First it was Marie Claire magazine with their “Stiletto Stoners”, followed by a sympathetic follow-up on the NBC Today Show. Now Elle Magazine prints 2,758 words from another Stiletto Stoner who has discovered that cannabis is a superior medication for her generalized anxiety disorder than the Zoloft and Paxil her doctors had recommended.
(Elle Magazine) A thimbleful is all it takes. After a day’s work, I pinch off a small amount of marijuana and put it in a steel-tooth grinder. The flowers, covered in tiny white diamonds of THC, release a piney scent when crushed. I turn on the TV, and instead of taking a glass of wine with my evening news, I take out my vaporizer and set it on the coffee table.
One could say I diagnosed myself in high school, when I recognized my symptoms in a psychology textbook. Finally, I had “generalized anxiety disorder” to describe the dread I felt of some future event that was overtaking my present. I usually sensed the panic attacks first in my chest. Then my vision would start to go to static, and my body would crumple to the floor. There I’d ride it out until the adrenaline ran its course.
Soon after I started to suffer several of these episodes a day (and so often that fear of another one kept me indoors), I sought out a psychiatrist. I told her about the times I’d be driving and convince myself that I was about to spin off the road—the looping, invented terrors. A little talk therapy and a prescription later, I discovered that Zoloft only exacerbated my panic and depression. I stopped taking the little white pills and cut out caffeine instead; I exercised and practiced meditation. For years I abstained from medication, and aside from the occasional pot smoking with friends, I swore off drugs entirely.
About four years ago, another psychiatrist put me on lithium for what he described as my “Paxil-induced hypomania.” When it made me violently sick, I decided I needed to replace pills altogether and turn to a regimen that relied on what was, to me, the only proven drug. I headed down to the five-block stretch of marijuana advocacy groups known as “Oaksterdam.” There, I explained to an understanding doctor, wearing Lennon glasses and cargo shorts, that marijuana eased the symptoms of what studies showed and I knew to be a genetic disorder. (My two younger brothers have been diagnosed as bipolar, and my grandmother suffered from anxiety and depression.)
The writer continues by explaining how she is able to keep her job and be productive thanks to marijuana, and that her friends that use marijuana are all successful productive people she’s proud to know. She worries about the legal complexities, especially how the California Ragingwire decision still allows employers to fire people for their medical use.
From a media standpoint, I believe when you’re having women speak favorably of marijuana in Marie Claire, the Today Show, and Elle Magazine, you’re winning the hearts and minds.
You Go Girls!!
We do not need to read the pros marijuana helps with we already no these things. It is time for the people to grow some balls and step up. The only reason why this government makes this illegal is because it is to easy to grow and they would never profit. Why would you go to the government corner store when you could grow your own???????????
[Russ responds: Have you ever tried growing your own? It really is quite a time and resource investment that most people won’t be able or willing to make. You’re allowed to brew gallons of your own beer, yet few people do. I think people used to paying $400/oz for quality weed won’t mind at all paying $100/oz for extremely overtaxed weed at the government store.]
I 100% completely agree with this article. My partner and myself also suffer from the disorder, and we too have turned to the green for relief. I can completely back this article.
See i knew it. Its just like high school or anything else..
You get the chicks involved and the rest will follow.
[Russ responds: You’re not too far off. I call it “Barroom Economics”. You can have the greatest band in the world playing to a room full of guys and it will be dead. You can have a lousy band playing “Mony Mony” with six girls dancing and the place will soon fill up and the party is on. So long as NORML and marijuana law reform in general has been 90% male, we can be as right as rain and still lose. You get women spreading the same truth and cannabis will be re-legalized in five years in some states.]
This is great. Women talk, a lot. They can spread a message fast.
I can’t help thinking of far this medicine might be if it weren’t prohibited. How many medical uses are we missing out on? How many new compounds could have been developed? How many people could have avoided a great deal of pain or anxiety?
