13ª Aula - Uso da Cannabis sativa L. como aliada da Psicologia - Dr. Anderson Matos

Introduction to Therapeutic Use of Cannabis Sativa

Overview of the Course

• The course is focused on the therapeutic use of Cannabis Sativa, presented by Gabi da Ines.

• Today's discussion will center around psychology and related disorders, featuring Dr. Anderson Matos, a psychologist from the Federal University of Minas Gerais.

Guest Speaker Introduction

• Dr. Anderson Matos has been involved in significant discussions regarding cannabis therapy and proposes a new topic for future sessions.

• The course aims to cover broad themes while allowing speakers to delve into specific areas of interest.

Engagement and Legislative Context

Importance of Engagement

• Emphasis on participating in legislative processes at various levels (municipal, state, federal).

• Encouragement for attendees to share content on social media to enhance engagement with cannabis-related projects.

Upcoming Sessions

• Reminder about an upcoming session with Dr. Thago discussing pain management that was rescheduled due to technical issues.

Dr. Anderson Matos's Presentation

Background Information

• Dr. Matos introduces himself as a psychologist and member of the Regional Psychology Council, focusing on therapeutic cannabis treatments.

• He also serves as a manager at the Brazilian Association of Medicinal Cannabis Patients (AMA-ME).

Focus Areas

• The presentation will explore psychoactive effects and historical perspectives related to cannabis use.

Historical Context and Psychoactive Effects

Historical Perspective

• Reference to CL Bernard’s quote emphasizing understanding what one seeks in research; this sets up the exploration of psychological alterations due to cannabis.

Key Concepts in Psychoactive Research

• Discussion will primarily focus on observations from psychiatrists regarding psychological changes induced by cannabis rather than delving into ancient history or Eastern authors.

Phenomenology in Psychiatric Context

Understanding Phenomena

• Aim is to describe observable phenomena when under the influence of cannabis, making it accessible regardless of academic background.

Support Strategies

• Guidance will be provided on how caregivers can support patients using herbal treatments effectively.

Exploring the Effects of Cannabis and Cultural Perceptions

Initial Conversations about Smoking

• The dialogue begins with a discussion about cigars, where one character expresses curiosity about trying a type of smoke that is not traditional tobacco but rather a local variant from Angola.

• The major questions the effects of smoking this alternative, indicating skepticism about whether it can produce any significant sensations or feelings.

Personal Experience with Alternative Smoke

• Major Patrício Macário tries the local smoke and initially dislikes its flavor; however, after consuming some liquor, he finds the combination enjoyable and feels significantly better.

• He reflects on his newfound sense of well-being, attributing it to the unique experience provided by both the liquor and the smoke.

Historical Context of Cannabis Use

• The narrative shifts to historical perspectives on cannabis use in Brazil, highlighting how ignorance among certain demographics led to misconceptions about its psychoactive properties.

• Reference is made to Garcia da Horta's early accounts in Portuguese literature regarding cannabis and its effects during colonial times.

Garcia da Horta's Observations

• Garcia da Horta documented various plants while serving in Goa, including a drink called "bang," which contained cannabis mixed with other ingredients like milk and nutmeg.

• His writings suggest that historical figures used bang to escape their burdens and sleep better, indicating an early understanding of its psychoactive effects.

Cultural Practices Surrounding Cannabis

• The text discusses how different cultures utilized bang for pleasure-seeking behaviors such as laughter and appetite stimulation.

• It also notes that women would consume bang before meeting men for potential romantic encounters, emphasizing its perceived aphrodisiac qualities.

Transition to 19th Century Perspectives

• Moving into the 19th century, there’s mention of Joseph Mourots' work exploring relationships between cannabis use and mental health issues like schizophrenia.

• Mourots conducted experimental studies using substances like hashish to understand their impact on mental disorders, reflecting a scientific approach towards psychoactive substances during this period.

Understanding Madness and Personal Experience

The Role of Personal Experience in Understanding Madness

• The speaker discusses the collective term "madness" and emphasizes the importance of personal experience in understanding its functioning.

• A critique is made against psychiatrists who discuss madness without having lived experiences, suggesting that true understanding requires personal engagement with mental illness.

• The argument highlights the need for experimentation and firsthand experience to appreciate substances like hashish adequately.

• The speaker notes that it was once common for doctors to experiment with medications, linking this practice to harm reduction strategies among users supporting each other.

• Mentioned is a group known as "the club of hashish," consisting of notable artists and writers who shared similar experiences with hashish.

Historical Context and Eugenics in Psychiatry

• Transitioning into historical discussions, the speaker references a significant figure whose work has had a detrimental impact on cannabis discourse.

