What is the status of medical mj in GA?

Hi Diandra,

I am happy to read you are open to trying some of the MMJ options.
My doctors are very strongly encouraging me to also explore these options; in fact, they seem to think it's potentially a much better choice than adding more pharmaceuticals.

My primary care used to be against this option; however, he has since witnessed a family member go through intractable pain and has see his family member consult with pain specialists, etc. After a few years without relief, his family member has found some relief in the MMJ options.

I, too, have my doctors' recommendations. My case must be reviewed by a regulatory panel. I expect approval. Intractable pain can be one of the conditions giving people access to MMJ options here. My medical records document more than one of the conditions qualifying me for legal access.

I have had approval in the past. We had no dispensaries then. While there was an MMJ option, it was still illegal to have possession then. (A catch-22.) I simply did not pursue this option, as I cannot tolerate smoke and there was no guarantee as to the strain of MJ. Even if using a vaporizer, it was a toss as to how much THC/CBD, etc. MJ can have effects which are not in the best interest of each individual. It was all too risky then and not appealing to me under those conditions.

It's helpful we now have dispensaries. I am told the staff at the dispensaries are very well-informed and are good at guiding choices, based upon individualized needs. It may take some time to find the best strain for you and the best method of delivery.

I know of people swearing by the oil, the edibles (the butter included).
I know of someone with severe neuropathic pain, having been hospitalized 4 times this year for severe pain; he has achieved significant relief with a topical MJ ointment. (I have sent a message asking if this person might be willing to talk with me about his experience and his topical MMJ.)

Jon and Dave have offered some good information.
I know some of the strains I am sure I do not want to touch. Lol.
I need to learn about some of the options more viable for me.

Like you, I am glad this option is available. Like you, I am hopeful; yet, not yet convinced this path is the answer.

I do hope you find any/all options most helpful to you.

I will be happy to share any information I learn, Diandra.



DejaVu

In GA only cannabis oil is legal. Eligible patients may possess up to 20 oz of low THC (high CBD) cannabis oil.

It's called Haleigh's Hope Act

So far only 8 conditions are listed:

Cancer
Crohn's
Lou Gehrig's
Mitochondrial disease
MS
Parkinson's
Seizure disorders
Sickle Cell

The catch is there is no where in GA that you can purchase this oil legally.

Looks like they are taking that up in 2016 Session.

From what I read families are more than happy to drive to a state that will fill the prescription for them. They will take the chance on getting caught during the drive. It's worth it for their kids, families.

Debi from Georgia

Hi Debi,

These catch-22 laws are so strange, aren't they?
I am glad people can get what they need.

We just had a story done on a young lady, still in elementary school. She has intractable seizures. She has great seizure control by vaping the oil. While this state allows this, the school enjoys some federal funding. Her mom has to go to the school, take her off the school property and allow her to vape.
The school can lose any federal funding for allowing her to vape on school property.

It's not even okay if the school nurse oversees her vaping the oil during the school day. Nobody likes this, including the school administration; yet, they also cannot afford to lose federal funding.

Love Ya, Debi.
DejaVu

Just breaks my heart for these kids to have to go through this when it can be so much better for them.

I think we had 17 Georgia families that had the mother or father and the child move to CO in order for them to receive the cannabis oil.

It's my understanding some or all are moving back and will just make the trips as needed for the meds.

Hopefully in 2016 they will get off their butts and get it growing legally in Georgia for all the people, especially the children, that need this help.

Hugs to you too sweet Lady

Debi

my eldest daughter Sara
an epileptic
had occopital lobe surgery hoping to
eradicate the seizures
idiopathic
is genetic
is blind in right eye
price of surgery
it failed
to close to the surrounding lobes
back on a crap load of meds again
first grand maul in april 2003
and still suffers them daily
now 34
she too smokes it
and the thc
not a problem for me
i enjoy the munchies
after the reliefs i get from it
and after the amount of weight loss
not knowing it was my cancer
i welcome weight
it too help my daughter with her seizures
hope this helps
love
me

Hi all,

Was wondering if there were any updates on experiences with MMJ and pain relief. I have been searching for an answer to my neuropathic pain (I have MS) for about eight years, and after all that time, I've tried everything. I guess I'm looking at this as my last hope. Since it's not legal yet here in PA, I've tried this option "off the grid" so to speak, but it didn't turn out well. I couldn't wait for the effects to wear off--and to think that it seemed like so much fun back in the 70s!

I'm just hoping it would be better more refined strains, especially something with higher CBD and lower THC (my, the stuff they have these days is so much heavier on the latter than when I was a kid!) But isn't it ironic that with them keeping it illegal, someone who doesn't want to get high can't find the stuff that won't zonk them out?

Is something a person should not have to if the high can be taken out for those who experience it in a negative way because of the THC SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE SUBJUCTED TO the "high"
for many it help calm them too
It help me want to eat I seem to forget and I can't afford that
Worried about everyone else but ME
It should be available without the THC
A patient should have the choice to choose
My daughter and her team of doctors are all on board with her
use of it

There was a program not to long ago
Of persons who seek the medicine for the young child
he was risking his life for as it isn't legal yet and this baby was suffering over three hundred seizures in a day
Where he was on a farm like land where the THC is not in the herb
Why wouldn't the big brothers be on top of something they know without DOUBT it WORKS
Any relief I welcome as I cannot take any of the medicines to take for the nerve related problems
The fibromyalgia on my upper right back
A direct result of my cervical neck surgeries
Oh jeez I'm getting angry remembering the days I was once able to do the things I love such as cook GONE
CAN'T stand for to long
CAN'T sit for to long
Can't walk for to long
Can't lie on my right side
CAN'T HUG OR BE TOUCHED
It hurts and burns so badly I want my skin pulled from my back
Going on three weeks now
No indication of letting up
Pray weather will get better it has much to do how my body will behave though I must say I do get some needed relief
What else is left
Me