Doctors that'll sign for a minor(my son).

[IRON-EYES]

Yeah we've had many talks about this. I told him that until we find a way to get this all sorted out, I'd like it if he didn't just stop taking his meds. Once we do get legal though, he knows that he's going to have to gradually ween himself off meds etc. He's a pretty responsible kid so I'm not too worried.

Personally I think you doin great mama both knowing the boys mature in the ways that you know and knowing the ways to worry and look out for him that's all you can do as a mother! you're doing great mama!!

 

[leaffan]

A bit of background -

My son, 15 years, old, suffers from severe depression, anxiety and ADD/ADHD. He also has pains related to multiple concussions, but we've never had that officially looked into, so I'm not going to go around claiming it's horrible now.

He's been bouncing around medications for a while, about a year and a half. During this time, he's been seeing a therapist and of course, a psychiatrist. The psychiatrist doesn't believe in medical marijuana, so that's a dead end.

I wouldn't be looking into medical marijuana for my son if I didn't truly believe that it will help him. He's the one who broached the topic with me, in a very respectful and open manner. We have a good relationship, and he knows to come to me when he's feeling "down" and such. He said that he's done a little bit of research and he'd like to look into it further with me, and of course I was willing to at least look into it. So we did, and I have to say, I genuinely think that it could help him.

He's admitted to me that he's smoked marijuana twice(to be honest, I'm not that angry, I'm just relieved that he's honest and open about these things to me), but expressed his concern about "street pot". Now, I have to agree on this. You don't really know what's in the pot you're getting off the street. I've heard horror stories of dealers putting horrible substances in their marijuana to get kids hooked... I don't want that. Apparently, my son in fact did notice the strong anti-anxiety effect that the marijuana had on him, and wants to pursue it further in a legal and somewhat safer way.

Now, my son is a good kid, alright? He was very reluctant to bring the subject of marijuana for medical use to my attention out of fear that I "might think he just wants to get high or something". I really don't think this is the case. My son has been hospitalized and sent to a medical ward for his depression & anxiety, and all he wants is to get better. He told me that he, again, is feeling very suicidal and he needs to find a way to find relief. He said that he doesn't want to smoke marijuana illegally, and that it actually adds to his anxiety because he's doing something against the law.

I've made calls and talked to his psychiatrist, and he will not sign for it. It's not about my son, it's the fact that he's a minor. I made a call to a couple compassion clubs in Toronto, and one woman literally laughed at me and called me crazy for wanting to help my son like this..

I'm aware of the medicinal properties of marijuana. I mean, I wasn't this aware of it, but for the last ten years I've been using it to treat my arthritis(which is completely different), and my depression(which isn't so different). I'm ashamed to say that I've never actually gotten a pass to get legal marijuana, I get it through illegal sources..which I don't want for my son.

So please, I'm just looking for someone. I've told him and I'll stand by my word: I'd go anywhere or do anything to help him.

We live in Oakville, Ontario. We're more than willing to fly over to Nova Scotia or wherever to get this done. I know I sound like a crazy-druggie mom, but I know that this is important to my son and I'm really worried for him and his future. He has panic attacks on a regular basis now, and no medications have been able to help. He also hates "artificial meds", for some reason. He says he doesn't like putting something so "fake" into his body to "alter his mood".

Any help would be amazing,

Thanks.

Why wouldn't you "look into" his multiple concussions?
I am very interested in any research that indicates that medical marijuana is recommended for a 15 year old who suffers from anxiety, severe depression, and ADD/ADHD, could you share this research?
I have never heard of a case where medical marijuana is recommended for a patient that is feeling very suicidal.
Other than epilepsy I have never seen medical marijuana recommended for a 15 year old.
Please help me understand and share the research you've found.
Thanks leaf

 

[leaffan]

Yeah we've had many talks about this. I told him that until we find a way to get this all sorted out, I'd like it if he didn't just stop taking his meds. Once we do get legal though, he knows that he's going to have to gradually ween himself off meds etc. He's a pretty responsible kid so I'm not too worried.

