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Is Cannabis Use Disorder Really a Thing?

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2 years ago

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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).

Is cannabis use a sign of our own personal issues?
Is cannabis use a sign of our own personal issues?

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.

A medical diagnosis is based on objective information, not subjectivity
A medical diagnosis is based on objective information, not subjectivity

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.

Thanks for being a part of this! Welcome to our news site Cannadelics.com; which specializes in independent coverage of the cannabis and psychedelics spaces. Drop in frequently to keep up with everything going on, and sign up to the Cannadelics Weekly Newsletter, so you’re always first to know what’s happening.



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Fun Ways To Celebrate Halloween With Marijuana

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1 hour ago

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October 25, 2024

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Halloween is a great time of year for tricks and treats…but if a little marijuana is your treat, maybe you should watch true horror movies.

Halloween is here and the next week will be filled with parties, ghosts, and more.  So why not  add in some cannabis to the festivities?  Almost half the population with celebrate in some way, even if it just enjoying all the candy!  While alcohol has been a big player for parties and celebrations, cannabis is become more popular, especially with Gen Z and younger Millennials.
Older generations can remember the old myth of people giving out edibles to kids, and yet it was never proven or had an example. Especially with the cost of edibles now!  But with the California Sober movement, more people are using vapes, gummies and old school joints. Here are fun ways to celebrate Halloween with marijuana.

The first is enjoy a little chill time with the following strains or an event with a few people to  do a ghostly “strain tasting” evening. Here are perfect strains to go with your spooktacular high.

  • Blueberry Ghost OG
  • Zombie Kush
  • Jack the Ripper
  • Killer Queen
  • Ghost Train Haze

Set up a tasting station with descriptions of each strain’s effects and flavors.

The Shining

One of the most popular ways to enjoy marijuana during Halloween is through edibles. You can bake cannabis-infused cookies or brownies to fit the Halloween theme. For instance, using cookie cutters, create spooky shapes like ghosts and pumpkins. To make these treats, you’ll need to prepare cannabutter by decarboxylating your cannabis concentrate, then mixing it into your cookie dough.

Music, marijuana, and Halloween create a unique trifecta of cultural celebration, especially during the spooky season. Crafting a playlist that embodies this vibe can enhance gatherings, whether for a Halloween party or a chill evening alone or with friends. Include tracks evoking the eerie atmosphere of Halloween. Classic songs like “Thriller” by Michael Jackson and “Ghostbusters” by Ray Parker Jr. set the tone.  Fold in some laid-back tunes that pair well with marijuana. Songs like “Because I Got High” by Afroman and “Hits from the Bong” by Cypress Hill resonate well with the cannabis culture and provide a relaxed listening experience. And mix in some upbeat tracks to keep the energy alive. Songs like “Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett and “Somebody’s Watching Me” by Rockwell blend fun with a hint of spookiness.

Another idea is a pumpkin carving contest by turning mini gourds into smoking devices.

  1. Carve out your pumpkin as usual
  2. Drill a hole for the downstem
  3. Insert downstem and attach bowl
  4. Carve a mouthpiece on top
  5. Load bowl and enjoy your festive pumpkin pipe

While integrating marijuana into Halloween festivities can be fun, safety should always be a priority. Ensure that all edibles are clearly labeled and stored out of reach of unsuspecting people and pets. Educate your guests about responsible consumption, particularly if they are unfamiliar with cannabis products. And make sure you don’t hit and drive.



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Maybe You Shouldn’t Watch Horror Movies While High

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22 hours ago

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October 24, 2024

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Halloween is a great time of year for tricks and treats…but if a little marijuana is your treat, maybe you should watch true horror movies.

October is the month of Halloween and horror movies. Movie marathons and film festivals abound along with special screenings in movie theaters. But, it might not be the thing for growing mainstream who are embracing cannabis.  Maybe you shouldn’t watch horror movies while high. Horror is the fastest-rising film genre, having doubled market share from 4.87 percent in 2013 to 10.08 percent in 2023, While the Conjuring universe, Us, Talk to Me and more might grab the imagination, the effects of marijuana on the mind might give you pause.