Great story. I hope they all get a lot of air time.
this is the reason why i smoke. it relieves my anxiety so i can get through the day. prescription pills make me numb and emotionless. marijuana helps me get through what would be a struggle to follow through with daily tasks.
I can say that for anxiety, weed works. I do not suffer it like she does (I cannot imagine practically blacking out). I never took lithium (an alkali metal on the periodic table) or Zolft, nor will I. Since I last recall, THC/CBD has nothing but good old carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen and no alkali metals. I cannot believe they would use lithium, that is crazy. Lithium is used in batteries, and they’re giving it to people? That is crazy!
Back during the Clinton years, there was a whole spate of anti-cannabis articles in women’s mags. I think they were planted there deliberately as part of a campaign. They were all just about identical.
They all went like this: your man is going something that endangers him, your relationship, and any future children you might have with him.
Pot smoking is not as harmless as they say, blah blah blah. He’ll never commit to having babies with you if he’s passing the bong with his buddies blah blah blah.
I think that was pretty insulting to women, to imply that the only person using pot was the man and the key to getting a man to propose marriage was to take away his bong.
It looks like the propaganda fog is finally lifting and some kind of honest discourse is making it through that features women as more than just nervous would-be brides.
Hopefully this story hits home to a lot of people. This is a serious issue and I’m so happy that women are finally speaking out! We definitely need more of these
Alright! The Mary-Jane Sisters are going to turn this whole game on it’s ear! USA, Green All The Way.
I am glad to see that women are as normal as men, that they know a good thing when they see or use it. So ladies it is great you came out into the open but what now? What will you do to help change the minds of our wayward government?
Cannabis Prohibition is and all ways has been unconstitutional. It is a Constructive Fraud upon the American People. This unlawful prohibition must be dealt with by every American called to Jury Duty. Each of us, brothers & sisters, must use our last line of defense “Jury Nullification” to bring our wayward government back under control. Why should we have to negotiate with our wayward employees? Nullify the laws and they will be left helpless, it simple and we don’t have to argue with our foolish employees. We can vote these fools from office later, but today we must get the word out there to those who will sit on our American Juries. It is there were we can easily win back what was ours in the first place. We don’t need to ask for our constitutional rights, we just need to execute those rights that will bring our government back to reflecting the will of the people. Jury Nullification needs to be said over and over, it must be taught to every citizens. Our liberty is ours for the taking, so lets take it, let us act as one yet remain individuals free to be ourselves. Teach everyone you know aboutthe power of the people through Jury Nullification.
I am just starting to realize this myself. I have Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as an adult survivor of hardcore physical, sexual and mental child abuse.
I spent my twenties drinking myself close to death and popping pain pills, and I didn’t care if I took too much, which happened on more than a few occasions. I grew up with cannabis around the house, but I never really smoked because it would interfere with my drinking. I wanted nothing to do with something that was going to stop me from drinking. I finally said enough after I was almost shot with a shotgun by a fellow drunk during one of his blackouts and I said no more alcohol, ever again.
I say with a straight face that cannabis has literally SAVED my life! I shout it from the mountain tops to anybody with an open ear.
I haven’t had booze in a year, I don’t crave it and I’m able to comfortably enter into social situations after medicating with my miracle herb 🙂
I have my medical card for severe, chronic pain and I’ve been enjoying the anti-anxiety/anti-panic side effects as well.
To anybody out there struggling, ALCOHOL is the REAL gateway drug but there is hope for you, you just have to sit down and say enough is enough. Seriously, you don’t need AA… You have a brotherhood of millions strong behind you already, anytime you need us. We won’t run, we won’t judge you and we will be the strong shoulder that props you up during your darkest days.
This is picking up more momentum than I could have ever imagined! You go ladies! Keep up the good work!
WASHINGTON – The Obama administration will not seek to arrest medical marijuana users and suppliers as long as they conform to state laws, under new policy guidelines to be sent to federal prosecutors Monday.
Two Justice Department officials described the new policy to The Associated Press, saying prosecutors will be told it is not a good use of their time to arrest people who use or provide medical marijuana in strict compliance with state laws.
