Is it harmful to vape every day for anxiety?

pngwyn · Mar 28, 2011

I have chronic (lol) anxiety issues that cause me to sweat a lot and a lot of other fun stuff, and smoking seems to completely cure it for me. Lately I've been vaping multiple times in a single day, pretty much every day. Should I be concerned for my health if I continue?

weedemon · Mar 28, 2011

well vaping is a hell of a lot better for you than smoking I think we can all agree on that.

But when it comes to vaporizing, we are still talking about taking something and you are lining your lungs with it. look at you vape equipment, see that resin/oil build up on it? that's going inside you too right? it's gotta go somewhere.

I think it's safe to say that it is still not good for you, but compared to smoking it's practically nothing by comparison.

Hopefully more will comment and weigh in on the subject too!

I'd also like to hear some more opinions

AGBeer · Mar 28, 2011

I think the buzzphrase is 'less harmful'.

I tend to vape every day (sometimes all day) and I have yet to feel any adverse health affects. However, I DO chunk some healthy amounts of lung butter when I pick up those damned cigars again and smoke those.

momofthegoons · Mar 28, 2011

I also vape daily; usually all day. Harmful? I don't think so. But, I guess it depends on your definition of harmful. If harmful means a possible lessening of productivity and an almost assured attack of the munchies, then yes. Vaping daily can be harmful.

pngwyn · Mar 28, 2011

I dunno, I guess lately I've been feeling a little shortness in breath, or a little extra effort to breathe. I don't know if it's related to vaping, or possibly since I am recovering from surgery and haven't done proper cardio in over a month, or both.

I have thought about the residue that gets on my vape, and if it does stick to my insides, will it eventually clear up or just continue building?

momofthegoons · Mar 28, 2011

All kidding aside, I think that the resin that is inhaled and "sticks" to your lungs is mostly coughed out as phlegm. To simplify it, anything that we inhale into our bodies (besides oxygen) is a foreign substance and could be considered as not healthful. Even the oxygen that we inhale has foreign particles in it. The way our body handles this is that the cilia in the lungs, along with your digestive juices and macrophages in your blood, help move the foreign particles out. It handles the foreign particles in vapor the same way. It's up to you to decide whether or not you want to add additional particles in the form of vapor and whether or not it is harmful to you.

You did not mention what type of surgery that you had had, but most surgeries will have an effect on your respiratory system. IMO, the action of vaping is similar to using a spirometer and might help with your air intake. But if you are finding that it leaves you feeling short of breath, perhaps waiting until you've recovered more would be advisable. Hope you feel better soon.

djonkoman · Mar 28, 2011

I THINK that it's not harmfull for your lungs, if your respitory system functions as it should and you don't smoke tobacco
our lungs have a natural way to clean, the cilia (thanks momofthegoons by providing me with the english name, otherwise I would've only known the dutch name, wich translates to vibrate-hairs)
only tobacco stuns these wich is why it is so harmfull, but weed leaves them intact, and I've read thc even makes them work harder
I myself vape multiple times a day and I don't notice any negative effect on my lungs, a while ago I took(just for fun) such a test wich tests the amount you can exhale in 1 minute, wich is about 2/3 of the active capacity of the lungs
and my score was well above average, and more then everyone else who I know the score of
altugh this is probably more a case of just having genetic healthy good lungs(maybe it also plays a role that I use my bicycle as primary transport, on regular weekdays I drive 20 km, 12-13 miles, a day on my bike)
but at least it proves vaping doesn't really decrease lung capacity(altough ofcourse I don't know what my score would be if I did't vape at all)

Heisenberg · Mar 28, 2011

are you refering to physical effects only? what about psychological effects of being medicated all the time? :ko:

DevoTheStrange · Mar 28, 2011

Heisenberg said:
are you refering to physical effects only? what about psychological effects of being medicated all the time?

i agree with this.... if you are using MJ as a stress/anxiety relief, be aware that a dependancy may occur if the MJ is your only source of stress relief. Not saying it will definitely happen, just be aware that it could potentially happen.

stuartambient · Mar 28, 2011

DevoTheStrange said:
Heisenberg said:

are you refering to physical effects only? what about psychological effects of being medicated all the time?

Click to expand...

i agree with this.... if you are using MJ as a stress/anxiety relief, be aware that a dependancy may occur if the MJ is your only source of stress relief. Not saying it will definitely happen, just be aware that it could potentially happen.

