THC for caregiver
So this may not be for everyone. But I became so desperate for some relief I figured, why not. It had been over 40 years since I had my last puff so I went to one of these smoke shops and got some gummies. I go lightly, just using a half of one. My wife of 40 years is in her later stages and we go through all the stuff you read about on this site. Constant jabber, pacing, all day long, etc.
I have to say, when I have that little buzz I feel like I am more at ease with her, and that in some ways we reconnect a little bit. I seem to pick up on her emotions more and am more sensitive to her needs. I also feel she senses a more relaxed me and thus is more relaxed herself. I dunno. Just sharing and wondering if anyone else is on this track. Of course, safety is always a priority. I can handle it easily and I make sure it's 'the right time'. Others may not feel this comfortable.
I also have tried CBD gummies for her. Low dose. Mixed results. I would never administer THC to her. She never did it as an adolescent and I don't think it would be wise now.
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Early in our journey, DW and I would occasionally use low dose THC gummies. They did tend to make us more tolerant of the circumstances, more at ease with each other. As DW progressed, I became fearful of how we might react to THC so we stopped. Also, as her prescription medication load increased (agitation etc), it felt less appropriate to add "recreational" stuff to the mix. It sounds like our initial experience was similar to yours.
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My DH is on regular doses of gummies, one or two in the day time and an evening one. These are the gummies designed for dementia. They can be purchased online from HealerCBD.com and are legal in all fifty states. On a site called dementiacarecentral.com there are several pages detailing the research on use of gummies for various types of dementia. The memory care facility he is in had his regular doctor "prescribe" them and the caregivers on staff are pleased to have something he takes easily for agitation or depression. He is still in late stage 5 so I'm not sure how effective they will be as the disease progresses.
Personally I don't use gummies regularly but I do have some CBDA gummies which are non impairing and physician developed also from Healer. As time goes on I realize more profoundly that this journey is endless and I probably will investigate low dose THC gummies for myself…
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Thank you all for sharing your experiences with CBD/THC gummies. The use of gummies is something I’ve definitely been considering, for my husband who has ALZ and myself for the stress and anxiety I have. The first weekend in November my husband will be going on a 2 night trip with his son, DIL, and grandson, so that might be a good time for me to try it out for myself. I don’t want anything that would impair me while he’s home.
How did you all get started, in-person storefront, online, etc? How did you decide what and how much to use? TIA!
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I am so depressed and anxious right now that this thread is a bit of hope. Talk therapy I recently tried did not help. Anti-depressants have not helped, so I have stopped. The last drug literally made me physically ill and the prescribing doctor said, “just hang in there, it will get better”. He should try hanging in there while throwing up every day. I lasted one week and gave up.
My research points to I am likely in a depression treatment resistant condition. This could be a result of caregiver anxiety and stress as well as my past history with depression. Those prior episodes responded to treatment. This episode is different because the catalyst is different. My DH is not going to get better. My life is not going to get less challenging. I am the most stressed I have ever been in my 74 years on this earth.
I am aware of CBD/THC but have never used anything remotely like it.Please share how one goes about obtaining the type and dosage to try it. I tried to approach that question with my primary care awhile back and he said there is no value in it. But I need desperately to find something that can relieve me of some of this stress and sadness! The help I have gotten by therapy and pharmacology has been abysmally lacking.
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All of my experience with THC edibles was through using in person store fronts in a place where it is legal to do so. Most THC edibles come in 10mg per dose, with 10 dose per package. Some are 5mg per dose, 20 per package. If you are new I would start with 2.5mg dosage. It can take an hour or more after ingestion to settle in so be patient. Dosage may depend upon individuals and their reaction. You may need to experiment, so start small and build up. Worst case is you don't enjoy it and you are out the $25 or so you spent on the package of edibles.
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Timmy, this is very helpful info! I Googled “dispensaries near me” and apparently in my small rural area there are several. I drive past one whenever I go into town. I had no idea, but being in California I’m not surprised. Thank you!
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Where I live the taxes are almost as much as the bag of product, so I got my DH a medical card which eliminates paying taxes. My DH uses THC/CBD gummies during the day, and THC/CBN gummies at night. He does better with Indica, not Sativa. I tried a gummy once and had a bad experience. He takes 10 mg so I did as well. Learned the hard way that you start slow and low.
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@Chance Rider … I wish I lived in CA. I’ve been taking Kiva for quite sometime now. I have to drive to another state to get them. They help me immensely with my arthritis, sleep and stress/anxiety. I get terribly ill from most medications so these are a Godsend. Go slow like Timmy said and make sure you wait a full 2 hrs before taking more. Kiva has regular dose and high dose so watch the label. If you just take half of a 5 mg one and you don’t feel any different then wait several hours or the the next day and then take 5mg. If it works for you, you can increase your dosage. I haven’t given them to DH yet. I’m now at 40 mg per dose (times 2 or 3 times a day) J hope this helps and I hope you find some relief with the edibles. I’m forever grateful for Kiva Confections.
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Stepping back - yes care giving is stressful- when one is 24/7 responsible for a dependent adult should one get impaired themselves? Dosing the dependent adult ? Is that abuse?
Not legal in all US states. Street stuff has who knows what in it and promotes crime and exploitation.
How would it look to a probate court judge with the PWD and/ or responsible adult using without a script?
There are some studies on "old rats" that claim benefits but the studies did not show that any of the rats could draw a clock or name 5 cheeses before or after using.
