Hi. I have cancer, and I drink too much, simply to try to escape the reality of what’s going on. I’m looking for a high that is not at all cerebral; I don’t want to feel stoned, thinking in various different ways. I don’t want to think at all; I’m trying to replicate the high of booze. Is there anything you can recommend?
Thanks very much! – Craig
Hello, Craig. Thanks for writing in and sharing your situation. I am sorry to hear you are not feeling well. Indeed, there are many people in the same boat as you who have found comfort in medicinal marijuana. I know it can be daunting to turn to an unknown substance for relief of ailments, but I applaud your efforts and thank you for reaching out.
There are quite a few avenues you might want to pursue in regards to cannabis. For starters, there now exists several strains of cannabis that have very low amounts of THC and much higher amounts of CBD (cannabidiol). Both THC and CBD are cannabinoids found in marijuana, however, only THC is psychoactive. CBD is not.
CBD has been hailed as the more “medicinal” molecule in marijuana out of the plant’s 80-some known cannabinoids. It is used to treat a variety of ailments. It is effective in pain relief, appetite stimulation, nausea suppression as well as a suppressant of seizures (in epilepsy) and muscle spasticity (in MS patients). It is also thought to be an anti-psychotic and counters many of the psychoactive properties associated with THC.
Today there are over 25 states that have medical marijuana laws and in most of these states CBD-rich strain can be found in their dispensaries. Aside from CBD-rich cannabis, there are also purer forms of the molecule available in concentrated extractions or in the form of infused edibles. Eating edibles versus smoking cannabis has been known to create less of a “cerebral” euphoria and more of a body “buzz.” Though it is important to remember that both cannabis in general and the delivery form in which you consume it can affect each individual differently. As such, it is always best to start small in analyzing which products and methods are best for you.
In terms of non-CBD forms of cannabis, you are right in stating many strains will create a head high and can alter your thoughts or mood. In this regard, it is often best to begin with an indica variety, which is known to create more of a sedative feeling. Sativas are generally known to create uplifting feelings of euphoria. However, these days nearly all strains are hybrids of these two cannabis species. We are finding out more and more everyday as new research continues that the effects produced by different strains has less to do with just one or two molecules and more to do with the combinations of cannabinoids and terpenoids present in these strains. When acting together, these combinations become much greater than the sum of their parts!
It is for all these reasons that we need to support the full legalization of this plant, such that all restrictions on research are lifted and we can move on past the infancy of this prohibitive era.
Thanks for reading everyone and remember: Grow… And help the world grow, too!
[Strains pictured: Flower, CBD-Harlequin; CBD Oil, River Rock South]
