Considering Trying Marijuana For The First Time...Worried...

[K Madden]

Hey guys, I've been really considering trying Marijuana for the very first time in my almost 28 year-old life.
I've been battling PTSD, Insomnia, a TBI and quite a few more other injuries from the Military for years and years now.
I have a hard time with my temper sometimes... but when I do have anger issues...the are fucking BAD. Honestly, and very seriously, I'm scared that eventually I may hurt someone because of my anger issues too.
I push away friends and relationships and have been trying to do my best to find something to help me.

If I lived in a state that it was legal, there is no doubt in my mind I would have tried it.
It's NOT legal in Florida, and I would be worried about losing my Retirement with the Air Force (medical care, travel and pension).

Anyone offer any bit of advice? I know we have quite a few Vets here. I know a few know better than me about this. PM me if you would like, but I'd like to hear some advise either way from everyone

[K Madden]

I know Maestro Bravo may have a BIT of insite on this too

[Patrick Fitz]

Hey brother, I'm in the service now and have a few questions for ya. Would you rather me pm you?

[K Madden]

Whatever you feel more comfortable with. It doesn't matter to me

[Patrick Fitz]

Are you getting help from the VA for PTSD? Yeah it sucks and you have to talk to some shrink who has not a clue, have to rehash old bs/scars, but in the end they can get you compensated and some other meds that can do the trick. I don't recommend these meds as a long term and permanent fix but they can help clear your mind. The clearing of the mind helps find the root cause of your anger. I didn't realize at the time, but rehashing some things that had been buried deep in my mind really helped, albeit painful at first. PTSD is like living under a constant cloud-- sometimes is just overcast and sometimes it's a freaking deadly storm.

[Michael Sioda]

Hey Ken,

Pot can effect different people in different ways. It can help with pain, PTSD, insomnia & anger so I definitely think its worth trying. I have a few friends that stopped taking psychotropic medications & another guys mom that greatly reduced her pain medications in favor of pot & they are far better off now. For your 1st few times smoking I would recommend the following:

Try not to have expectations for the experience & just feel it out with an open mind. It can chill you out or make you anxious - in many ways it comes down to your attitude & demeanor at the moment that you choose to smoke. Try to have a positive attitude & smoke in a relaxing atmosphere with people you trust. Don't smoke too much, just one hit of good weed is enough to see how it affects you. If you don't like it, don't worry - the effects only last a few hours.

One last tip: buy good weed, its better for your mind & your lungs (less smoke required)...

[Brandon Woolsey]

Stay away from sativas they can jack with ptsd. You will want an indica or indica heavy hybrid.

[K Madden]

Are you getting help from the VA for PTSD? Yeah it sucks and you have to talk to some shrink who has not a clue, have to rehash old bs/scars, but in the end they can get you compensated and some other meds that can do the trick. I don't recommend these meds as a long term and permanent fix but they can help clear your mind. The clearing of the mind helps find the root cause of your anger. I didn't realize at the time, but rehashing some things that had been buried deep in my mind really helped, albeit painful at first. PTSD is like living under a constant cloud-- sometimes is just overcast and sometimes it's a freaking deadly storm.

Yes, I see them regularly and have seen them since 2005. They've tried to put me on every medication under the sun. I reaaaally hate taking them, plus I never noticed much of an effect. I stopped taking them, but maybe I should get back on.
Again, I'm worried that If I start MJ, I may lose my benefits. But, if it helps, I'm considering the risk. I'm sure there are plenty of ways to beat that kinda test. Me No Dumby.

[K Madden]

Hey Ken,

Pot can effect different people in different ways. It can help with pain, PTSD, insomnia & anger so I definitely think its worth trying. I have a few friends that stopped taking psychotropic medications & another guys mom that greatly reduced her pain medications in favor of pot & they are far better off now. For your 1st few times smoking I would recommend the following:

Try not to have expectations for the experience & just feel it out with an open mind. It can chill you out or make you anxious - in many ways it comes down to your attitude & demeanor at the moment that you choose to smoke. Try to have a positive attitude & smoke in a relaxing atmosphere with people you trust. Don't smoke too much, just one hit of good weed is enough to see how it affects you. If you don't like it, don't worry - the effects only last a few hours.

One last tip: buy good weed, its better for your mind & your lungs (less smoke required)...

Stay away from sativas they can jack with ptsd. You will want an indica or indica heavy hybrid.

Noted. I like this kinda info. Keep it coming You guys rock.

[10th Planet Riverside, Ca]

Hey guys, I've been really considering trying Marijuana for the very first time in my almost 28 year-old life.
I've been battling PTSD, Insomnia, a TBI and quite a few more other injuries from the Military for years and years now.
I have a hard time with my temper sometimes... but when I do have anger issues...the are fucking BAD. Honestly, and very seriously, I'm scared that eventually I may hurt someone because of my anger issues too.
I push away friends and relationships and have been trying to do my best to find something to help me.

If I lived in a state that it was legal, there is no doubt in my mind I would have tried it.
It's NOT legal in Florida, and I would be worried about losing my Retirement with the Air Force (medical care, travel and pension).

Anyone offer any bit of advice? I know we have quite a few Vets here. I know a few know better than me about this. PM me if you would like, but I'd like to hear some advise either way from everyone

My cousin is just like you. He has those same anger problems and he's a big guy too
6'3" 285 pounds. Ex Marine, boxer and tackle football player. Not good when he is mad.
He gets help from the Veteran's hospital. Have gone there with him many times. They
give him stuff to calm him down. Says if he didn't take the stuff he'd be killing people.
He can't understand why more people that have that edge don't take stuff. Another
friend of mine with the same problems lost his job and his wife and many of his friends
for not taking anything.

Are they testing you for drugs?

You know now there really aren't any states where marijuana is technically legal because
of the federal law against marijuana. It's an election year.

Why don't you try edibles? I don't like all that smoke all the time so I go for the edibles.
All that smoke will cut down on your wind.