We all know someone with a mental illness, whether it is a family member, a friend, or ourselves. 1 in 5 will experience a mental illness during their lifetime and millions live with mental illnesses everyday. Pharmaceutical medication is typically what is used to manage mental health disorders, but cannabis and other psychedelics have been reintroduced to the conversation.

24 percent of Pennsylvania medical marijuana cardholders use cannabis to treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It is the second most popular condition behind chronic pain. However, even in our chronic pain patients we have seen a positive effect on their mental health thanks to medical marijuana. Many have remarked how much happier they are now that they have started treating their pain with cannabis. Not only have their moods changes for the better so have their general outlook on life. Even their loved ones see the difference that medical marijuana has made in their lives.

Most medical programs have shied away from including mental health conditions on their approved conditions lists, but Pennsylvania took it a step further in 2019 when they expanded the qualifying conditions to include anxiety disorders -- the most common mental health condition in the United States.  Since then we have seen medical marijuana patient registration numbers skyrocket, possibly even contributing to a dry leaf drought. Nevertheless, it is wonderful that people living with PTSD and/or anxiety disorders can access medical marijuana as an alternative to pharmaceutical medicine in Pennsylvania.

Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we are closing the month by sharing our medical marijuana mental health stories. We hope to help break the stigma associated with mental health disorders and inspire those facing similar challenges. If you ever feel alone in this battle, remember we are here with you.

Colleen

“I've suffered from anxiety for most of my life, but it wasn't until I became a medical marijuana patient that I really got it under control. Prior to becoming a patient I was bedridden from anxiety, I couldn't keep a job, I couldn't even get behind the wheel of a car most days, it was crippling. I depended on pharmaceuticals just to get out of bed in the morning, and those left me mostly useless.  Cannabis has allowed me to take back my life.  I use tinctures, capsules, and RSO for long lasting effects, and cartridges and flower for immediate relief, strains like Power Kush and Durban haze are amazing for daytime relief, while I love heavy strains like Dank Commander and GG#4 for nighttime or really bad days.”

Kyle

“Although I have my card primarily for chronic pain, I also experience some mild depression and anxiety. I've found that talking about these issues and other feelings is helpful on its own, but I'm naturally reserved and over-analytical so it can be hard to express myself and properly self-reflect. Using strains with energetic and creative effects work great to help me loosen up and think more freely so I could express how I am feeling without my mind filtering the process. I really like 1:1 strains like Harlequin for this benefit and have also recently had good experience with some of the high Delta-8 THC Farmaceutical RX cartridges. It's amazing how just a little change in perception can help you think more clearly.”  

Kaveise

“I got diagnosed with PTSD the summer before college. I told my mom I was fine and definitely did not need medication so she let me carry on with my life as usual. However, my life was anything but usual. I stayed up until the wee hours of the morning because I was having reoccurring nightmares and my nightmares caused me to feel anxious and on edge. I decided to try cannabis recreationally when I went away to school in Southern California. It wasn't until an Abnormal Psychology course that discussed cannabis as a medicine that it dawned on me that I hadn't had consistent nightmares in months and they only occurred when I didn't smoke before bed. From then I started to pay attention to how cannabis helped me manage my PTSD. It's been 10 years since cannabis has entered my life and I don't think I would be the person I am today without it.

When I am feeling anxious and unmotivated, Sour Joker, Cheesewreck, Kosher Tangie, and I-95 are my go-to strains. They make me giggly and talkative which helps with mood upliftment and social interactions. Purple Punch and Banana Kush are great for when I feel anxious. And when I need to sleep, any heavy indica that smells diesel-y or gassy will do.”

Will

“My card is for anxiety and PTSD and this has been my absolute best option for managing both of those. Years ago my doctor just kept increasing and increasing my Xanax dose until I was at nearly 5mg a day. On top of feeling mostly sedated, my anxiety was still terrible and on top of it I now HAD to have Xanax to keep myself from withdrawal symptoms severe enough to give me seizures.

I worked very hard with a new doctor to get off the Xanax and after 2 years of working with him I was only able to decrease my dose from 5mg to 3.5mg. When I returned to PA, entered the industry and became a patient, I began searching for ways to use MMJ to help treat my anxiety, but also to help me get off the Xanax. After finding the right routines and combinations for me, I was able to drop to less than 1mg of Xanax a day within a few short months (carefully). I’m confident in saying that this helped save my life. 

I like capsules, tinctures, and RSO for longer acting management and prefer flower to manage more acute symptoms. My go-to strains right now are things like Afghani for the weighted blanket feel or Banana Kush to just relax me and make me a little more smiley.”

We know it can be hard to manage your mental health, especially with the COVID restrictions currently in place. As a dispensary, we are always here to help you whether it’s helping you choose the right strain or lending an ear. Until your next visit, here are some tips to consider so you can be kind to your mind.

• Pay attention to how you feel. Take moments to breathe and reflect.

• Take a break from social media.

• Make time to be active or creative.

• Have a trusted strain close by!

• Stay connected to others. (Come see us at the dispensary, we’ll chat with you!)

• Seek help if you feel overwhelmed.

If someone you know is interested in medical marijuana in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, or Latrobe, PA, have them visit us at www.delta9pa.com.

Delta 9 PA by Keystone Integrated Care dispensaries provide medical marijuana in Pittsburgh and Greensburg/Latrobe, PA. We offer affordable medical marijuana cartridges and other products, online reservations, curbside pickup, and quality service to patients in Western Pennsylvania.