• José Rodrigues da Costa Dória is introduced as an eugenicist whose ideas reflect a blend of racism and pseudoscience prevalent in Brazilian psychiatry during the late 19th century.

• Dória's work illustrates how racist perspectives sought scientific justification to maintain social control, particularly regarding cannabis use among enslaved populations.

• He draws parallels between cannabis in Brazil and opium in China, framing it as a form of revenge by oppressed peoples against their oppressors.

• Dória's narrative contributes significantly to Brazilian prohibitionism, creating stereotypes around cannabis users.

Dória’s Impact on Cannabis Perception

• The speaker describes Dória as pivotal in shaping psychiatric views on cannabis use through his childhood observations during slavery's peak in Brazil.

• Despite his negative impressions about cannabis, Dória's writings contain clinically relevant insights about its effects on patients that could be beneficial for various mental health conditions.

• There’s an assertion that Dória may not have fully understood or acknowledged the therapeutic potential he described within his own writings about cannabis use.

• His text suggests that marijuana enhances intelligence and creativity while also being associated with positive emotional states such as happiness and satisfaction.

• Notably, he mentions how those under the influence exhibit increased sociability and expressiveness, which contradict some negative perceptions surrounding its use.

Exploring the Effects of Cannabis on Human Behavior

The Nature of Cannabis-Induced States

• The discussion begins with the idea that cannabis can reveal aspects of an individual's instincts, similar to how wine is said to do so ("in vino veritas").

• It is noted that cannabis does not create new feelings but rather brings forth what already exists within a person, leading to calm sleep accompanied by pleasant dreams.

Social Interactions and Creativity

• Users often smoke in groups to enhance their mood, making them more sociable and less burdened by life's difficulties. They engage in storytelling, poetry, and share enjoyable hallucinations.

• A clinical case is presented about a 43-year-old man who has used cannabis for over 20 years without health issues; he finds it helpful during times of sadness or low energy.

Regional Perspectives on Cannabis Use

• The speaker references Dória Sergipano's work on cannabis use in Brazil's Northeast region, highlighting its prevalence among marginalized communities such as fishermen and laborers.

• Dória’s observations are framed within a broader phenomenological approach to psychiatry, focusing on the psychological effects experienced by users.

Psychological Effects and Sociability

• The phenomenon of "taquipsiquismo" (accelerated thought processes) is discussed; users feel more liberated and engaged socially while experiencing heightened creativity.

• Users exhibit increased sociability and playfulness, culminating in a relaxing sedative effect that leads to restful sleep.

Therapeutic Uses vs. Societal Perceptions

• Cannabis serves as a remedy for various adversities faced by fishermen, including emotional distress and physical discomfort from working at sea.

• Dória's contributions highlight the tension between prohibitionist views in Brazil and the lived experiences of cannabis users who find solace through its use.

Cultural Context and Historical Perspectives

• Francisco de Assis Iglesias describes social gatherings around smoking ("roda de fumo"), where humor and cultural expressions emerge amidst shared experiences.

• The narrative shifts towards how societal perceptions have transformed cannabis from a potential remedy into something viewed negatively by medical discourse.

Medical Discourse on Drug Use

• Concerns arise regarding mental degeneration linked to drug use; there’s an emphasis on how society perceives addiction as a moral failing rather than addressing underlying issues.

Understanding the Relationship Between Pain and Addiction

The Role of Physical Pain in Addiction

• Dória discusses how physical pain often leads individuals to seek relief through substances, highlighting conditions like dental neuralgia, rheumatic pain, and dysmenorrhea as common triggers for substance use.

• Patients who experience beneficial effects from narcotics or analgesics may return to using marijuana as a preventive measure, which can easily lead to habitual use and addiction.

Impact of Emotional Distress on Substance Use

• Emotional distress is frequently cited as a reason for substance abuse; individuals may turn to drugs temporarily to escape moral discomfort or hardships in life.

• Dória notes that those abandoned by fortune may succumb to addiction, particularly when dealing with moral pain intertwined with organic issues.

Evolution of Psychiatric Perspectives

• The discourse surrounding addiction has evolved into a psychiatric classification that soon transitioned into criminalization, reflecting societal attitudes towards drug use.

• The psychoactive effects of cannabis are explored, indicating alterations in sensations and perceptions that can lead to a sense of disconnection from reality.

Sociological Insights on Cannabis Use

• A study conducted by Becker in the 1970s examines the experiences of marijuana users within the framework of deviance sociology, providing insights into user motivations and societal perceptions.

• Cannabis affects various aspects of cognition including thought processes, mood changes, sensory perception, and temporal orientation.

User Experience and Expectations

• The discussion shifts towards understanding how new users approach cannabis; they often have preconceived notions about its pleasurable effects but lack concrete knowledge about its impact.