Yeah yeah it all sounds nice in theory, then you have to deal with some horrific incident in your life or a good dose of PTSD and pretty soon a little dependency doesn't seem so bad. Remember it's not physically addicting. The problem is the perfect person doesn't really exist and we all cope with stuff in our own ways and we can all figure it out on our own and who knows you realize on your own one day you don't want to vape every day or your going to take a break for 3 months to see what you think in the difference. Should be self generated though not administered by preachy types of social overlords (not referring to anyone here)

Stuart

pngwyn · Mar 28, 2011

Thank you for all the insightful replies. The surgery I got was actually on my foot from sports, so I don't know if that would effect my respiratory system, though I am definitely a little out of shape now.

And I may have under exaggerated.. I have been vaping consistently for about 2 years now pretty much every day. So "lately" is a lie

The truth is my anxiety disorder makes it impossible for me to go to social gatherings without and a bunch of other stuff completely embarrassing myself.

I figure if MJ is the cure, and has no severe negative effects, then why not continue to take it to improve my quality of life from a day to day basis? Not to mention, doctors are here trying to prescribe me addictive drugs, so I'd rather just toke up. Of course now I'm experiencing these issues I'm starting to wonder if my logic was sound.... of course there is always the possibility that my ailments have nothing to do with MJ or vaping altogether, I dunno.

I've also been getting this pressure around my left eye/cheek, just recently, with increased sensation after I vape or toke up. I think it has something to do with my sinuses getting irritated. Anyone experience this before?

lwien · Mar 28, 2011

It's all having to do with the risk/reward ratio...........just like any other kind of medication. Is the risk of using MJ daily worth the reward? Using MJ daily is not risk free, but it sure is a helluva lot more risk free than most any other kind of pharmaceutical that you may need to take to address your issue. However, IF you can address those issues with behavioral modifications, so much the better.

SmokingElectricity · Mar 28, 2011

a fellow agoraphobe???

i vape almost all day too most days since i usually work from home. only real issues i have is waking up [vape hangover?] takes about an hour or two and a few cups of coffee to get me going. also suffer from sinus problems as well sometimes due to vaping. i used to be on alot of different meds for anxiety/depression, now i only use cannabis. also cut my intake down as well from vaping/combusting 2 oz a month down to only vaping 1/2 oz [with a big help from my myrtlezap] this past year. ideally i would love to only vape a few stems at night but it never works out that way.

safer than smoking. hell yes. but cannabis all day, everyday, no matter how you consume it will have some sort of impact on your physical/metal being, whether it be making you hungry/munchies/chubby or difficult to focus on everyday tasks. :ko:

pngwyn · Mar 28, 2011

lwien said:
It's all having to do with the risk/reward ratio...........just like any other kind of medication. Is the risk of using MJ daily worth the reward? Using MJ daily is not risk free, but it sure is a helluva lot more risk free than most any other kind of pharmaceutical that you may need to take to address your issue. However, IF you can address those issues with behavioral modifications, so much the better.

Lol I can't stop watching your avatar

And yeah.. I am trying to slowly ween off of it, or vape less often. There was a time where I didn't have to get high to go out, it just took me extra effort to suppress the anxiety or I could go off and hide in a bathroom or something lol, but after smoking it has made me kinda lazy so I never need to consciously suppress it, and now I feel like off MJ I have less control of my anxiety.

May just be overthinking, either way I am trying to cut down >.> weed is just so amazing. It has given me a chance to be confident and anxiety free, and also makes music amazing!

Carbon · Mar 28, 2011

pngwyn said:
And yeah.. I am trying to slowly ween off of it, or vape less often. There was a time where I didn't have to get high to go out, it just took me extra effort to suppress the anxiety or I could go off and hide in a bathroom or something lol, but after smoking it has made me kinda lazy so I never need to consciously suppress it, and now I feel like off MJ I have less control of my anxiety.

May just be overthinking, either way I am trying to cut down >.> weed is just so amazing. It has given me a chance to be confident and anxiety free, and also makes music amazing!

As with any foreign substance in the body you will get used to it and possibly dependent on it. If possible the best way to address your anxiety may be through therapy rather than medicating (though a combination can be beneficial). I don't know you or your situation, but sometimes these things can be overcome if you work on them enough. Also make sure you are exercising regularly as that seems to help me when I have similar issues.

