Source
r/ankylosingspondylitis•
MaxPowerGamer

Cannabinoids week 1 results..

Thank you to everyone who commented and wanted to learn more about my experience. So here goes another update.

I was able to remain pain free 95% of the time. The 5% pain crept back in as I was overdue to take my humira by 5 days (I wanted to see how long I could go without a new injection). 5 days was pretty good tbh.

Sleeping: soundly every night was the biggest plus. I found myself drifting off on schedule and no twisting and turning just bam sleep.

Pain: Nil pain during the first week. I had some slight stiffness as the evening routine kicked in but a quick dose and I was fighting fit again. I actually became a task master and got a lot more done than I usually would have. The motivation was there, the urgh can’t be bothered I’m too fucked was replaced by “yup do it I am ok”. I found I didn’t need to take any doses during the day although I did experiment with that.

Mood: it has been a very very long time since I was so balanced. I had happy days, where I enjoyed walks, daily tasks, music and socialising. Best off playing With the kids more was awesome.

Method: I tried each strain and oil on their own on a specific day to better understand the effects and my reaction.

Effects: I found the Sativa to be the overall winner. The initial high lasted a few mins then a gentle haze would subside into a sense of goodness / safety and relaxation. The Indica whilst powerful was too strong for me. The high was intense and long lasting. Once it settled in 30 mins to an hour later it was very nice but I definitely had the sensation of being on something. The CBD100 pure isolate oil was great, almost like an invisible armour for my mood but didn’t have a great affect on my pain.

Sativa (day time pain and wellness). .2 - .5 gram a day in a vape Time: I would load up the vape and have it ready for consumption at around 6pm. On the days I had off I tried it throughout the day sporadically. One load in the vape lasted most of a full day with only reloading it once more for bed time. I would take a couple of puffs and then carry on until the pain / stiffness crept back in with immediate relief. I found taking little bits at a time as i felt I needed it the best course. The next day from 9-5pm I didn’t need any top ups. On my days off I was more active (birthday season) but again only administered small amounts at 9 am 4pm and 6-9pm.

Indica: I found it very strong. I would use .1 of a gram 30 mins before sleep. Boy did I sleep and whoa the dreams were intense. I started out using Indica each night but reverted to the Sativa as it had the same affect just not as intense. I reckon on bad flare up days Indica would be a massive help!!

CBD100 oil: take 1ml a day, helped with all round wellness. Just didn’t help much with the pain and stiffness.

I would highly recommend this treatment along with biologics. I feel like myself again which is a godsend (I am not religious).

Posted Sep 27, 2022, 3:53 AM UTC

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RZA3663•

I take 20 mg of indica edible for sleep daily, and during the weekend, I'll take a sativa 20 mg every 6 hours. I found edible effects lasts a few hours longer than flower. Flower stinks up the whole house, and also only gives me a head high. Edibles offer full body bliss

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MaxPowerGamerOP•

I must see if I can get some edibles here. Although if it’s like the oil I don’t think I’ll like it.

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RZA3663•

Start off low dose, and slowly work your way up. I made the mistake of starting out at 10 mg, then took another 10mg an hour later. Long story short, I was in bed shaking and sweaty thinking the cops were coming after me.

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MaxPowerGamerOP•

Sounds delightful haha

I had a not too dissimilar experience on thc oil during trials. Took wayyyy too much and woke up off my head and in a panic attack. Wasn’t fun but live n learn

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Kitchen_Carry_9218•

This is awesome news! Thankyou for sharing. I’m currently considering doing my honours for pharmacology around cannabinoids so this is super exciting. The politics around cannabis is ridiculous and I think it has so much potential in chronic pain, mental health and cancer treatment. I hope cannabinoids can be more accessible over time🤞

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hollybally420•

I’m so happy you found relief!! If you can’t tell from my name I have experience with weed or cannabinoids as you call it 😂. I think everyone should try it. I smoke sometimes, vaping is pretty good it seems to be quicker out doesn’t hit as hard. Edibles are probably best for the pain and body. Here’s my experience with it, does absolutely nothing for my disease AS and causes inflammation because my body doesn’t really like it. CBD also did nothing for me. I also get paranoia or hungry AF so it defeats the purpose. Sometimes I still get high but not high enough. I’m going to try microdosing for pain relief. I might’ve wrecked my chance with weed because I was a total pothead forever ago. I do hope everyone tries in and I’m so glad it’s working for you!!

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MaxPowerGamerOP•

Thanks :)

Micro dosing what?

As my Rheumatologist says, “if it works for you, do it”

So glad I’ve given it a go!!

Is cannabinoids too formal?

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hollybally420•

It just cracked me up because in college I wrote a paper on the benefits of cannabinoids while my boyfriend at the time owned a dispensary so you reminded me of my cannabinoids paper. I like it! You call it whatever you want and keep on using it. It makes me so happy when people find relief in it. I’m going to microdose mushrooms and see how the pain reacts. I really appreciate how detailed your descriptions were to help other people get a starting point too. Thank you

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MaxPowerGamerOP•

Ok so it’s the devils lettuce, is that cool maaan? Lol did a google so many names for weed, ganja, Mary Jane…

A friend of mine who was suffering with severe depression and trauma micro dosed pscilicibin (think that’s the spelling) and bingo he was back to normal after the first dose. looks like that kind of treatment is gaining traction again. Not sure about it’s application for pain?

