Medical Cannabis and CBD

Zcollie · February 15

I know for some this may be a touchy topic, but one I think should be talked about on this forum. I know a lot of people with spinal cord injuries struggle with pain and muscle spasms. I take 40mg of Baclofen twice a day for my crazy spasms, it is highest amount I can take and barely makes a difference. I do not want to take stronger medications because of risk of future kidney problems. I tried Marijuana for my spasms and it was a NIGHT AND DAY difference! I have been using it ever since to help clam my body spasms and sleep. For those who are not interested in THC, CBD is another great option. This discussion is for anyone that has questions, wants to share personal experiences with Cannabis/CBD, what works for you, how to use it, the different types, and anything else related to the topic that you want to talk about! Look forward to talking with all of you and spreading the benefits of cannabis!

bluestek · February 15

I take 120 mg of Baclofen per day. It was a bit of a struggle to get that much, but I’ve been taking that dose for 4 years, and two insurance companies and Medicare Plan D have covered it. There is no question that Baclofen works, but I still have some jumping spasms. As for CBD, I tried it for several months, and it did help, but gave me terrible diarrhea. We were unable to control that, so I stopped.

Crucker · February 15

As a neuro-psychiatrist once advised me about cannabis, "Everything in moderation, including moderation." I tried it when on and off spasms became painful and distracting and it definitely works. Have tried CBD in tincture form on a daily basis and saw no observable difference in levels of nociceptive or neuropathic pain. Everyone is different. For instance, I find cannabis useless in fending off panic attacks.

Zcollie · February 15

@bluestek Have you ever tried THC for helping with your spasms. For me personally, used in moderation it helps dramatically. I used a vape pen that is 1:1 ratio THC/CBD so I get a small feeling of head change as well as relaxing my spasms. There are so many different ways to experiment with THC and CBD today. I have never experienced getting diarrhea from CBD. For my body CBD by itself does not do much and pure THC is to intense for me. I still want to be able to function throughout the day. @Crucker I agree! Moderation is key and like you said it will be different for everyone. For some it will clam panic attacks and for others make it worse.

bluestek · February 16

Zcollie, Unfortunately, I have had mouth cancer and cannot smoke anything whatsoever, including any kind of vape.

Zcollie · February 16

@bluestek I am sorry to hear that. Have you ever tried edibles or they also make THC and CBD lotions? There are many other ways of using THC and CBD other than smoking it.

lauragracebeck · February 17

i am a proud owner of a baclofen pump!! my spasms and tone were another level bad daily. nothing helped: not standing, therapy, exercise, FES stem, stretching, changing wheelchair portions etc. i personally have not had luck with THC helping either. it has not ever helped with nerve pain, and it doesn’t stop my spasms unless i smoke A LOT. i went to a dispensary in colorado and a lady thought i needed to try CBN, in the form of an edible. it is the first thing i’ve found that drastically helps with pain, tone, spasms. it’s specifically made to work on nerves. i recommend it to all sci that need it/are willing to try!

jesistracham · February 17

When I was initially injured I remember the doctors trying to prescribe me everything under the sun. I refused it all. I use electric stimulation in the form of wearable therapy. I did my own research discontinuing use for a week. After 3 days my spasms were uncontrollable. I believe the estim helps spasms. I also use cannabis for mood stabilization, nerve and skeletal pain control, and spasms help. The key with cannabis is finding what does works for you. Be patient with yourself through the process.

Sterlion · February 17

bluestek said:

I take 120 mg of Baclofen per day. It was a bit of a struggle to get that much, but I’ve been taking that dose for 4 years, and two insurance companies and Medicare Plan D have covered it. There is no question that Baclofen works, but I still have some jumping spasms. As for CBD, I tried it for several months, and it did help, but gave me terrible diarrhea. We were unable to control that, so I stopped.

Were you able to try THC? If not do you think there would be a difference?

cruiseybabbby · February 17

I have only slightly dabbled with CBD oils but in my short experimentations I didn't find that it benefited me by taking away joint/muscle pain or helping me with sleep… I do however know people who swear by it and say that it unquestionably helps them with some of their issues and that they've been able to get off of other prescribed meds which is great! These injuries are definitely all about learning your body and what works for you and your life and what doesn't. ✌🏽

lauragracebeck · February 18

@cruiseybabbby CBD did not work for me either. have you tried CBN before?

lauragracebeck · February 18

@bluestek tincture is a way you might like. it’s oil that’s minty or flavored and you put it underneath your tongue

Zcollie · February 18

@lauragracebeck How do you like the backlofen pump? Part of me wants to get one because my spasms are so crazy and sometimes make daily living difficult for me. I sleep with tie downs over my legs at night to keep them from kicking up and falling over. On the other hand, having them has kept certain muscles in my body from atrophying and I use my spams to workout and do certain things. Life would be more comfortable if they were less intense, but I do not want to fully lose them.

