I think you're right that the research isn't up to par. But I also think there's a lot of empirical evidence to show that there are some use cases. I don't expect any scientist, chemist or doctor to recommend that I burn plant material and inhale the combustion products. But what about a hospice, end of life situation, to improve quality of life?
You mention psychotic disorders and concentration. I have PTSD and normally cannot concentrate on anything for more than a few minutes. The best my psych can do is something that makes the episodes less intense, but they still happen. I normally cannot sleep unless I am so exhausted from being awake for typically 30+ hours, and then I'm usually awoken by a terrible dream within a few hours. Guess how I cope? I smoke and my tolerance is such that I don't get high anymore, but I still receive other effects that are beneficial. I can concentrate and give attention to myself, my family, and my work. I can go to sleep and wake up at a normal time. Therefore, I think there's some demonstration here that mj can be therapeutic or helpful in at least some cases.
Fun fact: the medication I'm prescribed is new and was discovered empirically and its mechanism of action is unknown. I know I am risking cancer and two lungs full of thick tar by smoking. But for the medication, all they have is "we haven't seen it hurt anyone yet." I think maybe the community knows more about pot than this one.
Edit: Before I started smoking I was on Xanax, which I think carries a greater risk from daily use than smoking.
1. is a good idea but I don't own the equipment. I'm not "that committed" to smoking and will stop if we come across another medication that works. I would really prefer to find something else: smoking brings some restrictions such as not being able to drive for the rest of the day after I smoke (although I feel fine and in charge, safety & respect for others lives trumps all)... so I don't want to spend the money on 'durable equipment' that I hope I don't need for much longer.
2. I don't know if there's some specific definition for "smoking tar" like what's advertised for tobacco products. I consider it to be any residue, but with mj it's characteristically a gooey solid or liquid when left to accumualte on equipment. It is not water soluble but a good solvent for it is isopropanol. If you examine the ends of smoked cigarettes rolled with tobacco and mj, I think you will agree that the stains on the paper used for the mj cigarette will be heavier and may even show through the paper. Whatever this is, it goes in the user's lungs and is likely not easily removed.
> (although I feel fine and in charge, safety & respect for others lives trumps all)
+1 and props for that.
> ...with mj it's characteristically a gooey solid or liquid...
Fuck me, I had forgotten about resin. Yeah, you're totally right.
Well, if -after a while- you don't find anything that works, you might consider purchasing (or causing to be purchased) a vaporiser. Hope you find something that works with fewer side effects, though! :D
You mention psychotic disorders and concentration. I have PTSD and normally cannot concentrate on anything for more than a few minutes. The best my psych can do is something that makes the episodes less intense, but they still happen. I normally cannot sleep unless I am so exhausted from being awake for typically 30+ hours, and then I'm usually awoken by a terrible dream within a few hours. Guess how I cope? I smoke and my tolerance is such that I don't get high anymore, but I still receive other effects that are beneficial. I can concentrate and give attention to myself, my family, and my work. I can go to sleep and wake up at a normal time. Therefore, I think there's some demonstration here that mj can be therapeutic or helpful in at least some cases.
Fun fact: the medication I'm prescribed is new and was discovered empirically and its mechanism of action is unknown. I know I am risking cancer and two lungs full of thick tar by smoking. But for the medication, all they have is "we haven't seen it hurt anyone yet." I think maybe the community knows more about pot than this one.
Edit: Before I started smoking I was on Xanax, which I think carries a greater risk from daily use than smoking.