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Victoriaedux, while I appreciate your response I have to say it seems a bit harsh. My original post was directed at caregivers not the patient. However, realize that we are all pumping all kinds of mind altering drugs into our loved ones in order to give them (and us) relief. I'm not condoning buying off the street stuff. If you're not a caregiver yourself you may not understand.
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Not all gummies are created equal. IMO that’s why pharmacy grade is important. That way you know what you’re getting. My DH never used marijuana as an adolescent either, but his neurologist gave us the green light to try it and it’s worked wonders. Having him calm and relaxed is enough to keep me calm and relaxed - therefore I won’t have to mood alter myself. This method works but not always 100%, but enough of the time.
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"Harsh". I asked questions and posted articles. If you don't like the questions …..
As for "If you're not a caregiver yourself you may not understand." That goes beyond the pale .
But I don't get stoned.
Would you let a grandchild's care giver get high?
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With the medications I’m giving my DW, I have considered gummies. Before I needed back surgery 15 years ago, I finally came to the view that they are a medicine like pills, but natural. And, I’ve always had trouble taking pills. THS gummies brought me the only pain relief I could get back then. So yes to gummies for a caregiver and definitely start low. They help with anxiety and depression too.
I’m more concerned about the impact on my DW, but again, it’s just another tool in the medicine tool belt. I definitely don’t prescribe to the old “Reefer Madness” view of THC or CBD, particularly in states where it’s legal and you can walk into a dispensary. You do know what’s in the things you are buying.
And in my experience, the worst medication is judgement. I’ve never found it healing or helpful.
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yup, "harsh" and you're not a caregiver isn't helpful
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I don’t want to keep beating the drum of medical marijuana, but in my state, the product is grown and processed with state supervision. The other benefit is a pharmacist reviews all of the meds my DH takes prior to each purchase. He’s 82 and I haven’t seen any adverse reactions yet - taking it for 6 months. I have a tincture of CBD w/out THC that I use on occasion, not too often. Helps me with muscle aches and pains.
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We were using CBD oil without THC for sleep and were advised to stop using it due to how it impacts the brain. THC will show up in bloodwork.
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There is a misconception that gummies used for mood and sleep are causing the patient to get high. Please check out scientific research at dementiacarecentral.com.
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I've been watching this post with interest. I haven't gotten high in 40+ years. I'm not looking to get stoned. I live in CA where they have legal dispensaries. As much as I'd like to give it to my DH, I never would. He still thinks of pot as an illegal street drug. I am incredibly responsible, handle everything and do my best to give him the very best experience everyday. I am tired and fried at the end of many days. I have not tried the edibles but am considering it. Is it really any different than a glass of wine or two at the end of an especially tough day? I'm not looking to get blotto but taking the edge off of my emotions for a while sounds very tempting. I'm not looking for people to judge me, just honest advice from those who have tried it.
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RetiredTeacher, I completely agree with everything you wrote. I too am in CA where our dispensaries are legal and licensed. I will occasionally have a glass of wine in the evening (after all I live in wine country) just to take the edge off of my anxiety. I’m certainly not buzzed or drunk after a glass of wine and would not consider overindulging in gummies to the point of impairment. I really appreciate people who avoid imposing their own values and simply provide their own real life experiences.
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I need to pipe up (get it) again. I’ll say it again. Gummies are a Godsend to me. No I don’t get stoned and Cheech and Chong like, I get relief. I’m not irresponsible or irrational, I don’t drive if I take them. Alcohol and pharmaceuticals make me sick, so yes I’m grateful for that plant that grows in the ground. There may not be extensive research but it’s been around a very long time and probably been given a bad rap. As for caregivers getting stoned out of their mind and not being able to function or be a responsible adult to a dementia patient, I honestly don’t see that as a thing. My physical pain level is constantly at an 8 and this is all I have that helps relive my pain to the point I can function and be a better caregiver. And yes it absolutely helps with stress and anxiety and depression and burnout but not to a point of impairment like some may believe. Start slow and low and experiment with different products cause everyone is different, but don’t be scared. If you indulge in a glass of wine, I pretty sure a gummy will due you no harm and you might even get a better nights sleep as opposed to alcohol, but I’m not a Doctor… just a little old wise lady looking for pain and stress relief 🥳
PS … No, I don’t give these to my DH. With a Dr approved they could be helpful for appetite loss in some tho.
One more thing…. Different strains for different pains……watch which strain:Sativa Strain =. Mood Balancing Indica Strain = Pain relief, Anti-inflammatory benefits and Sleep Hybrid Strsin = a cross between Sativa and Indica. Daytime= Sativa and Nighttime = Indica
I hope this can be helpful for some and I hope I’m not judged harshly. I’m really thankful I found these.
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Wose, I appreciate the info. I had no idea about the different strains and what they target. Ty for posting the info for people who might be interested. I also appreciate that this forum is a no judgement zone. This is an incredibly difficult journey for all of and our spouses. Ty for posting.
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I would also say that I have found people at the dispensaries very willing to talk with you about the strains and how to consider using them. I have always been such a lightweight with alcohol, though love a glass of wine, and can't do pills. When I tried the gummies the dispensary gal recommended, I cut the gummy down in half, then in quarters and tried only a quarter first. I then worked to find the right dosage for me. It was the smallest, of course. haha. But, definitely like a glass of wine at the end of the day for me. I appreciate having it.
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Commonly Used Abbreviations
DH = Dear Husband
DW= Dear Wife, Darling Wife
LO = Loved One
ES = Early Stage
EO = Early Onset
FTD = Frontotemporal Dementia
VD = Vascular Dementia
MC = Memory Care
AL = Assisted Living
POA = Power of Attorney
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