marijuana and family history of mental heath disorders

LegacyUser

my mother suffers from manic depression and so does her sis. there is a history of mental illness in my mothers family..my grandmother had it as well. i have been smoking weed for the past 1 year semi regularly..maybe every weekend or twice a week . im wondering will this increase the risk of me getting manic depression or other mental health disorders.. ive smoked it much since after xmas maybe twice a month. kinda worried about it

120_Minutes

Before answering, I'll ask: what age are you?

Kanoe

yes. I know that's being a bit hasty but as you are aware of it then you should probably take heed. If it's a once or twice a month thing then I wouldn't worry so much about it right now but if it becomes comfortable its easier to turn to in times of stress and becomes a crutch instead. (i was completely drug free for ten years until last month and I'm very pissed off with myself for not being stronger)

This isn't medical advice, this is just some bits an pieces of info I've seen in a journal. So don't take it as the absolute truth.

There is a link between marijuana use and psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia. Marijuana use will increase your risk of getting many health problems such as lung or heart problems. It has similar effects to tobacco, and you're probably smoking tobacco too? (despite what some people seem to think, putting a rolled up piece of paper in as a roach is not going to make it ok). It's carcinogenic and is indeed a risk factor for a whole load of problems.

However, you're by no means a chronic user. There's little to be worried about right now. I would recommend that if this is something you're worried about, it's best to stop. Whether it's definitely going to increase your risk or not, surely the chance of it is enough of a reason to give it up? It might not harm you but it's not good for you at any rate. Most of the studies done are over periods like 10 years, so you're probably safe if you stop now.

120_Minutes

true-or-false wrote: »

This isn't medical advice, this is just some bits an pieces of info I've seen in a journal. So don't take it as the absolute truth.

There is a link between marijuana use and psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia. Marijuana use will increase your risk of getting many health problems such as lung or heart problems. It has similar effects to tobacco, and you're probably smoking tobacco too? (despite what some people seem to think, putting a rolled up piece of paper in as a roach is not going to make it ok). It's carcinogenic and is indeed a risk factor for a whole load of problems.

However, you're by no means a chronic user. There's little to be worried about right now. I would recommend that if this is something you're worried about, it's best to stop. Whether it's definitely going to increase your risk or not, surely the chance of it is enough of a reason to give it up? It might not harm you but it's not good for you at any rate. Most of the studies done are over periods like 10 years, so you're probably safe if you stop now.

Without turning this into a he said she said, there are about the same amount of reports saying marijuana doesnt cause any lung problems as those that do.

If there's a history of mental illness in your family and you're fairly young I'd advise avoiding smoking it, that said you're not a heavy smoker, it's not like you're going through an ounce a week.

If you must get high, use a vaporiser. That pretty much rules out any physical damage cos there's no smoke. The mental issues are your call...

So in order or reducing harm it's: vaporiser>pure weed joints>tobacco joints

IrishEyes19

This isn't medical advice either,just info but I've a relative who works in the health department who deals with mental health disorders and has dealt with a few young people and older who were not aware of their family's mental health, over did it on weed and other such drugs, and ended up in bad situations mental health wise.

Having said that, it's impossible to tell, unless you know your family's history and even that could be pot luck. But there is certainly a link there. Just take care, you are aware of your family's history now. Better safe than sorry. Best of luck

120_Minutes

IrishEyes19 wrote: »

over did it on weed and other such drugs

Sorry to derail, but I take exception to statements like this, how do you know it wasn't the "other such drugs" that triggered the issues.

Ickle Magoo

This thread is not for extolling nor denigrating the use of cannabis - it is solely for offering the OP advice regarding the worry they have stated...if that can't be done without derailing the thread then the thread will have to be closed.

120_Minutes

120_Minutes wrote: »

Without turning this into a he said she said, there are about the same amount of reports saying marijuana doesnt cause any lung problems as those that do.

Fair enough, but as you said in your post with regards to the vaporiser, the tobacco is still an issue, general health wise.

I just wanted to add, that marijuana does affect your brain in other ways that might not necessarily be classed as a big issue. It's been seen to lower brain functions such as memory, attention, and general speed of thought. Before the question of studies comes into it, this is also from personal experience. Most of the people I've ever known who were long-time marijuana users, even those that were very intelligent, just seemed a little slower, attention/thought wise. I just think the risk is unnecessary.

Silverfish

Sorry OP, the only person who can advise you on this is your GP or a mental health professional.

None of us are qualified to tell you how this will affect your health.