Pi_Squared · Mar 28, 2011

I started taking antidepressants to deal with the same type of physically visible anxiety that you are talking about and the only thing I have to say is DON'T DO IT (by it I mean take antidepressants). I recently stated using MJ as an alternative to help me cope and even if it does hurt your lungs, at least it doesn't make you hate life. As someone who has used both I can tell you that MJ is MUCH safer than antidepressants so smoke (or vape) on.

mlo4sho · Mar 28, 2011

Pi_Squared said:
I started taking antidepressants to deal with the same type of physically visible anxiety that you are talking about and the only thing I have to say is DON'T DO IT (by it I mean take antidepressants). I recently stated using MJ as an alternative to help me cope and even if it does hurt your lungs, at least it doesn't make you hate life. As someone who has used both I can tell you that MJ is MUCH safer than antidepressants so smoke (or vape) on.

QFT. The marijuana may not be good for you but it's a lot better than the anti-depressants and anxiety pills they will give you. In my opinion, vaping marijuana (within reason) is better than taking anti-depressants and anti-anxiety pills. After years of this same treatment I am just now realizing it. Pretty sad that they will put you on a drug to "help" you that you can't even physically stop taking. That's why I'll use marijuana. It will help with my anxiety and if I HAD to stop using it, I could.

Nosferatu · Mar 29, 2011

I really think you should take a good long break. After too long you will rely on it because you forgot how you were sober, so when you stop its anxiety to the max, even for someone who was never anxious. So wouldn't someone who solves there manic anxiety with cannabis think of how they will be when they are 80 and still needing it day after day, in their death bed so their not anxious around relatives.. You must solve this problem naturally, then use cannabis and it will be a whole new feeling, instead of working to fix the negative, you will be exemplifying your real positive traits.

But I have a feeling if you stop gradually you should remember how it makes you think and try and stay that way, not being anxous is after all only a state of mind. Can you try to think just like you do high, when your not? But I dont know anything about how you are and only was mildy shy before cannabis, so my beliefs may not fit to your situation. :peace:

pngwyn · Mar 29, 2011

Nosferatu said:
I really think you should take a good long break. After too long you will rely on it because you forgot how you were sober, so when you stop its anxiety to the max, even for someone who was never anxious. So wouldn't someone who solves there manic anxiety with cannabis think of how they will be when they are 80 and still needing it day after day, in their death bed so their not anxious around relatives.. You must solve this problem naturally, then use cannabis and it will be a whole new feeling, instead of working to fix the negative, you will be exemplifying your real positive traits.

But I have a feeling if you stop gradually you should remember how it makes you think and try and stay that way, not being anxous is after all only a state of mind. Can you try to think just like you do high, when your not? But I dont know anything about how you are and only was mildy shy before cannabis, so my beliefs may not fit to your situation.

This is really great advice. I am trying to break, but it's hard when you already have somewhat of a cycle going. I know what you mean though, at one point cannabis was more than just a anxiety-reliever, it was a life enhancer, and now those lines may have blurred a little for me.

It's not that I'm shy, but I just sweat uncontrollably very randomly if I just get the slightest bit anxious and when I am high I can't sweat unless I'm doing something physically taxing.

crawdad · Mar 29, 2011

interesting, you might have already checked into this but perhaps you have what is called "hyperhydrosis" which essentially is excessive sweating. meaning, you sweat when you should not. there are things to deal with this. i have this on occasion (not anxiety triggered) and the only thing that has worked for me is a spray you order online, used infrequently....that is when i remember to use it, ha. i wont say its super safe though, its a higher concentration of aluminum chloride, 20% to be exact so thats why you only use it sparingly. id like to quit altogether.

best of luck to you, cool that you can keep it under control with cannabis...i can see it now, roll on cannabis deodorant.

Cleanfiend · Mar 29, 2011

As much as I hate to admit it, daily and habitual usage IMO can most certainly heighten one's anxiety levels, specifically while you are not high. I took a 6 month break following 7 years of heavy usage, and am thankful for all that I learned from doing so. As others have mentioned, using any substance to combat a bad feeling can lead to dependence, in a bad way. If you can, I would suggest a break to reevaluate your anxiety and its catalysts.

pngwyn · Mar 29, 2011

Cleanfiend said:
As much as I hate to admit it, daily and habitual usage IMO can most certainly heighten one's anxiety levels, specifically while you are not high. I took a 6 month break following 7 years of heavy usage, and am thankful for all that I learned from doing so. As others have mentioned, using any substance to combat a bad feeling can lead to dependence, in a bad way. If you can, I would suggest a break to reevaluate your anxiety and its catalysts.

