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Practical use of medical marijuana

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 6/30/2018 10:12 AM (GMT -5)
Hi All,

I hope we're now allowed to talk about this issue.

Some of you may recall that I used to be very active in past years. Long story short: I greatly reduced my opioid use about a year ago with the help of various supplements. Nevertheless, if I'm not diligent, if I do too much on a given day, etc., the pain gets bad and I still have to use a BT dose. Also, when I simply have to get a lot done in a day and can't be impacted by pain, I'll take a dose in advance. Some weeks, none, some weeks, most days.

My state (you can guess which) just legalized medical marijuana. In the months prior, I visited legal states and tried out various strains, edibles, topicals etc..

While I found some very helpful topicals, everything else was too psychoactive. Although pain relief was absolutely profound, I don't like being and cannot do my job "high."

So, practically, I'm wondering what others have done about this? Besides topicals, my gamble is that I can find some low THC, high CBD strain (e.g. 5% and 15%) that at low doses, I'll get pain relief without or without intrusive psychoactivity.

Has anyone else been successful in such a pursuit?

Thanks.
Posted 7/1/2018 4:23 PM (GMT -5)
Cogito:
I live in Oregon where both medical and recreational use of marijuana is legal.

Just FYI . . . You do NOT see people smoking or vaping marijuana while walking the city streets of Portland. People are not zoned. Recreational marijuana use is limited to within people’s homes. Honestly, local studies conducted since Oregon’s legalization show that reported marijuana use has stayed level as compared to pre-legalization.

I have never tried marijuana, myself. But I have used a quality CBD liquid for my dog (for pain control). The CBD liquid had a noticeably positive effect on my dog. Her pain was lessened and she was calm and content as she approached 16 years of age. I am even using a small daily dose with my 8 month old puppy for separation anxiety issues.

You could certainly research CBD liquids marketed for canines and cats. The quality standards of the product I am using for my puppy is human-grade.
Karen
Posted 7/2/2018 9:16 AM (GMT -5)
Ditto for my 12 year old dog. He's in major pain from back and hip degeneration. CBDs are a miracle. He's like a pup again. No more grumpy boy. He's so happy. Keep in mind there are two types of CBDs; 1 & 2. My dog can't fake this profound effect. Just my two cents. Also, do your homework first. I'm in CA and labeling of doses is a problem right now so I purchase from a state that has dosage/labeling requirements. In CA they just passed legislation to require proper labeling so I'm looking forward to when I can be certain of the dose.
Posted 7/3/2018 12:30 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks for the comments on CBD for dogs. I tried hemp oil, but she didn't like the taste... suggestions for finicky eaters?

Regarding legalization, I know that use is generally limited to private spaces. Our laws are similar.

Still, though, I have a challenge: I want to find pain relief without getting high. I've used a bunch of CBD products as well as hemp flower with 12% CBD and .5% THC. Pleasant, but no help with pain.

On the other hand, strains like Blue Dream were extremely helpful, but I can't work while high. It isn't about going out in public. The issue rather is that I mostly write for a living and my writing gets too weird while I'm high.

So, besides topicals, I'm looking for something: an edible or flower that will knock out my pain without much psychoactivity.
Posted 7/3/2018 6:34 PM (GMT -5)
Cogito:
The CBD liquid that I use for my dog has zero THC. The CBD is blended with a coconut oil base. My previous tea-cup Maltese (Molly) and my new puppy (Abby) both have found the product highly palpable and very tasty. Abby laps the drops off of my finger. The product that I am using is sourced locally in Portland, Oregon. Dosing is based on weight. 1 drop of CBD per 6-8 pounds of body weight. It sells for $55 for a 4 oz bottle.

There is no reason why you could not use a similar canine product for yourself.

A 42 year-old friend of mine with metastatic colon cancer (sadly, now deceased) used marijuana edibles but was hobbled by inconsistent dosing from one edible to another. A nibble of a marijuana brownie made her loopy. She ended up using canine CBD oil, dosing by the drop, with good benefit for easing of pain and nausea.

Most of the marijuana commissaries have staff that are knowledgeable of the varied strains. Have you visited a local commissary for advice or recommendations?
Karen
Posted 7/4/2018 12:41 AM (GMT -5)
Seashell,

I've seen various CBD pet products online, but couldn't assess quality. Lazarus Naturals, though, seem to have quality products.

For myself, I've tried at least a dozen CBD products, many form reputable companies. One takes away migraines, but no help with scoli pain.

As for dispensaries, we're just barely getting off the ground here. I've been to Denver a few times and tried about a dozen strains. The best low-psycoactivity: pain reduction strain for me was "electric suzyQ" - about 5% THC, 15% CBD.

I could still go a bit lower of psycoactively though. Whatever I get, I can mix with high-CBD hemp flower.

Next step: get pain doc to let me test positive for THC. 10 days till next appointment. But fortunately, I don't need any refills.
Posted 7/5/2018 8:59 AM (GMT -5)
Best of luck Seashell,

New Jersey is now Medical approved.

I was approved last month for the MM Program, waiting for the state to send me my card

CBD oil did nothing for me, I tried 4 different ones going up to 1500mg 2xs a day.

opening the THC will keep my pain down to 3-4 daily.

Peace
Trina
Posted 7/6/2018 5:33 PM (GMT -5)
Hi Trina,

FYI - there is a lot of emerging information in this field. I'm trying to stay atop of it as best as possible.

Have you tried obtaining a CBD flower and making your own? I would recommend this to almost anyone prior to using edibles for a few reasons. We have also noted anecdotally that there seems to be a necessity of certain ratios of THC:CBD for better effect on pain, inflammation and other ailments.

I hope you find something soon to relieve the pain!

Cogito-interestingly I have friends who have tried certain CBD dominant strains and had the same issue you describe. I think there has to be sensitivities we are not yet picking up on. Any experience with AC/DC-one of the top CBD strains...not all dispensaries grow equally either!

~beth
Posted 7/7/2018 1:06 AM (GMT -5)
Opugirl,

Actually, Electric SuzyQ is a hybrid of AC/DC and SuzyQ. Both are below 1% THC, but I suppose with further selective breeding and grow conditions, they got it to 5%.

Another option is to mix CBD flower, 5:1 with MMJ. CBD flower is now easily available online and legal almost everywhere ( not Nebraska or Idaho, maybe a few others). I guess there's no sourcing, but Google is our friend.
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