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Do you use medical marijuana? Why or why not?

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Posted 9/3/2014 10:41 AM (GMT 0)
I have found that medicating with marijuana is very effective for me. Some days I can completely skip my percocet if I medicate enough. I never knew there were all these different strains and forms of consumption and levels of THC, etc. I have several kinds and they each have different effects, like any other medicine.

The thing I don't like about it is that there aren't any 'doctors' who can advise on dosage and form of consumption and stuff. What I do like about it is that since I don't need a prescription, I can get what I need when I need it and never have to worry about needing to switch to a different strength or form of consumption (it kills my lungs to actually 'smoke' so I use other forms). I adhere very strictly to all the rules and regulations of the program where I live.

So I'm wondering if any of you have had success with MM, what it helps for, and if you don't consume it, why not?

(And don't forget that this discussion needs to stay focused on medical usage blush )
Posted 9/3/2014 11:56 AM (GMT 0)
I wish I could.Pain meds are rough on my stomach and it's really the only thing that really helps.

Phenergan doesn't do the job.

I live in AL.

My new PMD told me I couldn't.

I could get by on less pain medication if allowed to use marijuana.

Rick
Posted 9/3/2014 1:57 PM (GMT 0)
After my accident 20 years ago that's what I did to survive the pain and it was very effective. Then I got married and had kids so I gave it up. It's still illegal in my State but may become available soon. If that's the case I'd like to get on that program. I'd ditch all my meds in a heartbeat if I was given choice.
Posted 9/3/2014 2:35 PM (GMT 0)
It's not legal in my state=(  I don't think I could ever smoke anything, but I know it comes in various forms for use.  I absolutely would be willing to try it if it were available to me.  My husband has watched me exist in writhing pain for most of our marriage.  I've avoided oral meds (until recently) due to gastric pouch/mal-absorption issues. Hubby has often said that I should have MM.  Of course, my fear is the dreaded increased appetite.  I'm already "besties" with the nearest bag of chips=)

Dixie

Posted 9/3/2014 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone, for sharing your opinions.

It is really my savior and has reduced my use of pills by at least 1/2, and I've only been using the MM for about a month. I plan to keep on cutting back, if I can. It's really amazing all the different strains, methods of consumption (there's gummy bears, cookies, capsules, sublingual tincture, liquid you can use through a vaporizer, and more). The amazing thing about it to me is that you don't need more and more as time goes by, you can use the same amount as when you started, just about, the tolerance you build up is SUPER small, nothing like the tolerance you build for opioid meds. That said I do not think that it will ever replace my other meds, because I cannot travel out of state with it, and it is very expensive.

I guess the best thing about not needing a prescription is that when you try something and it doesn't work for you, you don't have to wait a week to get in to see your doctor and ask about it, you just go and get a new type. So far I've found one that I love out of about 15 things that I've tried, but I still haven't tried all the methods or strains.
Posted 9/3/2014 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
Oh that's what I wanted to say, with kids and such I would never smoke MM. A friend brought over chocolate chip cookies and dark chocolate brownies. I hid them in my second freezer in the garage. It lasted for about 6 months.
Posted 9/3/2014 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
I think Marijuana has something called "Reverse Tolerance".

Mainly it will take you the same amount to achieve the desired effect now and 5 years from now.

I'm very interested in the edibles,vaporizing,and some of the condensed products.

Honey Oil??
Posted 9/3/2014 5:34 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have anything to add to this....

Never tried it. For me personally, at least at this juncture, I feel like this are managed in a way that feels acceptable to me.

That being said, I support its availability and even though I'm not a user, I'm glad to see the reins being loosened on this and likewise am glad that the medical community is growing to embrace the willingness to be open to understanding and expanding the potential benefits.

I guess I never did understand all the negative hype and hoopla surrounding it.....












M.
Posted 9/3/2014 6:11 PM (GMT 0)
I recall that my uncle was given MM in 2001 when he was suffering with esophageal cancer...so I'm guessing about the availability for cancer patients only in my state...maybe not.

My pain is not "managed" yet.  I'm still going through trials of potential opiates and dosages.  The first several months of PM were horrid, with side effects easily outweighing any benefits. I'd never heard the term "opiate naïve", but that's me, apparently.  I'm not at all in sync with my PM specialist, as I've been sidetracked with shingles in my eye on top of the chronic pain issues.

