What could possibly cause a mother to give a bong filled with marijuana to her 10-year-old daughter? Simply put, to save the lives of all her children.

Cannabis has been proven to be an effective treatment for many physical and psychological conditions, including Bipolar Disorder. This is not a “fact” or rumor taken from the Internet, not an assumption based on something that was heard, once upon a time. Rather, this information is drawn from a very personal source.

My mother started treating my Bipolar Disorder when I was 10, after I tried to stab my brother and ended up taking his bedroom door completely off the hinges. She was an “original hippie” who knew, understood and appreciated the benefits of medicinal cannabis more than 30 years ago. My mother told me I needed to learn how to hit the bong and calm down, or she would call the cops and have me arrested. This was my reality and the beginning of my appreciation and respect for cannabis.

Bipolar Disorder can be a particularly difficult disease to deal with as symptoms can range from the extreme highs of mania to the deepest depression and suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts and actions. Often, hallucinations and delusions are present, which causes the patient to lose complete contact with reality.

Anger and violence have often accompanied most of my depressive phases. Thankfully, my mother understood that this is a disease, and the symptoms would respond to cannabis.

Using cannabis has been extremely effective in treating all aspects of my Bipolar Disorder. It alleviates the depression, the dark hole one crawls into and cannot seem to escape, without thoughts of suicidal and homicidal ideation. Cannabis also calms the racing mind and helps to control the impulsivity while allowing the patient to relate to others without the grandiose thinking that often accompanies Bipolar Disorder.

I have never been quiet or even that discreet about using marijuana. While working for a local police department, it was a well-known fact, among staff and officers. It was the only way many of us could function in the stress-filled environment of an emergency 911 center and I was not the only one who medicated in order to work that job.

There are, admittedly, a few things wrong with using cannabis to treat any disorder. I currently reside in a “non-legal state”, therefore, the fact that I (and my family) could be charged with a state or federal crime and incarcerated for choosing an all natural, healing herb is the most disturbing and my reason for advocating for cannabis legalization throughout Utah.

Physically obtaining cannabis has never been much of an issue, even in Utah. However, being able to afford it can be. By allowing a patient to grow their own choice of herbal medicine, the affordability of treatment is greatly reduced.

When unable to afford or access cannabis, I tend to decompensate quickly and usually end up being forcibly admitted to lock down psychiatric facilities where numerous pharmaceuticals are pumped into my system, often times without my full consent or even knowledge. I eventually wind up having to undergo Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) as a last-ditch effort. The ECT usually consists of at least 10-20 treatments, which requires a general anesthetic. After the administration of the anesthesia intravenously, the treating physician then places one or two electrodes on the head (the location depends on the exact type of ECT) and administers a “shock” of electricity in order to produce a seizure.

Images of “One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest” come to mind when discussing shock therapy, which are usually disavowed by hospital staff. However, common side effects of ECT include severe headaches and nausea, loss of bladder control, muscle aches and spasms, debilitating memory loss and the inability to concentrate or focus.

Prior to undergoing ECT, I was a highly functioning individual, with the assistance of cannabis. I was a college graduate, raising a daughter, working in highly stressful environments. After starting ECT, I lost my job with the State of Utah, was found to be permanently disabled, and have not been able to work at any substantial level since, despite numerous attempts.

My specific side effects have included immense memory loss (both short and long-term) and the inability to concentrate. I lost the ability to read and write and was trying to read from right to left and misinterpreted almost every word. I also experienced serious word finding problems and developed a type of signaling or signing for my daughter to understand.

Teaching myself to read and write again was one of the hardest things I have ever managed in my life. After more than 5 years of undergoing fairly consistent ECT treatments, I continue to struggle with the very basics elements of communication.

The cost of hospitalizations and ECT treatments (both in and outpatient) are astronomical. Being hospitalized every 3-6 months for 2-3 weeks at a time, with corresponding outpatient ECT treatments can cost upwards of $60,000 each time, some of which is covered by Medicare, the rest is usually written off as I am on disability and unable to afford it.