Understanding the Process of Cannabis Use

The Stages of Learning to Use Cannabis

• The process of learning to use cannabis involves several stages, including identifying and ingesting the substance. Users must learn to recognize the effects and develop a liking for those sensations.

• According to the speaker, no one continues using cannabis for pleasure without first mastering a technique that allows them to achieve sufficient dosage for desired effects.

• Mastery in inhalation is crucial; users need to find their optimal method of smoking cannabis. Only after this skill is acquired can they perceive cannabis as an object used for pleasure.

• The method of consumption significantly impacts the experience; if someone does not know how to smoke properly, they may not feel any effects at all.

• Conversely, patients who fail to derive any pleasure from cannabis often discontinue its use, highlighting the importance of finding enjoyable sensations associated with it.

Recognizing and Experiencing Effects

• Users typically seek a pleasurable high or "barato," which refers to the psychoactive effects experienced from cannabis use.

• Becker's concept suggests that experiencing "barato" requires two elements: the presence of symptoms caused by cannabis and recognition by the user that these symptoms are linked to drug use.

• It’s essential for users not only to experience these effects but also to consciously associate them with their drug use; mere presence of symptoms does not guarantee enjoyment.

Initial Experiences with Cannabis

• Many beginners remember their first experiences with cannabis vividly, often noting that initial attempts may yield no significant effects due to anxiety or lack of knowledge about what to expect.

• New users might struggle initially as they may not recognize subtle changes in their state (e.g., increased talkativeness or heightened amusement), leading them to believe nothing is happening during early uses.

• Observations from others can help novices identify when they are under the influence, even if they themselves do not notice it right away.

Learning Through Social Interaction

• Novices often learn about pleasurable sensations through interactions with experienced users who provide concrete references regarding what constitutes a "high."

• This social learning aspect reflects harm reduction principles where individuals previously engaging in dysfunctional usage transition towards more functional patterns through shared experiences and guidance from others.

Developing Awareness and Meaningful Use

• As users continue experimenting with cannabis, they acquire concepts necessary for articulating their experiences and recognizing new sensations induced by the drug.

• For continued usage, it's vital for individuals not only to perceive these effects but also learn how and when they occur within their psyche—this understanding gives meaning to cannabis as an object used for pleasure.

• Ultimately, successful integration into one's life leads individuals toward viewing cannabis as a tool available for enjoyment rather than merely an intoxicant.

Understanding the Experience of Cannabis Use

Theoretical Framework and Emotional Understanding

• The discussion begins with the idea that individuals, over time, develop a theoretical and emotional framework to understand their experiences with cannabis. This includes recognizing sensations and emotions associated with its use.

• An example is provided involving an elderly Alzheimer’s patient using cannabis oil. The patient may not be concerned about the psychoactive effects, highlighting a disconnect between user experience and societal perceptions.

• Concerns from family members arise regarding potential psychoactive effects on patients. It raises questions about whether such users can find pleasure or well-being in their experiences.

User Experience and Learning Process

• The conversation shifts to how users learn to derive pleasure from cannabis. This learning process is crucial for both recreational users and those using it for medicinal purposes.

• As users gain experience, they become more attuned to the drug's effects, leading to a cumulative understanding of sensations, emotions, and perceptions associated with cannabis use.

• Variability in effects is emphasized; factors like dosage, product quality (e.g., strain type), and method of consumption significantly influence user experiences.

Developing Expertise in Cannabis Use

• Over time, experienced users develop stable categories for understanding drug effects. This expertise allows them to achieve desired experiences more easily.

• Users become akin to wine connoisseurs; they can identify specific strains based on cultivation details while distinguishing between different batches based on potency and symptom relief.

• Knowledge extends beyond mere identification; experienced users can recognize terpenes present in strains, enhancing their interaction with the substance through informed choices.

Social Acquisition of Preferences

• Becker discusses how enjoyment of cannabis effects is socially acquired—similar to developing tastes for gourmet foods or beverages.

• Users must learn to appreciate these sensations; if they do not enjoy the initial experience, they are likely to avoid future use altogether.

Initial Experiences and Misinterpretations

• First-time users often face physically unpleasant or ambiguous reactions that can lead to confusion or fear about their mental state during intoxication.

• Anecdotes illustrate this point: new users may feel disoriented or anxious upon experiencing cannabis effects for the first time due to lack of familiarity with these sensations.

Understanding the Psychological Effects of Cannabis

Experiences and Reactions to Cannabis Use

• The speaker discusses cases where individuals use cannabis and do not return to their previous state, highlighting the potential for severe psychological effects.

• A personal account reveals feelings of losing sanity, with thoughts becoming disorganized and conversations difficult to maintain.