Do you have any advice to taking that break? I'm sure it wasn't easy. Did you find that you were eventually able to get your anxiety in control off MJ?

And yeah I know it's called hyperhidrosis, the problem is my case is a bit unique where it's primarily on my neck/forehead, and a lot of topical treatments aren't meant for the face. Another possible temporary solution is botox, but eff that lol.

salamanderfish · Mar 30, 2011

pngwyn said:
And yeah I know it's called hyperhidrosis, the problem is my case is a bit unique where it's primarily on my neck/forehead, and a lot of topical treatments aren't meant for the face. Another possible temporary solution is botox, but eff that lol.

Wow!

My mom regularly has debilitating migraines. Unfortunately she cannot use most pharmaceutical migraine meds due to a liver transplant she had five years ago which left her "immune suppressed" (aka with a sensitive immune system).

To mitigate these migraines she regularly has botox injections done; nevertheless, the botox only marginally reduces the pain/severity of her migraines (she still gets about 1 per week). Understandably she also dreads having big needles in her face and neck on a regular basis. Once I suggested that she look into the benefits of MJ as a possible alternative to botox but she doesn't seem to have taken my advice too seriously.

Ive always suspected weed might help. I read a lot of material which indicates weed is an effective way for marginal people to cope with the pain and a friend of mine was using MJ for his migraines. Although hyperhidrosis and migraines are different, it looks like they both involve reoccurring pain for which a method of treatment is botox. If MJ works for you, then that is one more reason for me to believe it could work for mum.

I will look into finding more material which backs my hypothesis. It may take some solid evidence to sway my mom as she would be apprehensive about weed due the negative social connotations of MJ. Furthermore she probably thinks it has to be smoked.

Thanks for-rekindling my suspicion pngwyn! - sorry if this post is to long/detailed :peace:

pngwyn · Mar 30, 2011

salamanderfish said:
pngwyn said:

And yeah I know it's called hyperhidrosis, the problem is my case is a bit unique where it's primarily on my neck/forehead, and a lot of topical treatments aren't meant for the face. Another possible temporary solution is botox, but eff that lol.

Click to expand...

Wow!

My mom regularly has debilitating migraines. Unfortunately she cannot use most pharmaceutical migraine meds due to a liver transplant she had five years ago which left her "immune suppressed" (aka with a sensitive immune system).

To mitigate these migraines she regularly has botox injections done; nevertheless, the botox only marginally reduces the pain/severity of her migraines (she still gets about 1 per week). Understandably she also dreads having big needles in her face and neck on a regular basis. Once I suggested that she look into the benefits of MJ as a possible alternative to botox but she doesn't seem to have taken my advice too seriously.

Ive always suspected weed might help. I read a lot of material which indicates weed is an effective way for marginal people to cope with the pain and a friend of mine was using MJ for his migraines. Although hyperhidrosis and migraines are different, it looks like they both involve reoccurring pain for which a method of treatment is botox. If MJ works for you, then that is one more reason for me to believe it could work for mum.

I will look into finding more material which backs my hypothesis. It may take some solid evidence to sway my mom as she would be apprehensive about weed due the negative social connotations of MJ. Furthermore she probably thinks it has to be smoked.

Thanks for-rekindling my suspicion pngwyn! - sorry if this post is to long/detailed

Wow really interesting stuff. I would love to hear how MJ effects her migranes if she does try it out. My friend has irritable bowel syndrome and MJ also helps with that.. it's almost like a cure-all it seems like.

salamanderfish · Mar 30, 2011

Wouldn't go as far as to call it a "cure-all" but,
as Iwen was saying whether you use MJ and how much you use is all about judging the right cost/benefit potential. Economists would say that same concept also applies to everything else we do in life, as there is a cost and benefit to everything we chose to do. I am of the opinion that in the case of weed the "benefit" part of that ratio is too often underestimated, and that the "costs" are too often exaggerated- especially if the weed is not being smoked.

The versatility of MJ is a beautiful thing. I'll try to get back to you if my mom tries it.

Is it harmful to vape every day for anxiety?

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