I'm second-guessing my decision to FINALLY seek PM again.  Thus far my experience has depleted my body and my soul.  Please tell us more about your dosages, side effects...can you function cognitively?  Thanks for sharing, as I crave more knowledge of potential pain relief.

Thanks---Dixie

 

Posted 9/3/2014 7:50 PM (GMT 0)
Dixie, if you live in a state that offers it, there are a variety of conditions for which you can get it, some states are stricter than others, but cancer is ALWAYS one of the allowed conditions. I got mine for severe and chronic pain. It all depends on your state, but the covered conditions should be listed on the state's MM web page.

There are two different types of cannabis: indica and sativa. Indicas are the ones that make you woozy and 'high' and sativas are actually quite motivating. Yes, I can totally function. I sometimes use the indica at night but I do use the sativa during the day if I need to and I'm FINE. The strains all have weird names, like "OG Kush" and "Diesel Tonic" and "White Widow" LOL. But they all have different effects. I always research the current most popular strains for pain relief, just like I do research on any other medication I'm prescribed.

It not only helps my pain, but it truly helps with depression and anxiety as well. The sublingual tincture so far is the one that gives the least amount of relief, everything else, vapor, flower, chocolates, capsules, all provide a significant amount of pain relief. If you have the opportunity in your state I can't recommend it enough. Well-run medical programs are not a bunch of (excuse me) old flower children who want to get high, it is legitimate pain patients who are grateful to be able to be less dependent on opioids. In my experience, anyway, it may be different elsewhere.

Tidal mouse: yes, honey oil is a popular product and some other flavored butters.

Post Edited (Backtolife) : 9/3/2014 1:57:32 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/3/2014 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
Not legal in my state.. Would try it if it were & if my PM would prescribe it.

The federal government should step up & decriminalize / change laws so there are no longer problems with state 'sanctioned' companies can deposit their money in banks !
And get on with making laws re: driving while using, etc.

( saw a video this morning - learned the federal government set the .08 limit for alcohol -
& states had to use that limit or they would not get federal funds for roads..
only a guess but maybe the feds will do similar for MJ..
doesn't everyone think they should have done this BEFORE legalizing ??)

Not to hijack this discussion but has anyone moved or is considering moving to a state where it IS legal?
Posted 9/3/2014 8:19 PM (GMT 0)
My husband's oncologist has suggested MM "off the record" as it is not legal in our state. From what I read the overdoses of opioid pain meds have dropped when MM is an option.
I am glad it has helped some people and wish it were available in Indiana.
Posted 9/3/2014 9:05 PM (GMT 0)
I have tried but I live in NM whose distribution and choice and pricing is horrendous. I applied for a growers permit but got hung up on the requirement for a HAND DRAWN map of your area. My security depends on my house being on top of a hill so no neighbors can look down into my 1+ acre yard, how am I supposed to draw decent, legible contour lines or whatever. We are talking only 6 plants so why the map? They have passed the law but have made it impossible to grow outdoors and electric is way too expensive indoors. Their whole plan is like we did it but you can't grow it and now we don't have any to sell.
Our neighbor to the north, CO has no such problems. I would love to try some MM oil under the tongue or other methods as I value my lungs. On the pain relief, I do get a benefit ofless pain but I think if I had more choice things would be better.

Post Edited (quincy17) : 9/3/2014 4:00:01 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/3/2014 9:49 PM (GMT 0)
I know MM works for some people. My mom uses it in tincture form (which she makes herself) for a chronic pain back injury. Sometimes her pain is too big for the MM to handle, but it is the only thing she will use because she was addicted to morphine after nine years of usage.

The MM does not work for me. My pain is too severe, and the MM just doesnt help. It does not lift the pain like Percocet or OxyContin. Also, with Percoset I feel more clear headed to be able to handle tasks (if pain level allows) / but with the MM, I feel less able to accomplish tasks. Also, because I did try the MM for a period of time, I definitely found my tolerance build up. I needed too much to make a dent in effective pain management.

I was only using meditation and hydrotherapy (Epsom baths) for the first three years of severe chronic pain because I did not want to use anything unnatural and the MM was not sufficient. I finally gave in to other methods, and my everyday existence improved.