It makes much more sense to allow patients be able to obtain cannabis legally, through a dispensary, or better yet, grow it for their personal use. Legal or not, cannabis will continue to be my treatment of choice.

I was initially prescribed pharmaceuticals at the age of 15, and have tried basically every psychotropic medication available including Lithium, Lamictal, Depakote, Risperdal, Seroquel, and Saphris. The side effects of these medications include severe sedation, dry mouth, loss of creativity, and nausea, and the prohibitive cost keeps many patients with Bipolar Disorder from maintaining their prescriptions.

None of these prescribed medications have provided the type of relief that cannabis does. Personal experience has consistently proven that I am able to think much more clearly and actually function with the assistance of cannabis. It allows me to be a calmer, patient, and more understanding mother and has been a terrific aid in raising a wonderful daughter.

Different symptoms of Bipolar Disorder can be treated with different strains of cannabis. Sativa strains produce a more euphoric type of high, improving mood and relieving stress while Indica strains help to relax muscles, work as general analgesics and help with sleep. I will continue to choose cannabis over prescription medications or ECT, every time!

By sharing this story, I hope to encourage other patients and families who are trying to live with Bipolar Disorder to consider utilizing cannabis as an all natural, herbal remedy to control their symptoms, “legal” or not.

Alabama: Considering a medical marijuana law.
   HB642 - The Michael Phillips Compassionate Care Act of Alabama

Arkansas: Considering a medical marijuana law.

Florida: Medical marijuana petition drive underway.

Idaho: Considering a medical marijuana law.

Indiana: Considering a medical marijuana law.

Iowa: Considering a medical marijuana law.

Kansas: Medical marijuana petition drive underway.
   Marijuana Bill Reaches House
   Cannabis Compassion and Care Act

Maryland: Considering a medical marijuana law.
   Medical Marijuana Approved by Maryland House of Delegates

Minnesota: Considering a medical marijuana law.

Missouri: Considering a medical marijuana law.
   HOUSE BILL NO. 1670 - An Act relating to the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes
   Cottleville Mayor Don Yarber hopes Missouri legislature passes medical marijuana law

New York: Considering a medical marijuana law.
   Medical Marijuana Bills Introduced

North Carolina: Considering a medical marijuana law.
   North Carolina Medical Cannabis Act

Ohio: Considering a medical marijuana law.
   HB 214

Pennsylvania: Considering a medical marijuana law.
   HB 1393

South Carolina: Considering a medical marijuana law.

South Dakota: Medical marijuana petition drive underway.

Tennessee: Considering a medical marijuana law.

Texas: Considering a medical marijuana law.

This is a re-creation of an old remedy from the 1800’s. It involves suspending the cannabinoids in sugar syrup in what is known as a micellized solution. This is a very easy process similar to making candy but one should use care when evaporating alcohol (a distillation device makes this part very nice).

To begin, thoroughly dry the herb to be used and make a strong tincture (190 proof is best). Grind it to a powder and then just cover with alcohol and let it stand somewhere dark for a couple weeks. After this is done strain the alcohol from the herb and save it. The herb is now spent and can be thrown out. Place the tincture in a double boiler over ELECTRIC heat and reduce the volume in half. After this add ½ the remaining volume of tincture in honey or some other syrup and 4-6 vitamin E caps (e.g.: if you have 2 quarts of tincture after reducing you would add 1 quart of honey). This is when you can add other herb tinctures and flavors (I use a root beer flavor base). Continue to reduce the volume with constant stirring until you have nearly boiled it down to the original volume of syrup that you began with. Let this cool and bottle in dark glass, then store in the refrigerator. Depending on the original strength of the herb, the dosage should be between a teaspoon and a couple tablespoons.

This basic recipe can be used to create an elixir from any tincture and the basic cannabis elixir can be modified for specific ailments. For example, adding syrup of elderberry makes this without a doubt the most effective treatment for influenza that exists. Kava can be added for greater pain control and sedation. With a little study of herbal medicine you can customize the blend for specific ailments. There are many uses for this syrup, but my family has come to rely on it as our sole treatment for colds and flu when made with elderberry and cats claw.