It’s been a very long time since I have added to my story. Life has just been one blur getting through one day at a time for so long that I don’t remember being the active person that I was. The chemo seems to be working and I do get more accomplished with less pain every day. It’s very fatiguing to move about which is hard but easy at the same time because I  have an excuse to not even get off my ass. I’m gonna try to make myself get up more do laundry take walks or whatever I can. 

Dealing with my cancer has been so much more manageable through the careful and purposeful use of Medical marijuana.

Note to readers….if you already are familiar with the ins and outs of medical marijuana, skip ahead.  Meanwhile, I will share what I have learned as a regular consumer.

1. Do research on how to obtain a medical marijuana card in your state.  Every state has its own laws and procedures. In Florida there are many websites to help you through the process for an average of $200-250. 
2. To find out which states have reciprocity, do a simple google search. Although it is legal in 37 states, there is still a great deal of confusion surrounding the ability to use a medical marijuana prescription when traveling. One of the most frequently asked questions is if a patient’s Florida medical marijuana card will work in other states, as patients want the option to bring their medical marijuana card with them wherever they go. It’s important to know that some states will honor a patient’s out-of-state medical card, but in Florida, only Floridians can buy and possess medical marijuana. However, Floridians may use their medical marijuana card in some other states under certain guidelines
3. You will need to meet in person with a doctor/counselor.  Ours gave us a folder with local dispensaries and coupons.   It is a new and highly competitive market. You can save money by using the new patient discounts for all the available dispensaries and revisiting your options when sales/discounts/ specials are available. 
4. Be sure to get a caretaker card for your friend/partner or other helper so they can pick up your prescriptions. 
5. Do a little research on each dispensary.  By visiting the website, you’ll not only know their proximity to you, but you can get familiar with their products.

Did You Know?

You can get medical marijuana in MANY forms like…

Inhaled, either through smoke or vapor, as an edible like in a cookie, lozenge, chocolate bar or an herbal tea, or as a liquid (tincture) under the tongue. 

Add to that RSO, a cannabis oil that has been used to treat a variety of medical conditions for many years. It is typically made from high-THC strains of cannabis and can be used in different ways. Be aware that RSO is not the same thing as CBD oil. While both oils have their own unique benefits, RSO is a high-potency THC oil that can cause psychoactive effects when consumed. 

We bought day and nighttime versions and I can personally attest that this RSO stuff is potent. It stops the pain but I have to be very careful to micro-dose. I had 2 instances where I was “too stoned.” (For those who prefer to drink, this is like drinking too much, being drunk and wishing you weren’t.) The classic “make it stop” place that we all want to avoid. 

Be patient with yourself no matter which method of using medical marijuana you choose. Try different amounts and/or different combinations until you know what makes you pain-free and happy. Medical marijuana, when used right can give you that nice buzz you get after one or two glasses of wine and make your day literally look brighter.