The new policy is a significant departure from the Bush administration, which insisted it would continue to enforce federal anti-pot laws regardless of state codes.
Fourteen states allow some use of marijuana for medical purposes: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
California is unique among those for the presence of dispensaries — businesses that sell marijuana and even advertise their services.
Attorney General Eric Holder said in March that he wanted federal law enforcement officials to pursue those who violate both federal and state law, but it has not been clear how that goal would be put into practice.
A 3-page memo spelling out the policy is expected to be sent Monday to federal prosecutors in the 14 states, and also to top officials at the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
The memo, the officials said, emphasizes that prosecutors have wide discretion in choosing which cases to pursue, and says it is not a good use of federal manpower to prosecute those who are without a doubt in compliance with state law.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the legal guidance before it is issued.
At the same time, the officials said, the government will still prosecute those who use medical marijuana as a cover for other illegal activity. The memo particularly warns that some suspects may hide old-fashioned drug dealing or other crimes behind a medical marijuana business.
In particular, the memo urges prosecutors to pursue marijuana cases which involve violence, the illegal use of firearms, selling pot to minors, money laundering or other crimes.
And while the policy memo describes a change in priorities away from prosecuting medical marijuana cases, it does not rule out the possibility that the federal government could still prosecute someone whose activities are allowed under state law.
The memo, officials said, is designed to give a sense of prosecutorial priorities to U.S. Attorneys in the states that allow medical marijuana. It notes that pot sales in the United States are the largest source of money for violent Mexican drug cartels, but adds that federal law enforcement agencies have limited resources.
Medical marijuana advocates have been anxious to see exactly how the administration would implement candidate Barack Obama’s repeated promises to change the policy in situations in which state laws allow the use of medical marijuana.
Shortly after Obama took office, DEA agents raided four dispensaries in Los Angeles, prompting confusion about the government’s plans.
Anyone see this? http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091019/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_medical_marijuana
New medical marijuana policy issued
The Obama administration will not seek to arrest medical marijuana users and suppliers as long as they conform to state laws, under new policy guidelines to be sent to federal prosecutors Monday.
I am a 23-yr old business owner who has never tried cannabis until about a two years ago. I have to deal with a great amount of stress and many people my age are resorting to alcohol abuse. I have to say that ever since I have starting vaporizing, I have stopped drinking altogether. I completely understand how these women find cannabis to be a much much safer alternative, not only to alcohol but the prescription pills that are dispensed like candy nowadays as well.
No Stiletto’s for me – but I am a Woman, a “Marijuana Mama” to be exact. http://maryjanecannabian.blogspot.com/2009/06/marijuana-mamas.html
I started a Blog to help end prohibition. It was a big step because women have a lot to lose, namely our kids! But even with the threat of incarceration we choose Pot over alcohol and a myriad of legal prescription narcotics because it is the right choice for our health and well-being.
I’m so glad other women are beginning to “Come out of the Cannabis Closet”. Women trust the opinions and experiences of other women and I believe we can be instrumental in the fight to legalize this miracle plant.
With the risk of sounding oh so 90’s – Girl Power! 😉
Paxil induced hypomania….right up there with Celexa induced tardive dyskinesia (permanent nerve damage resulting in continual involuntary jerky movements), Serquil induced diabetees……Geez, if weed caused all those things, Partnership for a Drug Free America would be all over it like flies on a pile of cowshit.
And yes, the irony is that even in California, a worker can get fired for smoking pot in their own home on their own time.
And rather than “some states” in 5 years, I”m going to go out on a limb here with caffeine induced hyperoptimism and say that at the current rate of building momentum, we could have it legalized nationally in 12 months if we keep up the noise.
Remember guys this all started with the avalanche of legalization suggestions in Obama’s initial “ask the public for solutions” website, and it seems that since then pot smokers everwhere are becoming more and more emboldened.
The Berlin wall came down in a day. We can tear this down in 12 months or less!
Russ, General Jake: indeed. I never would have signed up for Myspace, Facebook, et al social networking sites had I not been invited to them by WOMEN.
