Does anybody know if medical marijuana works for pn
 

Hi friends, it's been a while. Anyways, my pain management dr mentioned medical marijuana fpr my pn symptoms. He said that I should give it a try for my pn. I really don't like marijuana because I absolutely hate being high. However, the pain management doc said that they have different strains that are available that probably won't get me high, but work on the pain. I'm on neurontin now, but it doesn't work it just makes me drowsy and clumsy. I live in Massachusetts where medical marijuana is legal.

The pain doc also said that they have pills, sprays, oils, etc.... for medical marijuana medicine. I just don't know if I should do it. I have an appointment Tuesday with the medical marijuana consultants. They want $200 up front and then they give you license if you're a candidate after the consultation. I just don't want to waste my money and be disappointed. I need advice, I'm 31 and this whole thing started last year because of a cocaine relapse, smh. Mind you, it was only one time last year. I had a bad reaction. All mri's, ct scan, nerve conduction/emg, blood test, etc.. where good and normal. The pain is asymmetrical.

Hi Blue7,
I get what you're saying as I didn't want to get high from mm either. I really just needed it to be able to sleep. That part was very tricky but I did find something that worked for me but since that wasn't your question I won't include it here. PM me if you want more info.

As far as pain and almost instant relief, vaping is the preferred method. It doesn't last as long, but then again if you don't like the feeling it is gone faster than other methods. Tinctures are often ethanol base, being straight alcohol and that irritated my neuropathy. There's also some with a glycerine base. Anything you ingest will take longer to feel and will stay in your system longer.

I would suggest doing some research before your appointment on Tuesday. There are so many different strains for different results. And of course everyone is different so what works for one person may not for you. I bought the book "Cannabis Pharmacy: The Practical Guide to Medical Marijuana" by Michael Backes which has tons of useful information on the subject.

Check out pure CBD oil from hemp. It's been really helpful for me. I'm a huge fan of it so far. Check out Bluebird botanicals for good quality and prices.

I second everything Pinkynose said. I've been vaping MMJ for almost a year and it takes away my PN pain immediately. Vaping from an oil cartridge is my preference although probably the most expensive; vaping dried herb is my second choice. You may have to experiment with different strains to get the right combination of effects for you. Your doctor may be able to give you suggestions that are locally available. The website leafly.com has detailed information on the attributes of various strains.

An ongoing thread
 

Many here are either in their own trial or have made up their minds on this subject. The diversity of opinions is as expected. Some swear by the pain relief. Some can't handle being "high". Others (myself included) feel that Marijuana gives a respite from the day to day thinking about pain levels. I feel that I still have pain, but it is not the only thing I can think about. I was a child of the sixties so I have no trouble with being high. Your aversion will make investigation harder. I am amazed at the difference in potency from the sixties compared to today. I take one puff and put it away. I do feel a little guilty about driving in some small way the economy that eventually leads back to the Hindi Kush region of Pakistan. I will continue my trial until I run out and make a decision then. Good Luck, Ken in Texas.

One other group has a ongoing discussion on MJ and a LOT needs to be done. Some live in CO, some grow their own even in their apt**

We have dispensaries here in So. Cal and I've considered getting a script etc and going to dispensary but it's all so expensive and I guess I manage with what I do. I've bought some CBD ointment online but it really did nothing. One has to do the Real Thing. And good quality, etc.

Thanks for the kind comments about my book. If I can answer any questions here about using cannabis medicinally, I am happy to try.

Michael Backes

What are your options?
 

All of my doctors are pushing me to try mmj. However, they are not pushing me to "get high" or to "smoke." They have had some patients with intractable pain do very well with different mmj products. They each tell me it's a matter of trial and error, as to which mmj product/form will be most helpful to me.

They are talking mostly about the CBD portion of the mj, not the THC portion.

$200.00 is a lot of money to get approved to simply try these options.:eek:
Your state, Massachusetts, has often had some high prices for licenses, permits, taxes, etc.

I understand your reticence to pay out $200.00 for a privilege you are not sure you want to access.

I think a key question for you is this:
Do you have other options for your PN pain?

My doctors will not recommend mmj unless they feel they (and I) have totally exhausted all options. In other words, they don't hold any hope for any other available treatment.

Since you are hesitant, it may be helpful for you to identify other options, if you have them.

This is an important discussion. I am glad you are reaching out.
I hope you will get a lot of feedback.

I wish you comfort!
Warmly,
DejaVu

It helps somewhat for some NP.

Thanks for this, Icelander. I've just placed an order.

I have some from Bluebird Botanicals waiting for me to try. I hope to start it this week. I'll share my results.

Very glad to hear you're doing better. Perhaps you could share with us the names of the cannabis strains that have been most beneficial?

Thx

The two that I've used repeatedly (by way of vaping) are Harlequin (oil) and Critical Mass (flower). The Critical Mass is more readily available to me, otherwise I'd use Harlequin exclusively. In the context of using it when pain either prevents me from getting to sleep or wakes me up, both stop the pain within a couple minutes. With Harlequin I also get a spacey feeling and drift off happily to sleep. The Critical Mass seems slower to kick in for me as far as sedation, and I often get a few more pangs of pain recurring before I get to sleep. During the day I can distract myself from the pain more easily, but if I had to use one during the day I'd try Critical Mass first.

I just found out that I have PN, but have been using medical cannabis for this pain for about a year. I find it helps me get a few solid hours of sleep. Like others have posted, you really do need to experiment to find the right strain. I like the lower THC strains with a higher CBD. Unfortunately, they are currently hard to find in my location. You might also want to experiment with pure CBD oil. The good stuff without the THC. However, I have been reading that CBD works best with some THC. I can't recall the ratio 2:1. Anyway, don't be afraid to give it a try. I just lucked out today with a pain management doc who will actually sign the forms for the renewal on my medical card. Bless his soul and also the advocates who are working to get the legislation for this natural medicine pushed through at the state and federal levels.