as a kid i thought i could see atoms: "visual snow"
Key question: Could you please explain what processes underlie "visual snow syndrome" and what, if anything, people who experience this condition can do to affect this phenomenon? Context: I first noticed this phenomenon as a kid (though had no clue what it was, not to mention that my experience differed from most others'), at which point I assured my parents that I could see atoms. Due to a combination of ineptly describing my subjective experience and my parents' understandable unfamiliarity with visual snow, they assured me I was seeing something other than atoms and told me to stop bothering them. Decades later I stumbled across a reference to visual snow in an academic forum and was shocked to discover that most people's visual fields are not full of flickering static, as has always been the case for mine. Basically, what's the deal?
Thoughts on genetic testing for meds like GeneSight
I have ADHD and have been struggling for a long time to find meds that work well in conjunction with my adderall for anxiety and emotional dysregulation. I've heard of gene testing that analyzes how ones genes may affect medication outcomes. Do you have any insights in this?
Cannabis Microdosing and Tolerance Protocol
Can micro-dosing cannabis (0.5 - 5mg per dose) provide physical/mental benefits while mitigating unwanted side effects and negative hormonal outcomes (elevated prolactin, lower testosterone, ect...)? Dr. Dustin Sulak created a micro-dosing protocol which he described here: https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/microdosing-weed-guide. Anecdotally, I seem to feel better doing small doses (about 1-2.5mg per dose 2-4 times daily). I experience mood elevation and increased sensitivity and spatial awareness without the brain fog or munchies. I've also noticed my sensitivity to cannabis increase over time, rather than decrease. Sulak's theory was that when exposed to small amounts of THC, the endogenous cannabinoid system would up-regulate receptors rather than down-regulate them. Would it be possible that micro-dosing could avoid the issue of tolerance? Most cannabis users also take tolerance breaks (Sulak advises 48 hours of abstinence before beginning a micro-dosing protocol). Is there any scientific evidence that shows an optimal tolerance break regimen (duration and frequency), and can this alleviate some of the negative outcomes of chronic cannabis use?