MM is a healing herb. And I am glad it works for people. It is legal in my state (WA), and I think it should be legal everywhere.
Posted 9/3/2014 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
BTL...Thank you sincerely for sharing your information.  It's good to know that some of the MM has stimulant properties.  I guess I've watched too many episodes of Wilfred.  I'm told that it can be beneficial in conjunction with one's PM oral meds, thereby reducing the need for rapid titration.  Are you still using the Butrans patch?  How can you tell which is doing what?  I'm just curious=)

As I said before, I'd be willing to try...if it were legal and available in forms other that smoking.  I must confess I have the Wilfred suit for Halloween this year.  A body in pain needs SOMETHING to look forward to=)

HUGS~~Dixie

Posted 9/4/2014 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
DianeB, There has already been wrecks & deaths due to driving after consuming marijuana recently. Then there are the ER visits of children who got a hold of candy or brownies. They will definately have to write more regulations for irresponsible use of it. MM is like any drug, you must be responsible with it. If you aren't, then there are consequences. As of now, there is no way to tell the difference when it is in someones system between MM and marijuana that isn't medical. Although when it comes to the safety of others, it should be treated the same if someone is irresponsible with it.
Posted 9/4/2014 10:39 AM (GMT 0)
As with any intoxicating substance, some people will use it responsibly and others won't. Opiate medications aren't any different, though it is really much easier to overdose on opiate or combo meds. There is no known lethal dose of marijuana.

It's still illegal to drive while under the influence of marijuana, for medical use or not. If I were caught driving under the influence my license to use/obtain MM would be terminated immediately, or if I were caught doing a host of other things, like selling it to or giving it to someone who is not licensed to use MM. People who are responsible and follow the rules out number those who don't, in my experience.

For me it helps with pain, bottom line, and to be honest, I am willing to use just about anything for that as long as it's legal and the side effects are at all bearable, and the side effects from MM are far fewer and less bothersome than with many of the traditional meds I've tried.
Posted 9/4/2014 1:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hey BTL...I agree in that even cough syrup can be used irresponsibly.  I think most of us would acknowledge that any and all substances have the potential for abuse and recklessness. 

As for my previous question, are you using the MM in conjunction with the Butrans patch?  How does it affect you?

HUGS~~Dixie 

Posted 9/4/2014 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
Dixie, yes, I am using it in conjunction (and this is ALL on the table and okay with my PM doc) with the butrans patch. The MM is usually what I try to use as my "break through" med since I am only prescribed percocet 10s 3x per day beyond my Butrans patch and truly that is not as much as I need on most days to be close to comfortable. I use small amounts throughout the day. The effect is instant and lasts for about 1 1/2 hours depending on the strength or form. It's nice because then I still have the option of driving somewhere (if enough time elapses, of course) if I feel up to it, as long as I schedule it out far enough in advance.

I function well on it. There are some strains, like I said, that are more calming and some that are actually motivating so I use the latter during the day and have no problems. I work from home (computer, phone, chair and me!) and I have no problem doing my work duties.
Posted 9/4/2014 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
Good information, BTL=)  Do you mind my asking what form you use?  Is there a name for the specific type that is more of a stimulant than a relaxant?  Does it increase your appetite? 

I plan to speak with my PM about the potential for this, IF my state were to legalize MM.  He initially wanted me on Butrans or Fentanyl patch (still does), but for now I'm afraid to go there.  I cannot afford ER Oxycodone, so I'm having problems keeping steady serum levels.  Therefore my pain spikes back up to 8 between dosing intervals.

I'm happy that you are finding a protocol that works for you.  It's a good thing that you have the option of MM in your PM protocol.

Thanks, BTL=)

Dixie

Posted 9/4/2014 9:16 PM (GMT 0)
It's not legal to use here in Texas, yet. If it was I would try MM.

I really think the Federal government should start trials on MM and see if they can better seperate the bad componets of MM, so that you don't get any ill effects.. They really need to open their minds and look into the good benefits MM has...

I think I would try the MM brownies, as you can't go wrong with chocolate... Never take away the chocolate....Sounds interesting in brownie form...
Posted 9/4/2014 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Char, you sound like me . . . Make mine chocolate, please. I agree, the Fed. Funded docs dont even get to work on all the strains that are out there now. Ill bet they could isolate the good parts and get rid of the " stoned" parts, which i would love. Thats one of the reasons I hardly use MM in a legal state. . . . Q
Posted 9/4/2014 11:50 PM (GMT 0)
Mercy & Grace
& others who use MM

I do understand about the accidents, overdoses from people who choose to not be responsible & other issues - those happen everywhere with all drugs, legal & illegal.