• The architecture of thought is altered under the influence of cannabis, leading to rapid shifts in topics and a lack of coherence that does not occur when sober.

Sensations and Emotional Responses

• Users may experience clear sensations but often react with fear rather than relaxation, indicating discomfort with their experiences.

• If someone cannot relax during their cannabis experience, they are unlikely to enjoy it; negative sensations can lead to aversion.

Impact on Perception and Reality

• Alterations in perception related to time and space can create intense anxiety for unprepared users, making it crucial for them to redefine these experiences as pleasant.

• Patients who feel disoriented or anxious while using cannabis may struggle significantly if they do not understand what is happening.

Navigating Difficult Experiences

• The speaker emphasizes that those unfamiliar with psychedelic experiences might find themselves overwhelmed by feelings of depersonalization or panic.

• Experienced users can help newcomers navigate these challenging moments by reassuring them about the temporary nature of unpleasant sensations.

Role of Guidance in Cannabis Use

• Proper guidance from knowledgeable individuals—such as psychologists familiar with the effects of cannabis—can provide essential support during these experiences.

• An experienced user can create a calming environment that helps mitigate fears associated with overwhelming psychological states induced by cannabis.

Managing Fear During Intense Experiences

• Users may fear losing control over their thoughts or actions during intense highs; reassurance from caregivers is vital in alleviating this anxiety.

Understanding the Psychological Impact of Cannabis Use

The Role of Personal Experience in Cannabis Perception

• Becker shares his personal journey with cannabis, suggesting that initial apprehensions can transform into acceptance over time. He emphasizes the importance of normalizing experiences to alleviate fears associated with cannabis use.

• The discussion touches on potential psychological disorganization linked to cannabis use, highlighting that such experiences do not have to be traumatic or lead individuals to abandon beneficial treatments.

Exploring Psychosis and Cannabis

• A brief exploration is made regarding the relationship between cannabis use and psychosis, particularly concerning schizophrenia. The speaker aims to provoke curiosity about this topic for future discussions.

• Reference is made to a publication discussing how psychedelic experiences do not fundamentally alter an individual's personality but may enhance certain traits or sensitivities without changing core aspects of their identity.

Personality Dynamics Under Influence

• It is noted that while some elements of personality remain unchanged during altered states, external factors like cultural background and social hierarchy play significant roles in shaping one's experience.

• The concept of "persona" from Jungian psychology is introduced, suggesting that cannabis can dissolve superficial identities, leading individuals to confront deeper aspects of their personalities.

Duality of Self and Social Interaction

• The idea emerges that using substances like cannabis may allow individuals to engage with a 'second self,' which could lead to profound insights or illusions about one's identity during social interactions.

• Anecdotes are shared about patients experiencing conversations with alternate selves under the influence, indicating a complex interplay between perception and reality when using cannabis.

Risks Associated with Cannabis-Induced Psychosis

• Concerns are raised regarding predispositions towards psychotic disorders being exacerbated by substance use. This includes potential triggers for anxiety, panic attacks, or paranoia stemming from altered mental states.

Understanding the Relationship Between Cannabis and Psychosis

Theoretical Framework on Cannabis Use and Psychotic Reactions

• The speaker discusses the general consensus among scientists that stable individuals do not experience psychotic reactions to cannabis, referencing Freudian and Lacanian perspectives on psychological structures.

• It is noted that while everyone may have some degree of personal neurosis, trying cannabis does not inherently indicate psychosis; rather, it can be viewed through a lens of individual psychological structures.

• The prevalence of psychosis in cannabis users is argued to be no higher than in the general population. A lack of self-awareness regarding one's psychological issues could lead to earlier onset of psychosis.

Causality Between Substance Use and Long-term Psychotic Disorders

• The existence of a causal relationship between drug use and enduring psychotic disorders remains questionable. If drugs were responsible for triggering schizophrenia, an increase in cases would be expected with rising consumption rates over the past 30 years.

• Recent epidemiological reviews contradict this expectation, indicating that increased drug use has not led to a corresponding rise in schizophrenia diagnoses.

Observations on Cannabis-Induced Symptoms

• While symptoms resembling psychosis can occur with cannabis use, asserting that someone will become psychotic solely due to cannabis is a more complex claim requiring careful consideration.

Research Perspectives on Psychoactive Effects

• The speaker outlines their intention to explore psychoactive effects from various perspectives: initial sensory experiences followed by scientific analysis, culminating in discussions about psychiatric practices in Brazil related to these issues.

Cultural Context and Future Discussions

• There is an acknowledgment of societal fears surrounding cannabis use, particularly concerning madness and schizophrenia. This fear shapes public perception and discourse around the substance's effects.