Really?
He is very suicidal and you are going to give him the responsibility to ween himself off his medication?
Don't you think a doctor should be doing that?
I hate to sound like a prick, but I think you should also see a doctor.
As a parent of three, one being a patient I am having a really difficult time with your post.

 

[leaffan]

Personally I think you doin great mama both knowing the boys mature in the ways that you know and knowing the ways to worry and look out for him that's all you can do as a mother! you're doing great mama!!

You know a lot of mature 15 year olds?....I haven't met one yet.

 

[Yessicat]

Why wouldn't you "look into" his multiple concussions?
I am very interested in any research that indicates that medical marijuana is recommended for a 15 year old who suffers from anxiety, severe depression, and ADD/ADHD, could you share this research?
I have never heard of a case where medical marijuana is recommended for a patient that is feeling very suicidal.
Other than epilepsy I have never seen medical marijuana recommended for a 15 year old.
Please help me understand and share the research you've found.
Thanks leaf

Sure. We've looked into his concussions of course, had MRIs, but we haven't looked in to the headaches that [may or may not] have been caused by them. He says they're not worth going through the procedure that his brother had to go through(concussions from hockey, headaches, then he had to have weekly MRIs done at a local university).
I haven't read anything specific for 15 years olds, so if you're looking for that specifically, I can't help you out here. However, both my own experiences and what I've read online, is that cannabis is a highly effective anti-anxiety medication.
Now, how is this all related to my son's suicidal thoughts? We've figured out, or rather, he and his doctor has, that the majority of his depression is caused by his anxiety. When his anxiety flares up, so does his depression. It also has ties to his ADD/ADHD in a sense where when his anxiety flares up, so does his ADD/ADHD.

And to answer your last post about weening off medication, of course it won't just be his responsibility alone. The entire point of this post is to find a doctor who is willing to work with us on this. If our current doctor isn't for the idea of medicinal marijuana, why would he be for the idea of weening him off medications so he can use medical marijuana..?

Mother of three here as well, one 15, the other one 18 and the eldest one 23, and I have to say, regardless of if you've met a mature 15 year old, my son's pretty mature. My other sons at that age...not so much.

 

[leaffan]

Sure. We've looked into his concussions of course, had MRIs, but we haven't looked in to the headaches that [may or may not] have been caused by them. He says they're not worth going through the procedure that his brother had to go through(concussions from hockey, headaches, then he had to have weekly MRIs done at a local university).
I haven't read anything specific for 15 years olds, so if you're looking for that specifically, I can't help you out here. However, both my own experiences and what I've read online, is that cannabis is a highly effective anti-anxiety medication.
Now, how is this all related to my son's suicidal thoughts? We've figured out, or rather, he and his doctor has, that the majority of his depression is caused by his anxiety. When his anxiety flares up, so does his depression. It also has ties to his ADD/ADHD in a sense where when his anxiety flares up, so does his ADD/ADHD.

And to answer your last post about weening off medication, of course it won't just be his responsibility alone. The entire point of this post is to find a doctor who is willing to work with us on this. If our current doctor isn't for the idea of medicinal marijuana, why would he be for the idea of weening him off medications so he can use medical marijuana..?

Mother of three here as well, one 15, the other one 18 and the eldest one 23, and I have to say, regardless of if you've met a mature 15 year old, my son's pretty mature. My other sons at that age...not so much.

From my experience with the medical community I doubt that you will find a doctor that will help you with medical marijuana in this case.
I wish you and your son all the best.

 

[Yessicat]

From my experience with the medical community I doubt that you will find a doctor that will help you with medical marijuana in this case.
I wish you and your son all the best.

Thanks. I think we'll find a doctor eventually, it's just a matter of looking.

