Want a difference a state makes. DH and I moved from AZ to CA recently and I decided to get a medical marijuana card here.

I had first purchased a card in Arizona when it was legalized in Arizona about three years ago. It was costly but easily attainable. Obtaining product was more difficult. Plus I could not get the specific strains recommended for MS. Although I had granted seeds to a caretaker, it was just not convenient, easy or cheap. It was discouraging.

It cost $150 going to the state of AZ, $150 to a doctor. None of my regular doctors could write a script because they would be banned from practice in the local hospitals.

I also paid $200 to be in a "study" where MJ was to be delivered to my house on a regular basis which turned out to be not true. My caregiver would deliver only when I called and I had to take whatever product he would give.

I ended up going to other services. I even tried a compassion club but again, the choices were limited and costly.

And the buds were nice, it is not as if I had any basis of comparison.

That was then, this is now.

Once I had proof of residency, DH pursued finding the right resources to obtain a card. It cost $45 total and the doctor also wrote scripts of renewal for the following two years at $25 per year.

Cannabis is delivered to our apartment, no delivery charge. $60 minimum order.

I ordered Trainwreck. I had heard it is a good one for daytime use.

What struck me was the quality of the buds. I tried Trainwreck last night when watching television. Took only two draws, felt the effects within twenty minutes. Lasted about an hour or so.

It was no good for my insomnia. I did buy a strain that is supposed to work for sleep. I will try it in the next few days.

But so much easier than in Arizona. We also ordered a starter plant, only $10. Supposedly easy to grow, it is a weed after all!

I will update this as I continue my natural medical alternative experiment.

Glad your move made it easier and more affordable.

Illinois begins their pilot program in January. Rumors abound that it will be $$$$ for patients. We'll see...

I hope you find the right mix to make your life with MS easier
and less painful.

Let us know.

AZ makes it expensive to buy MJ affordable and legal.

The quality of the buds were so superior here in CA.

I tried Trainwreck while watching TV. I took three draws, it took about ten minutes for the effect to set in, wore off slowly after an hour. But the spasms abated during that time period so the MMJ did its job.

I tried a couple draws at 2AM that night and although I "felt" it, it did nothing for my chronic insomnia. Trainwreck is a sativa so it is not good for night sleeping.

I tried Stomper OG, an indica, at 2 AM last night. That worked well. I brushed my teeth, washed my hands, got back to bed and wham! Back to dreams.

I plan to keep with these two strains as a starting point. I want to see how long it takes me to use up my supply. That way, I can see if it is less expensive than the big pharma drugs.

The bonus is it is a mild mood elevator. I am looking to wean away from the antidepressant I am addicted to, no thank you very much to a damn psychiatrist pill pusher.

Aarcyn, do you have to smoke the kinds you've obtained or can you cook with them? Are they as effective when cooked or is smoking the preferred method to get the best effect?

As far as I know, it takes more to get the same effect with cooking and the effects are slower to come on...but maybe they last longer?

With love, Erika

I have tried edibles. Problem with it is twofold.

1. How much to eat for the correct amount. It may last longer but I have eaten too much and it is unpleasant.
2. Digestion Time varies depending on my calories for the day.

I have used a vaporizer. It uses a lot more product even though I was led to believe otherwise.

I have dexterity issues now so a pipe is difficult.

I use glycerin cones but also have rolled a joint.

It is not like smoking cigarettes. My lungs do not get inflamed like nicotine hurts the tissue. Smoking allows me the best control. I can take a couple of draws, wait fifteen minutes then decide if I need more.

I have to go back many years to my past as a youth - How about a bong? Doesn't it use water? Is it less harsh? I can't smoke anything. Even BBQ smoke bugs me!

I am probably the only one here who has never had MJ. Feel so
left out. They just must legalize MMJ here in OH before I die.
Stupid ole conservative State.

My Bucket list is getting longer and I'm getting shorter.. Let's
see "deep sea WC diving, sky diving, MMJ, Up up and away in
my beautiful balloon and ....no, not bungee jumping, that's
just stupid.

I agree, I've never been bungee jumping either, Sally. Never had any desire.

I used to smoke too much MJ when I was younger. Not for medical reasons though.

Vicky