Hi All,
I was just authorized by my pain doc to receive medical marijuana.

I asked him how it will be supplied, a pill or what. He said he just gives the authorization and I have to go to the dispensary and discuss with the pharmacist and he/she will suggest the best method. Pain doc also said it come in two kinds. THC and CBD, and I should make sure I get the CBD as it is more effective for chronic pain. I have no idea what that means but I am just about to research it.

I was wondering, for those of you who use medical MJ, how was it supplied to you(pill, vapor, edible, etc) and did you find it effective for pain or neuropathy.

Thank you.

Hi Diandra,

Being over here I cannot help much more than point you in the direction of:

https://www.leafly.com/

For advice about strains and use.

Hope this helps and you get some much deserved relief.

Dave.

you go Dave!

As with many things regulated by the govt, the wheels turns slowly.
There are all kinds of systems to sign into, applications to be filled out and oh but of course, a registration fee of $100.

Thanks for all your input as I am making a foray into an area I know nothing about.

Will let you know how things go after I go the dispensary, hopefully this week.

By the way, don't know if I mentioned. I was authorized, NOT because of chronic pain but because I am being treated for breast cancer. In CT, this is the list of specific medical issues that qualify(neuropathy or chronic pain are not included but cancer is). I was surprised to find it was such a limited list.

Medical Conditions include:
Cancer
Glaucoma
Positive Status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus or Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
Parkinson's Disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Damage to the Nervous Tissue of the Spinal Cord with Objective Neurological Indication of Intractable Spasticity
Epilepsy
Cachexia
Wasting Syndrome
Crohn's Disease
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

As always, thanks for the help and support.
D.

I so wish we had this in GA !

THC is the part that makes you high......a little too much smoking in my earlier years ! The CBD part is what helps with the pain. It's my understanding that when going with a product high in CBD you don't feel high at all. I wouldn't know...just what I have read.

Please keep us posted on how you get along with it.

My son is a narcotics officer and my sweet Bubba would always say "Hey....get your mama some of that stuff while you're at the office"....too funny.

Good Luck my friend

Debi from Georgia

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