 

[leaffan]

To my knowledge it would be a first. I'm not a doctor, so I guess my concerns are irrelevant.
The most liberal mmj doctor that i know of is Dr. Mike Hart in London ON
I wouldn't mind an update if you're so inclined.
Again all the best,
leaf

 

[Yessicat]

To my knowledge it would be a first. I'm not a doctor, so I guess my concerns are irrelevant.
The most liberal mmj doctor that i know of is Dr. Mike Hart in London ON
I wouldn't mind an update if you're so inclined.
Again all the best,
leaf

Ah, actually I know a kid a city over who at aged 14 got his licence. I haven't mentioned it because the doctor that he went to to get signed doesn't sign anymore. It was Dr. Khawar Abbasi(?) I think, he's in Mississauga.
I'm not going to give this kid's name out for obvious reasons, but it happens.

 

[IRON-EYES]

Seen it out my way too

 

[Yessicat]

Seen it out my way too

Yeah. It's not a common occurrence, but it's happened in the past. We've just got to make it happen again

 

[Silky Shagsalot]

i doubt you can get a minor signed up, lol. but if it really does help, (so i guess you've already tried it on him.) i would have kept it a secret. maybe slip him some canna-pills, and just call it new medication. hey, i'm sure you've thought it all out in advance though. good luck....

 

[The Hippy]

Well a few thought here from me. I'm nor trying to be unhelpful or judgmental.
1: I doubt any CC's will sell to you. Too much liability on their part selling to anyone who isn't of legal age.
2: I agree with leaf....I doubt any doctor will sign a minor into the program, for a variety of reasons,
3: For most mental health issues it is not very easy to get a doctor to sign. Mental health issue are the hardest illness to be approved for I've heard.
4: Very rarely is street weed laced with anything. As said above, why would they. It's a paranoid wives tail to scare anyone who will listen...don't. After all, what have you been smoking for the last ten years as you said.
5: It seems to me that many of us started smoking weed around 15 years of age. It's the common age to do a lot of stuff. I don't really think it fuck us up that badly. Other than the absence of money. It can be a gateway, but general partying is a gateway. If your gonna move on to other drugs you mostly likely will with or with MJ. If you prone to be dependant then you most likely will. I'm sure many of us did other drugs as a lot of Canadian youth does. Acid was big..mushrooms
6: Being open with him as you seem to be attempting to do is good imo. You can let him see that smoking weed does not have to make you useless. Show him the higher ground to ...getting high.
7: I do not know if in this case this is a good idea or not. Of course you made the point he already has and most likely will in the future. So really that part has been decided already I'd say. Your just trying to go legal which I think will be a problem. But hey this a big country and I'm rarely released from my cage out back at tweed.
8: Buy Black Market.....better bud....more appreciation from the seller..lol
9: LP's are actually a front for Satan and his demons.
10: There is no rule number 10

 

[WHATFG]

Would this not be a situation where a section 56?? exemption would come into play? This is so ridiculous. Of all the crap we pulled when we were younger, smoking pot was the least harmful. As a parent you're going to do what you need to do to alleviate you kids suffering. So the gov puts the responsibility of "prescribing" mj to patients in the hands of doctors then keeps sticking their fucking nose into the situation with little side rules like under 16. I wonder if they give grown up pharmaceuticals to the under 16 crowd? Just another excuse to keep people from helping themselves. I don't know what meds he's taking, but I've been on those crappy anti-depressants before and I'll tell you I wouldn't trade mj for those side effects ever.

 

[bigbuddin84]

At 15, I would look into other methods. I dont care what anyone says, weed affects memory. Unless you and him just doesnt care about grades, college, etc, I would try all other approaches first. My 2 cents.

 

[tip top toker]

Sorry but I don't buy the whole argument about the dangers of street pot. Mostly in that it is often easy to tell if you are buying perfectly fine cannabis, or clearly something to say thanks but no thanks to. The argument is made as if every dealer there is is out to fuck you to the best of their ability when the reality is that a good number of them are very aware of the notions of quality control and customer service. It really isn't that hard to find a legitimate dealer. The argument in my mind i without merit and should not be the reason to only be looking at government licensed.

