Cannabis (my preferred term) is an amazing, consciousness-enhancing plant. The synergy it has with humans (mammals and likely other organisms) is either an incredible coincidence or some amazing evidence of potentially deep co-evolution.
I strongly believe Cannabis has helped me manage and stay completely off prescriptions for my Bi-Polar disorder. I was originally diagnosed 18 months ago along with an epic manic episode (I just couldn't stop talking). Once I got back home it was a constant struggle to keep up with the prescriptions I was provided (particularly seroquel which would just zap energy and alertness). Along with my amazing girlfriends love and support I transitioned off the medications over time and now only medicate regularly with the herb.
This isn't to say it's perfect, for everyone or couldn't be abused of course. There have been times I've had to cut down my usage for tolerance and times where smoking is a purely social, even partying, type activity. But I've always remembered that we humans always gravitate towards vice if available and possible. Cannabis is not inherently a vice but can be used as one. It may be the healthiest vice man has ever abused, it may be the most conscious social lubricant available. Just like selecting which foods to eat, when to meditate or exercise I think that intentionally picking your vices is important, otherwise the vices may just pick you. This is a vice that fights cancer, this is a vice that relieves pain without opiates, this is a vice that reduces chronic inflammation, so I think this might just be the responsible vice to pick (dangers of the drug war notwithstanding, and hopefully soon irrelevant)
It has been a tremendous ally in being active, enjoying the outdoors and losing weight (stereotypes need not apply, dude). It has enhanced my social relationships (with others who partake and otherwise). Cannabis even enhances my creativity and can be a delight to work with (I'm a software developer). I understand this doesn't apply for many jobs but I find most solitary pursuits (labor, creative, administrative etc.) can become much less monotonous with Cannabis. On top of all that it has the relaxing effects of an intoxicant but instead of poisoning (cough booze) the body of medical evidence is now showing it overwhelmingly helps the body, fights all manner of chronic and degenerative disease and basically makes being human a bit better ;)
So what do you think Co-Evolution or Coincidence?
Good read here, and completely agree. For me, cannabis has been extremely beneficial for me lately. Back in my younger days it may have affected me in a negative way, mostly because I was using 'to get high'. Now I use it in a way that is medicinal and beneficial. I'm in control of the substance, rather than the other way around, and when used in this sense it is extremely helpful for me.
Exactly, you are so correct when you say "I'm in control of the substance, rather than the other way around". The shift toward using it for replacement of man-made chemicals is key. I used to take headache pills to make me 'feel better'. Use to be a drunk too (4 years 4months not a drop of alcohol). Thanks to cannabis my addiction issues are under control. Currently use dabbing, edibles and flower in a combination. My daily intake is probably around 100-250mgTHC. Some days less some days more.
congrats on your sobriety! Im actually in recovery from opiates, and using cannabis is helping tremendously to get off suboxone.
Right on! I think it's very important in some ways to go through having a dysfunctional relationship with the plant to be able to appreciate it and control it. Early on I got extremely paranoid but with time I learned to relax and surrender to the instrospection :)
The fact that you use the word 'cannabis' instead of the other terms caught my eye. I'm the same way. I either use 'cannabis' or 'ganja' as they seem to both be the most accurate terms in regards to what we are describing. Great article and I appreciate your contribution. Please check out my blog @seanengman and give me a follow if you find my content sufficient.
Cheers,
Sean
Interesting
I will follow you to see your future posts! +UP
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