You are very lucky to have a dispensary at your disposal!!

Thanks for your kind words, I know how frustrating AS is and how scary treatments are. I wanted to try to experiment with it myself and share the good and the bad. So far no bad.

I’ve also completely stopped drinking alcohol and started to lose a little weight.

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hollybally420•

Hahahah that’s hilarious, my friend was calling it leaf and I couldn’t stop laughing. I’m 40 so grew up on shwag and Brick weed 😂. I am glad to hear about your friend and your successes and also wish dispensaries were readily accessible to everyone!

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DueReaction3669•

Skipping Humira from my experience had really bit me in the ass. I’ve really learned my AS effects way more than I realize, especially my stomach.

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MaxPowerGamerOP•

Dito, I get bouts of IBS and bloating. I’ve all but given up red meat as it doesn’t agree with the AS….. I miss steaks

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terpinoid•

There is some research that suggests thc has some ability to inhibit IL-17 cytokines. My personal experience is that ingestion pathway is very helpful for my AS symptoms but inhalation route is not as effective, though has many other benefits and doesn’t appear to make it worse but that’s not entirely clear to me. The benefit seems to outweigh the risks in my personal situation with AS and cannabis. I am a little concerned about being on an anti TNF and cannabis since there literally is no research on the interactions.

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ChaoticSquirrel•

Be careful screwing around with your Humira timing. It doesn't always take long to develop antibodies.

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MaxPowerGamerOP•

True that

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1
Outside_Advantage845•

Thanks for posting your experience! I’m curious, are you vaping flower? I smoked back in college, always out of a water pipe and my only experience with vaping was with a giant volcano that inflated bags. Not very discreet.

1
MaxPowerGamerOP•

Yes I am, I had ingested oils prior to this but I didn’t enjoy the BIG hit slow release and day after groggy feeling. Happy to say vaping nails it, if I am feeling stiff or sore a quick vape and bam instant relief.

After extensive research I settled on The Mighty by Storz & Bickel (medical grade)- same company that makes the volcano. https://www.storz-bickel.com/en/catalog/product/view/id/139

It’s pocket size and extremely easy to use. Although being old in terms of the competition it seems to still stand the test of time and only has positive reviews. I am happy with the investment as it wasn’t cheap. Vaping is also less impactful on your lungs compared to combustion / burning the flower.

3
MrMaurzog•

I am not a cannabis user but back before I was diagnosed, was desperate, and the tens units, hot pads, baths, painkillers, massages, stretching didn’t work and by back kept spasming, it was the only thing that would knock me out of that feedback loop.

1
slothrop-dad•

For a couple years in college, I smoked weed nearly every single day, but not for AS. When I stopped smoking, my AS came back with a vengeance.

Unfortunately, blazing fatties every day did not lead to the type of life I wanted to live, so now I have to settle for biologics doing their amazing work instead lol

1
MaxPowerGamerOP•

Oh i still need the biologics, popped mine yesterday and it worked it’s magic. I don’t think blazing fatties everyday is healthy lol

I kinda like the idea of some medical boffin measuring the strength of a specific strain to be applied to a condition in a precise way. Gives me comfort I won’t go off the rails or take some crazy home grown scientists concoction that makes me see pink elephants.

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frostpudding•

I take hemp oil when I feel bad and it tends to help a lot. Medical just got legal in Texas but idk if my doctor would recommend it. I don't want to be labeled a drug seeker for asking either.

1
MaxPowerGamerOP•

I struggled with this stigma being attached too. Prohibition is over, if it’s legal there is nothing wrong with it. Besides no one needs to know, aside from Reddit I’ve only told my wife and one other person.

It’s my body and it has been an enemy of mine for quite a long time. For once it feels like it’s working with me instead of against me.

Give it a go and if it’s not for you no harm no foul.

1
ehmanniceshot•

Daily cannabis user here for 2 years. To those who are skeptical:

Effects: I can't think of a single negative impact it's had on my life (it's cheap and legal where I am). It has not lowered my motivation at all--it has helped me work longer hours and work more effectively/focussed (I work at home), sleep better, exercise more, have more energy, be a better father and husband, and given me a calmer, stress-free perspective on AS and life in general.

The direct effects on AS are not always obvious. I don't think it (for me anyway) it could ever replace medication. Yes, it relieves pain (a bit), but it feels more like a mental aid that just makes dealing with pain easier than it does like a painkiller.

Dose: I usually keep the does low (just a quick puff or a pinch of an edible) in the daytime because you can certainly lose your motivation to work (or your ability to drive safely, etc.) on a high dose. Even a little (though I recommend more than a microdose) makes the day more enjoyable. Evenings, I often get absolutely blitzed. Because, well, everything is better when high.

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MaxPowerGamerOP•

Definitely helps with the mental toll AS has, it has perked my mood up no end.

Sorry it hasn’t help with the pain much. I’ve been lucky the strain the gave me is awesome.

I took my humira yesterday and today I am feeling fine… FIIIIIINE! Such a nice combo.

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