Zcollie · February 18

@cruisingcampbells For my body CBD alone does not do much, but mixed with THC makes a big difference with my spasms. Everyone will have a different reaction. My girlfriend loves CBD and says it helps a lot, but does not like THC because of the psychoactive part.
@bluestek You should look into tincture. That is also a good way of trying CBD and/or THC without smoking it.

lauragracebeck · February 18

@Zcollie the baclofen pump saved my life to be real. i was worried about it because of vanity, and just feeling weird about having a foreign object in my body. i was unable to move my legs at all due to the tone i had. it took about 4 months to figure out what mg i needed and i’ve now been able to fight for some independence! my injury was nov 2016, i got the pump june 2017, it started working october 2017. i’m so so happy i got it. i can transfer in my own, move my body and have even begun practicing independent yoga!

Zcollie · February 18

@lauragracebeck Yeah it is kinda creepy to think doctors put a weird object inside your body and how they connect it to you internally. That is really awesome for how much it helps you! Glad you found something that works. Thanks for the info. I might start looking into one(:

Crucker · February 18

Zcollie, vaping has never worked for me and I worry about lung damage from smoking. Any suggestions?

bluestek · February 18

So to be clear, I have tried CBD with and without THC, both with minimal results, and both producing terrible diarrhea. I can’t smoke or cape, but am considering edibles.

Zcollie · February 19

@Crucker I would recommend trying edibles or tinctures, which are drops that you put on your tongue. THC and CBD can come in both those forms.

bluestek · February 19

Tried the tinctures with and without THC and that’s what gave me diarrhea I still may try edibles. Thanks

Crucker · February 19

Zcollie, are there fast-acting edibles? In the past, when I've tried an edible, the effect seems to come hours later.

Zcollie · February 19

@Crucker Unfortunately, all edibles take time to kick in because they have to get digested and obsorbed. I would recommend trying tincture. It is basically drops that you put on your tongue and will kick in faster than edibles.

Crucker · February 19

Will do, thanks!

cruiseybabbby · February 22

@lauragracebeck no I haven't, I'm not familiar with that… What is it exactly??

WAGSofSCI · February 25

Hey guys and gals!

Here's what it looks like from the girlfriend's perspective. My boyfriends doesn't drink alcohol very often but does like to hang with Mary Jane quite often. He uses "indica" for nighttime sleep. If he wakes up to "cath" in the middle of the night, and have a puff to control spasms. His spasms diminish almost instantly and he is able to go back to sleep peacefully. For those of you who aren't a fan of the psychoactive properties, CBD is an awesome alternative. We have both been using CBD to manage stress, which also seems to help with sleep long term. In fact, we recommended it to our HomeCare nurse who is 60 and she claims she's been getting a much better sleep! Hope this helps.

Elena (Wags of SCI)

lauragracebeck · February 25

@WAGSofSCI yes! I use indica for sleep as well! I notice though if I smoke during the day it can make my senses stronger and increase sensation below level of injury, which sounds great, but is actually painful sometimes. CBN has helped me the most with spasms and nerve pain. I keep it for my real real bad days only!

WAGSofSCI · February 25

@lauragracebeck What exactly is CBN? And what is your favorite kind of Indica?

lauragracebeck · February 25

@WAGSofSCI 
CBN: “Cannabinol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found only in trace amounts in Cannabis, and is mostly found in aged Cannabis. Pharmacologically relevant quantities are formed as a metabolite of tetrahydrocannabinol.” I got it from a dispensary in CO. It directly affects your nervous system, so it’s BEAUTIFUL for nerve pain, muscle spasms. OG Kush is my favorite indica so far. It’s strongest affects are; relaxed, happy, euphoric.

StaceyShumaker · February 25

I've been using cannabis for years, first recreationally and then medicinally when I started to notice the positive effects on my muscle spasms. I also use it right before my bowel routine because I suffer from extreme AD (autonomic dysreflexia) and it helps with my headaches. Smoking is the most immediate relief but I have a vape pen that I use mostly for anxiety and I use CBD oil (tincture that goes under my tongue) when I have trouble sleeping. I have also seen a difference in my muscle spasms when I use cannabis lotion, which can be bought online.

housecatfrosty · February 28

Hello, my pain specialist suggested I use cannabis 15 minutes before I take my morphine for break-thru
pain (if the cannabis was not sufficient). I have an implanted pump with Dilaudid; Baclofen is being
added in two weeks. I recently got a an adjustable bed, but my right sided SCI has progressed to my left side and I need assistance moving in bed. Does this sound familiar to any of you?

Zcollie · February 28

Hi @housecatfrosty I am sorry to hear you have pain like that and your SCI is progressing to your left side. What level are you? I have never heard about an SCI progressing to another side. It is good that you have an adjustable bed. I have one and it really makes a difference for me. Unfortunately, what you are experiencing is unfamiliar to me. Hope you are able to figure something out and see if THC or CBD would help you with your pain. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Medical Cannabis and CBD

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