Just from some articles that I've read online recently the testing of the levels re: intoxication, dangerous driving, etc is very different than that of say, alcohol because it Stays in the body longer, acts differently, etc.

If you are in a state where MM is legal, have laws been put in place re: testing?
Posted 9/5/2014 12:06 PM (GMT 0)
DianeB, there are no laws as far as testing people for use, if that's what you mean. However, I am very comfortable with the place where I get mine, and they carefully inspect everything for quality and to make sure it contains the amount of medicine it claims to contain. If you do get caught driving under the influence, your card is revoked and you get the same penalty as you would for drunk driving or driving under the influence of any substance (although, my state includes almost ALL anti-depressants as medications which you can't drive while taking. Needless to say, that one doesn't get enforced.)

Rhadarani, it sounds like you had a good day yesterday! Any good day is something to savor.

Dixie, the strain that works best for me is called Diesel Tonic. I can use it all day long. The best part to me is that you are in total control of your dosage. If you just need one 'hit' then you just take one. If you need 5, you take 5, though 5 is the max I ever do at one time when I'm vaporizing it. There is a topical ointment that's coming to the place where I get it, I can't wait to try it because you apply it directly to the source of your pain. The real drawback though is that it's very expensive to keep trying new things until you find the one that works for you. The good thing is, though, there are definitely methods of ingestion and strains that do NOT make you feel high, they just really mute your pain.

It definitely could NOT replace my other meds, it's just a complementary therapy that is very helpful. It does allow me to stretch and do other physical manipulations that are good for my pain, which seems impossible at other times. I also do not have to take ambien to sleep if I use some before bed. That's when I use the highest dosage (5 hits). I also really like the capsules, they last at least 12 hours to mute pain and don't make me feel high, although, it may work differently for others.

There are many people that are designated and certified care givers for MM users. They are SUPER knowledgeable about dosage, methods of ingestion, strains, etc., and they'll come to your home (once you have established a relationship with them, meeting them in a public place first, etc.) so that you can try different things before you buy them. So far I have not gotten involved with a caregiver but I plan on doing so soon.
Posted 9/5/2014 6:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hey BTL...Again, great information.  It makes me sad(er) that I don't have the option of MM.  I cannot adequately convey the unnecessary suffering I have endured for most of my adult life, either from severe pain or from the "big gun" meds it would require to manage it.  I had gastric bypass surgery in 1987 and although I'm "skinny"...my life went into a death spiral.  I have horrid gastric issues with oral pain meds, not to mention the mal-absorption issues.  It's a choice between 2 evils--HURT or HURT?

The only relief I ever felt was from Fentanyl patch in 2005-06 attempt at PM.  Back then, though, my doctor would not prescribe change intervals @ 48 hours.  The 72 hour protocol left me in agonizing WD that eventually outweighed the benefit of pain relief.  I QUIT.  I left PM and I've had to grind through my severe pain since then, without pain meds beyond Darvocet...then it was off-market by 2010.

My current PM (enrolled in January 2014 in desperation) wanted me on Fentanyl or Butrans first choice for transdermal delivery.  He still does.  I don't trust him (long story) to follow through indefinitely once my body became dependent upon the patches PLUS it's expensive even with generic.  I may eventually have to surrender to the patch since it's more affordable to me than ER Oxycodone.

I feel like I'm trapped right now, in EVERY direction.  I was only enrolled in PM for a few months when I got shingles in my eye.  I've had to battle this virus for 13 weeks now, which appears as though it's going to leave me scarred both physically and mentally.  I've no doubt the stress of obtaining a good working relationship (not) with my PM, along with intense problems with drug trials (failed) contributed to the onset of the viral outbreak.  I almost wish I'd never stepped into this "rabbit hole" of PM again.

My husband jokes that "if only" our state would legalize, we could grow some in our courtyard for me to use as MM.  It was 35 years ago (in his college days) that he and his friends grew plants on the window sill...just to see if they could.  He still has a green thumb with cherry tomato and jalapeno pepper plants, so...maybe some day=)  He agonizes with witnessing my day to day writhing in pain, but feels his hands are tied.  He asks repeatedly "Baby, what can I do to help you feel better?"  I respond "Just love me through it...I don't know how you stay".

Oh, just to feel the sun upon my skin as I performed yoga...the release of constant clenched teeth and white knuckles of pain...TOTO, it ain't legal in my state yet=(

HUGS---Dixie

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