Question from a member: Cannabis?

I'd be interested to know if anyone else uses Cannabis to help them cope? I'm curious, have any other members have had success with this 'controversial' medicine?

*my mum and I've tried it once but I didn't like the feel so soon put a stop to that ive known a cancer suffer use it to in his last stages bless him.

*It would be interesting to find out if it works !!!

*Some MS sufferers use it

*I have considered it but a)it is illegal and b)side effects

*I tried it. found it helpful but wasn't comfortable doing it illegally and not cheap either.

*I have used it and it does help the pain and my muscles seem to relax more than they do with muscle relaxant prescriptions. My local "herbalist" keeps me supplied.

*Never heard of it.

*I agree, it helps the pain and muscles. Wish I had an herbalist! I would certainly make use of that option.

*The other day I could barely move with the deep aching pain in my lower back and hips, went to the local 'herbalist' legal medically in CO and went from non functional to functional. Mother natures medicine I say, safer the the pharmaceuticals in my opinion.

*As you know I smoke a joint every night to help get me off to sleep, it also helps dull the pain and makes me more comfortable. Another thing it does for me is change the exhausted feeling in me; how to explain?? it still makes me tired and sleepy but without the sick feeling exhaustion you get.

*Its a pity it is illegal in UK but available if you want to break the law. I do not smoke and do not want to start but I have 'eaten' flapjacks loaded with it and I couldn't believe the goodnight sleep I got and in the morning I was not as stiff or sore but felt fine, got a lot more done. I do not use it now it has changed to a B category. I do not want to get others into trouble.

*Can't even stand the smell of it, wish there was something else.

*I used to, and it does help with both sleeping and relaxes your muscles. It also helps with the nausea from the medications.

*I haven't tried it since it is illegal but heard it does help. if it became legal for medical purposes I may be willing to try it.

*Hate the stuff.

*My friend has tried it and says it does help, but I haven't so cannot comment myself.

*A discussion on the subject with my GP revealed that not only can it help with pain, but also nausea, which I suffer with quite badly. Wouldn't it be nice if MPs stopped treating us like children and deciding what was good for us and allowed it to become medically available for those in need? Personally I'd rather take one medication instead of several, but since it's illegal...

*I lived in California when I got Fibro and first thing the doc asked if I wanted to be a Medicated cannabis user, it helped with everything, helped me get out of bed play with kids and feel normal but it was too expensive.

*I have tried cannabis, and I found that it really does take your aches and pains away or at least to a lower level of pain. I also slept like a baby that night, best night sleep I had, had in a very long time. It made me giggle a lot too. However I didn't like the side affects of feeling paranoid. But in my opinion, I did find it helpful and I would do it again.

*In a tea, as a sleep aid

*Helps a lot and you can get it as oil if you hate smoking.

*helps a lot especially with getting sleep as I don't sleep.

*If that's how you cope you with the pain fair enough even though I don't agree.

*Its me again its my hubby who's got Fibro and he's got bipolar so how do you think he copes with the pain and his mental health its very difficult.

*Like with many medications/drugs, what it does for one it may not do for another. It is definitely an individual thing. Also, sometimes it makes me feel one way and other times it makes me feel different. Definitely not a constant affect.

*If it was legal - I would for the really REALLY bad days.

*I've tried it and it defiantly helped the pain, helped me to sleep for a few hours too, downsides were the cost, the taste of smoking it was horrible. Tried making cookies but needed about 4 to get any effect and who can eat 4 cookies in one go, not me plus of course I got terrible case of the munchies and would eat everything in sight, so good and bad:)

*No because it's illegal plus I have bi-polar so not a good idea.

*It may help, I haven't tried it but don't forget the side effects, paranioa,memory loss ( which we all have already ) plus the awful smell! I'll stick with my meds thanks. But hey if it works for you go for it.

*I'm impressed that you can't manage 4 cookies in one go - I could eat a tray full!

*I've considered trying pot in food cos I hate smoking but, like others, I'm worried about the effect on my mental health.

*Montel Williams has spoken out on this issue many times - he would like it legalised for medicinal use. He uses it to ease his MS symptoms.

*I find it very helpful. takes the edge off my pain and keeps me mobile. much better than the legalised heroine the doc's want me to take. also a wee toke isn't addictive, unlike legal meds.

*There is a legal form or cannabis, it comes in a spray form and is called SATIVEX. generally prescribed for people with MS and cancer, although I've heard of one lucky FM sufferer who managed to get it prescribed through the GP. I asked my GP but he wouldn't prescribe it even though my pain specialist recommended it.

*In small amounts it can help tremendously by relaxing the nerves and muscles. But too much and it makes me feel worse. Nancy, be VERY careful about SATIVEX. Maryland is cracking down and making Sativia (which is the same thing) illegal as there is no regulation.

If you happen to live where cannabis is legal through a dispensary, there are many, many options to take it other than smoking it. Peanut butter, candy bars, cookies, drinks, etc. They also make what's called a vaporizer that produces no actual smoke, just vapor - no smell, no harshness. Again, its a very personal thing. Just like some remedies help some Fibro sufferers and others that make no difference at all.

*I did try Cesamet,marijuana pills,they hurt my stomach badly! I have tried smoking small amounts. It does take the edge off and works if you only have 3 to 4 puffs. It helps with pain, sleep and appetite but is still illegal and if you have to buy it,it can be costly but lasts a long time if you grind it in a coffee grinder and use a pipe!

The cost is the biggest thing! Also one very important thing to remember, there are many kinds of marijuana, some make you sleep,some work well on pain and others have bad side effects. Doing research on this will tell you which one to use, sorry can't remember what kind it is that just works on pain!