If his problems are bad enough for you to be at this bridge, then just go out and get him some weed. Or grow some yourself. When it comes to depression, and i mean suicidal depression, not why does noone re-tweet me, then i could not care what the legalities are. There is no legal cannabis in the UK, so anturally i thought ok, it's illegal, i won't help myself, i'll jsut settled with what the fdoctors can give me. Sorry, no, what i really did was say these pills are shit, fuck your laws, i'm going to grow weed whether you like it or not. Id rather be a pot growing criminal than have cut my wrists due to non-effective bullshit white tablets with a thousand and one horrible side effects that then require another drug to get you off those and so on and so on.

And as with bigbuddin above, i wouldn't be giving him that kind of access to weed at that age, unless the trauma and depression is so severe that it would be a case of him slightly dumb, or him dead. I lived in a small village for 20 years, and when i was about 20, met pretty much everyone in the village aged about 15, all of whom were prolific cannabis users, and i have to be quite honest in saying i had never met a group of kids who were so stupid and such useless lazy wasters as i did that day. cannabis can fuck children up.

 

[WHATFG]

Except he's already tried it and found relief. And are you detractors really going to try and suggest that there are no long or short term side effects to using all that shit called medicine that takes years to develop in a lab? I'm sorry, but again, I haven't arrived at "mj helps me" to the exclusion of all other drugs....I've already done a boatload of pills and choose med mari over that shit. Quality of life folks.

 

[VIANARCHRIS]

As someone who has been dealing with major depression for many years, I can absolutely vouch for mj over pharmaceuticals. I was on three anti-depressants ( celexa,welbutrin,zoloft) as well as morphine for pain and quit all of them cold turkey. I woke up one morning and flushed $200 worth of pills, I was so tired of the way I felt. I have used mmj exclusively for 3 years and the improvement in my quality of life has been nothing short of amazing. I have no doubt I would be dead now had I continued listening to doctors. I think it will be a challenge finding a dr. to sign for a minor, but 'legal' would be the last of my worries when choosing a medicine that could save a life.

 

[tip top toker]

Except he's already tried it and found relief. And are you detractors really going to try and suggest that there are no long or short term side effects to using all that shit called medicine that takes years to develop in a lab? I'm sorry, but again, I haven't arrived at "mj helps me" to the exclusion of all other drugs....I've already done a boatload of pills and choose med mari over that shit. Quality of life folks.

Which is why i say he needs to seriously look at the cost vs rewards. For instance how serious is the depression, do you go to bed wondering if he will be alive in the morning. Too many young kids claim they suffer genuine depression when its nothing of the sort. My point was that unless it is a life or death situation, then despite it working, i would still consider how it may effect him. Is it an immediate enough concern to risk him failing in classes or dropping out of school etc? From my experience with the drug, a very real possibility. Please note that by saying maybe not to use cannabis does not mean i am saying use pills instead.

Also take into account that adhd is chronic, if the manner of dealing with that is cannabis, just find out what his life aspirations are before getting him hooked on it as his medicine. There are a lot of jobs that would be ruled out due to cannabis use.

 

[WHATFG]

Agreed. But all those medications have to be causing some impairment. I used to go to high school stoned, I didn't fail....I might have done better...but no failing. But then the next guy fucked up so bad he had to repeat...6 of one,1/2 dozen of the other. It is individualistic just like pharmaceuticals. Just because that pill works for you doesn't mean it will work for me. Again...he's already found relief in med mari. It's amazing how once I realized how well marijuana worked for my back pain and spasms I did whatever needed doing to make sure I had relief. I suspect that if he's admitting to trying it twice, he's probably done it more ( no judgement). Feeling like shit sucks.