The first horror movie is widely believed to be the 1896 short film Le Manoir du Diable, The House of the Devil. This 3-minute short film was created by French filmmaker Georges Méliès, who is also credited with inventing many filming techniques and tricks.

Watching horror movies while under the influence of cannabis can lead to a uniquely intense experience, but it often comes with significant drawbacks. Here are several reasons why you might want to reconsider this combination.

The Shining

Cannabis can amplify feelings of anxiety and paranoia, which are already prevalent in horror films. The suspenseful music, sudden scares, and disturbing imagery can become overwhelming when paired with the psychoactive effects of marijuana. Many viewers report a heightened state of awareness which can transform a thrilling scare into a panic-inducing moment, making the experience far from enjoyable.

When stoned, perception of reality can shift dramatically. Horror movies often blur the lines between fiction and reality. Under the influence, this distortion can feel even more pronounced. This heightened sense of immersion might lead to confusion or fear of what is happening on screen could somehow affect you in real life. For instance, films like The Thing and Hellraiser are particularly noted for their ability to evoke intense feelings of claustrophobia and dread, which can spiral into a bad trip when viewed while high.

Certain horror films are notorious for inducing “bad trips,” especially for those who may already be predisposed to anxiety or have had negative experiences with substances. Movies that delve into psychological horror or body horror—like Tusk or The Trip—can trigger distressing thoughts or feelings that linger long after the film ends. Experts advise avoiding these films if you’re not in a stable mental state.

There is a case for a few exceptions. Comedy or old school horror can be fun. The original Frankenstein or Young Frankenstein can be great. Some of the 1970s sexy campy horror can be enjoyable and interesting.   Also, Scary Movie, The Cabin in the Woods, Trolls, Little Shop of Horrors.



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Quirky Information About The Goldfish Snack Name Change

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24 hours ago

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October 24, 2024

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Goldfish is rebranding the yummy treats at Chilean Sea Bass.  The fish which rebranded itself.

From its beginning as a snack served in small bowls in bars across Canada and the US, the orange treat has evolved into a must have staple for parents. Looking to reconnect with their roots, they are now rebranding (temporarily) the name. Here is some quirky information about the Goldfish snack name change.

“We know the love for Goldfish spans all ages,” Danielle Brown, vice president of Goldfish, said in a statement. “Chilean Sea Bass is a playful nod to adults that the iconic fish-shaped snack is for grown-up tastes too.”

The petite snack was created as an act of love by Oscar J. Kambly II for his beloved wife who was a Pisces. He was part of Swiss baking company and created the original fish. Margaret Rudkin, the founder of Pepperidge Farm, acquired the rights to the Goldfish trademark, shape, and recipe while on vacation in Switzerland. Margaret was pioneer in healthy foods.

In 1961, Ruskin sold Pepperidge farm to The Campbell Soup Company and became their first female board member. Campbell’s launched Goldfish crackers in North America in 1962. Today, about $1 billion of them are sold which equals about 142 billion little fish.

The Goldfish rebrand parallels a prior fish rebrand. The fish known today as Chilean Sea Bass is actually the Patagonian Toothfish, a deep-sea species found in the cold waters of the Southern Ocean. In 1977, Lee Lantz, an American seafood merchant, discovered this fish at a Chilean port. Recognizing its potential but realizing that its unappealing name and appearance would be a tough sell, Lantz ingeniously rebranded it as “Chilean Sea Bass”.

The rebranding was a resounding success. Chilean Sea Bass quickly became a favorite in upscale restaurants across the United States and Canada. Chefs appreciated its versatility, mild taste, and melt-in-your-mouth texture, which makes it ideal for various dishes.

The renaming is a way to recapture an adult audience. The little fish has even gone to outerspace. The Space Shuttle Discovery in 1988 brought some to space giving them a worldly air.

Known for being innovative, Goldfish has mixed up their offerings occasionally offering limited time flavor such as Flavor Blasted, Whole Grain, and even limited-edition Dunkin’ Pumpkin Spice Grahams. There openness to mixing is has lead to them being As of 2024, the fastest-growing cracker brand.



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