
For some, consuming weed allows the brain the work in a different mechanism, fueling creativity and crashing through any persisting roadblocks. So the next time you are stuck, try stepping away for a few minutes to imbibe and return to the situation with a new perspective.
Studying
There’s no excuse for not taking advantage of the plethora of high quality free education available online these days. Whether you’d like to learn more about computer science or classic literature, the tools are online and in some cities in person.
From watching a movie, going to live sports or performances to car trip, the frequent need to go can disrupt day to day life in big and little ways. Over 33 million Canadians and Americans live with overactive bladder disease (OAB). While not as life-threating as other issues, it can make like miserable. Having OAB, or spastic bladder, is so big over $3 billion is spent annually trying to help those who suffer. The two key medicines often prescribed have rough side effects, so can CBD help with an overactive bladder?
RELATED: Does Smoking Marijuana Decrease The Development Of Bladder Cancer?
Symptoms include frequent urination (8+ times in 24 hours) and a a sudden hard to control urge to go. Another is getting up more than twice in the night to head to the bathroom. It is normal to go once a night in your 40s and 50s, twice a night in your 60s and 70s and even two to three times a night in your 80s and beyond. But waking up too often in the night can keep you from getting enough sleep and is sometimes a sign of a health condition.
CBD can help in certain situations. Aside from the natural aging process, causes of OAB including menopause, an enlarged prostate, neurologic disease and smoking. Short term causes can include drinking too many fluids, caffeine, and spicy foods. CBD can help in some of the root issues.
CBD can have an impact on the signals between your brain and bladder. If it’s a signaling disconnect (neurologic) causing the detrusor muscle to spasm and contract erratically, cannabinoids may help reduce the number of misfires that make your bladder run on overdrive.
RELATED: How Medical Marijuana Helps With Overactive Bladder
Researchers have found the body has receptors for the cannabinoids CB1 and CB2 in the brain and bladder, as well as in other parts of the body. CB1, and to a lesser extent CB2, work at various levels on the detrusor muscles. Research is pointing toward the conclusion that CB1 receptors do have an impact on urination, and their manipulation with cannabinoids from marijuana has promise for treating OAB.
CBD can help regulate the body’s inflammatory response and reduce neuroinflammation, thus reducing the need to go. Neuroinflammation, in particular, is associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson’s disease. These conditions can involve an increased risk of overactive bladder.
It is always wise to work with a trained health care provider on frequency and dosage amounts.
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