Haven't read any of the posts here...just letting you know that I am awaiting Illinois legislature to pass MJ act here...but I won't partake unitl it's legal. So I don't know if it will help me, but I hope

...and then I open the Sunday paper and what is the legislature's new proposal?
They have decided to tax people who use dispensaries. Maine taxes over the counter medications that are not prescribed-aspirin, tylenol, cough and cold medicines etc. They've decided that medical marijuana is not prescribed, only recommended, so it qualifies as an OTC med, and so it will be taxed.

I've been waiting to see how the money hungry state government would get their hands in the "pot" and there it is. They also want to charge the folks who run the dispensaries $5000.00 to $15000.00 per year to be certified...they haven't decided on how much yet. So much for helping people.

That sucks RW .

I hope that it will be legal and accessible in all States soon. I'd like to eventually relocate to Florida, where M.M. isn't legal yet, and it will probably be some time coming there.

I can vouch for what others have said, it's more effective at treating my pain than anything else I've been prescribed. I'm still taking Cesamet (Nabilone) 3 times a day.

We have to acknowledge short term memory loss may be an issue depending on individual & amount used. Do I care? No because I believe if used in low dose it'll be no different then a prozac "just feel good" high. As far as the taxes go, I'll gladly pay tax like I do on tobacco if thats all it takes and my state puts the money to good use. I wouldnt worry about dispensaries..5-15k is less then 10% of what they'll likely profit. Bring it on and close down these ---- oxycodone/contin whatever they are pharmacies wrecking this country. Amen.

It is true that ingesting cannabis instead of inhaling it can have a different effect. I find inhaling gives more or less instant relief, but it does not last as long. Ingesting (I make smallish cookies so I can control the dose) can take 60-90 minutes to kick in . . . in my experience. It gives what I have heard termed a "body high" in that it feels deeper and stronger, and definitely lasts longer. You don't want to sit and munch your canna-goodies without knowing how your body will react! The first time I made gingerbread cookies I "taste-tested" a couple too many and was pretty well disabled the rest of the day. No pain . . . but really out of it!

Making your own butter is messy and smelly, but if you can get the 'shake' for free (it is the leftover leaves after the cutters trim the bud) it is the way to go. The THC likes to bond with fats, which is why most people bake with it in the form of canna-butter or canna-oil. Recipes abound for this on the internet.

[And remember to keep your baked goods under lock and key away from the kids or grandkids . . . they won't know the difference and truly wouldn't know what hit them.]

Our co-op dispensary sells cookies, candy, chili, lasagna, and other goodies for folks who prefer can ingest instead of inhale. My guess is that most dispensaries carry food products made with cannabis.

I have traveled with my cookies on two different airlines with no issue. I carry them on, nicely wrapped to look like gift packs, tied with ribbons and all. Actually, each small bag contains what I expect to need on a daily basis, making it easier to dose my medicine. Cookies are a good way to go if you are going somewhere that you can't take a pipe and light up whenever you need to.

Again, you must take it slow the first time you ingest . . . so you will know how it affects you. And please don't eat (or inhale) and drive unless or until you are sure your driving ability will not be adversely affected.

I'm taking Cesamet (Nabilone) for Trigeminal Neuralgia/general neuralgia in my head. It's the best thing I've found outside of the actual plant. The pills aren't as effective, however I can work on them and function 100% (there was a bit of a dizzy/muddled period in the beginning, but that was short lived and I got used to the medication fast).

I'm the 'fittest' I've ever been now, and a healthy body weight. I don't have an increased appetite, but I do find it is very drying for the mouth (which is my #1 complaint, as I'm a mouth breather already and I have so many mouth issues - long story, but the dry mouth doesn't help!).

So long story short, it works, and for some it could have side effects like increased appetite, but for me it didn't.

Dry mouth is one of the best side effects for those who need to increase water intake for urine infections, Rebif and alike side effects. One of Rebif's undocuented fixes for flu symptoms is consume 1/2 gallon water daily. Worked for me. Have to stay home because you'll be using the bathroom often but urine color (or lack of) will thank you for it.

As dmplaura said he's the fittest he's ever been. The marinol actually speeds me up a bit since thats how i programmed myself to react. Beats sitting around listening to Floyd and if this MS wasnt progressing so rapid, id be superman by now.

Jim and I are heading down to Springfield Illinois Thursday to talk to the reps to get their votes! Wish us luck!!

If you live in Illinois and believe in this bill please sign the petition:

http://www.petitiononline.com/SB1381/petition.html