Russ, in your response to #2 you imply that cannabis is too difficult to grow for home growing to be a viable option, and use home brewing as an example of a similar situation. I have grown marijuana in my yard and found it to be relatively simple. Yes, it takes months for the crop to be ready, but anyone with the space and interest in basic gardening can grow their own. After the first year a person can have a continuous supply if allowed to grow several plants openly so they can reach their full potential.
I have even found that it succeeds when typical veggie crops don’t. It grows like a…well, like a weed, for God’s sake…and the cost is quite minimal. There is no way that I would ever pay hundreds of dollars an ounce for a plant that costs so little to grow. The quality depends on the seeds and level of attention one wants to give to their garden, but it’s not difficult at all.
After this experience I gained a true appreciation for the plant and find it’s pricing to be fraudulent and greedy. I expect such an attitude from criminals in a black market, but ethical business people would, I would think, be more interested in offering a good product at a FAIR price based on their costs and a good profit.
On the other hand, I have no interest in brewing my own beer or making my own wine because the retail products are reasonably priced and readily available. I would not be saving any money by making my own. I have researched the process and found that it is not so easy to get a product as good as what’s available at the Circle K for a few dollars. However, if a bottle of beer cost $50 I would either not drink any more or start home brewing.
The moral: Don’t be put off by stories about how difficult and expensive it would be to grow cannabis in an outdoor home garden. Give it a try when we have our right to do so reestablished, and you may find as I have that proposed retail prices are laughably, absurdly high.
[Russ responds: Perhaps my opinions are too colored by my own pathetic inability to grow a plant of any kind. Still, I think when you factor in the time it will take to grow outdoors, having to learn harvesting and curing techniques, dealing with all the smell and leftover stalks, stems, and leaves, and worrying about people snatching your stash, the hassle factor may be enough for most people to want to buy their legal cannabis at retail, regardless of the potential savings… hey, I have an idea! Instead of debating it, let’s just re-legalize it and find out!]
It is another use of this miracle med. I would like to share my story, and would welcome any comment, and would also want to know, if there are any studies that back this up. I have stag 3 hypertension. I have never found a blood pressure med. that has lowered it. Plus I have a reaction to blood pressure meds that is not good. I have a friend that likes to make brownies and candy using cannabis. One morning I ate one of his brownies and got really zonked. I took my blood pressure and to my surprise it was normal. Since I don’t want to be zonked, I now cut the brownie into nine parts. One part is enough to lower my blood pressure to normal. I don’t feel high, just good. I have never read anything about this in my cannabis studies. The implication could be huge, as bp meds are the number one seller. I may just may be a freak, and it may not work with anyone else, but it works for me.
hell yea, cannabis is great for anxiety and mood swings way over any pill.i have been dealin with that for years.my brain is runnin every which way through the day. once home an ah hit the bowl twice ‘er so an,everything falls into place….aaah! i find no panic in many situations that would otherwise for me , would be full of it…..it is the shiznit!
http://www.wsfa.com/global/story.asp?s=11342231
Please vote for alabama
Thanks for your reply, Russ. I agree that we should all support legalization that includes the freedom to homegrow, then see what happens. BTW, harvesting and curing are very simple for the home grower, too. I just hang branches upside down in a closet…in a week or less the buds are cured and the dry leaves crumble away with little effort. Your point about being ripped off is well taken. Hopefully, as retail prices plummet, there will be little incentive to steal when a pack of joints can be had for the same price as a pack of tobacco cigs. That may seem shockingly low, but tobacco is more difficult to grow and process than pot, from research I’ve done. If field-grown cannabis costs no more to produce than tobacco, why should it cost any more at retail?
You said it all.Marijuana is not just for men.Us moms enjoy the benifits too.After a day of sreaming, crying kids we need something to calm the nerves. Instead of poping a pill or some sort of alcohol(which are all man made)Just a dab will do then your ready for the next session.If more people smoked this world would be a happier place.