Posted by MSM on February 20, 2001, at 16:55:58
In reply to Re: marijuana use/neuro chemical info, posted by stever on February 20, 2001, at 12:16:20
> The drug reduces the amount of corticotrophin-releasing factor in the amygdala. Excess secretion of CRF is associated with abnormalities in the HPLA axis and depression. The rebound surge of CRF on ceasing cannabis-use is associated with increased vulnerability to stress and a withdrawal-reaction.
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> The drug builds up in the body and the brain, from what I hear it can actually take 6 months to 1 year for this build up to go away after quiting if you were a heavy long term user. If you have smoked for the last 30 years then it might take a year before your brain is really drug free. The depression/anxiety/sleep problems you are having seem normal for someone who has quit after useing for such a long time, I dont know of any therapys that would help, I think these problems will go away but it will just take time.
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> I think it has always been a huge mistake for marijuana to be illegal, in my opinion the drug does have medical value for a wide variety of medical problems and is very safe to use. It is a shame that people like yourself are forced to be criminals just because they self medicate with this drug. I really dont see anything wrong with someone useing marijuana their entire life. Why did you decide to quit smoking after 30 years anyway, I am curious?
Thanks for the information. Can you tell me where I can access this type of info?
As for why I am quitting, I have Hep C and need to give my liver a fighting chance. In
addition I have had periods of depression in the last few years (I know that depression and Hep C go hand in hand) but I wanted to see if the marijuana use might be a contributing factor. I had also found myself isolating a lot more during the last few years, you know "turn on - tune in - and DROP OUT". All in all there seems to be more "cons" than "pros" for my continuing to use. Besides I can always go back.
poster:MSM
thread:54420
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010212/msgs/54511.html