MediCann is a group of integrative medical clinics dedicated to providing health and wellness services including evaluations for medicinal marijuana. Dr. Jean Talleyrand, a licensed physician with the California Medical Association, founded this statewide network of 20 clinics that in 2009 has a geographic span from Eureka to San Diego. A champion of alternative healing and pain management through the use of medical marijuana, Dr. Talleyrand has brought his integrative wellness and healing approach to light in the healthcare industry, and continues to make inroads in his quest for patient care and comfort.I was put in touch with a local doctor, and scheduled an appointment. Because of my sensitivities to smoke, I asked the doctor what else I can do to take advantage of marijuana's healing effects. He suggested using a vaporizer, and/or consuming pot-infused drinks and edibles. He pointed out I would need to take it slow because I don't yet know how much is too much, and because the effects take longer to feel compared to inhalation. This website compares smoking versus vaporizing herbs/plants:
When you heat organic matter to combustion, carcinogens, tar, and other toxins are released along with the active ingredient and inhaled as smoke. The temperatures used to burn material are far greater than necessary to release the active ingredients, and in some cases, the higher temperature can destroy the desired compounds.After filling out paperwork, answering questions, and providing medical records that prove my health condition, I was approved for a medical marijuana license.
During my first visit to a marijuana dispensary I was a bit overwhelmed by all of the choices: dozens of strains of marijuana, as well as infused carbonated sodas, juices, cooking oils, sauces, tinctures, cookies, pretzels, brownies, etc. Because I can't eat some of the ingredients in the edibles, I decided to purchase marijuana and bake my own cookies. The only bad thing about this is if you get the munchies like I do, the last thing you want to be around is more cookies! So for now I'll stick with juices.
The mind and muscle relaxation I've experienced with medical marijuana is unlike anything else (prescribed drugs, alternative therapies like hypnotherapy, biofeedback or acupuncture, not even Botox, radio-frequency or nerve blocks). The pain is still there, but lessened somehow. Probably because my body doesn't tighten up or 'brace for impact' when the pain is at its worst. Besides the munchies, I experienced zero negative side effects. (Of course, if you're going through chemotherapy and marijuana is the only thing that will increase your appetite, the munchies are a very positive thing.) Like medication, side effects will obviously vary with each individual. I've heard from online pain sufferers that marijuana caused depression, or just didn't do anything for their pain.
13 comments:
I also am a medical marijuana user, although I take it in the pill form of Nabilone.
It really has made the biggest difference in my life.
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Hey Annie, thanks for commenting. I'm so happy to hear you're finding relief from medical marijuana.
I just started following you on twitter - thanks for the RTs :D
The pill form has been around for quite a while, had a friend who used it during chemo in 1991, and it was quite effective for nausea control.
Can it be prescribed anywhere in pill form, or just in states that support medicinal marijuana? I'm feeling a little cheated because all I've ever been offered is Reglan for nausea :(
I think its a chemical derivitive of marijuana (at least what my friend took) and legal in all 50 states. Marijuana is a fantastic anti emetic. The pill may be more expensive than the real stuff, but insurance might cover it.
Thanks for sharing your experience. I've thought about using marijuana to help with my migraines...but don't live in a state where it's medically legal. I worry about quality control outside the legal dispenseries.
And that is what is so unfair, Migrainista. Marijuana needs to be legalized so people have a safer alternative to alcohol, and more importantly to those prescription medications that have a myriad of negative side effects. I'm not claiming marijuana is perfect and will help everyone. I'm merely saying that we deserve the choice.
Jasmine,
I'm glad this has helped you. It sounds like there were many forms to choose from! Many years ago, I worked at a distribution company (a wholesaler for pharmaceuticals). It had the pill form stored in with the highest level controlled substances. (It was in New York State). I had never heard of it being available in my state before I was holding the bottle in my hand (I was a manager and therefore had access to the area where controlled substances were stored). I remember being really surprised because I had no idea there was a pill form of it available in my state until it was literally right in front of me.
Jeanne
It doesn't surprise me that you hadn't heard of it until you held it in your hand. I hope things will change soon.
I'm thrilled to hear you've been able to start finding out what might work for you, Jasmine! I'd love to keep hearing about your experiences. It's valuable to me as I continue to advocate for legalization. Good luck!
Diana! Thank you for spreading the word :)
The pill is called Marinol. It's synthetic THC. It doesn't contain any of the other ingredients (such as Cannabidiol) that Marijuana has, so the possible health benefits of Marinol and Medical Marijuana are different. This is what NORML says about it: http://norml.org/index.cfm?Group_ID=6635.
I can't get the link comparing smoking vs. vaporizing to work. It this it? https://www.wholesalevaporizers.com/ Have you heard about Sativex? It's a MOUTH SPRAY used to treat MS. It's approved in a number of countries including the UK and Canada, but not the US.
Thanks for pointing out the broken link Pam. I fixed it.
It doesn't surprise me that Sativex isn't approved in the US yet.
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