The Bud and I

NOTE: I’m writing this interview with hopes it might help someone else. Not to offend anyone. COPYRIGHT firmly in place.

THE BUD AND I - Start of a journey

Imagine your grandmother smoking a joint. Funny? Maybe not.

I grew up being told drugs and marijuana are “bad”, certainly not to be touched. I’ve never seen MJ, nor thought about it, and wouldn’t have known if I had smelled it being used. Yet here I am: a pot user.

Our younger son, who was in grade 12 when I got sick with Lyme Disease and saw the decline and changes, has always been very supportive. He has been nagging me for months about trying medical marijuana. I have several conditions which appear on the list. Hubby wouldn’t hear of it, though. And I wasn’t excited about the prospect, never having smoked. But Theo persisted. He did a lot of research and tried to educate me about the various strains, the conditions it might help for and the various ways of using the weed.

I started thinking about all the medications pumped into my body since 2010: Four kinds of antibiotics a day, for more than 3 years, the damage they did and the long list of side-effects each bottle came with. Plus the meds I had to use to counter the side-effects. So, how bad could the cannabis plant be?

In February I saw my Lyme specialist in New York state, since we Lymies still can’t get doctors here in Canada to treat us. She determined that my Lyme, as well as the co-infections of Babesia and Bartonella are still active. Coupled with the brain tumour which was partially removed in September 2015, she floored me by recommending marijuana as possible help for these conditions.

Is it legal?

Any physician in Canada can prescribe medical cannabis, and once you and a doctor have completed all of the necessary forms you are legally able to purchase your cannabis directly from one of Health Canada's *licensed producers. The package ships directly to your house, or  to your doctor.

What is the dose?

Ah, young grasshoppers, that is the question! It seems each person reacts differently and there is no real guideline as to how much is enough. You can’t overdose; the body just gets rid of the extra. And no, I am not “high” and certainly don’t aim to be!

Where do you start?

I completed an application to Tilray, a licensed producer. A doctor called me in for an interview about my diagnoses, prescriptions and conditions. He completed the forms and submitted them directly to Tilray, who set up my account after approval and perusal. I am allowed a small amount per month, ordered online or per phone.

How do you use it?

Google is amazing! And younger son brought a vaporizer and made sure I wasn't alone the first time I tried -- a warning also posted on the paperwork with my first shipment. Vaping (drawing in the vapour) is one of the best ways of getting the full benefit.

I’ve ordered a strain (Elwyn) and have been using daily by grinding, heating and catching the vapour in a bag, then inhaling over a period of an hour.

Steps one, two and three on the Tilray prep mat

The oil, which I really would prefer to use rather than the bud itself, is constantly out of stock. Hopefully I’ll be able to get some in the near future and will then be able to just use a drop sublingually (under the tongue) or in a vape pen like this one I bought from Tao.

Vape pens

The pen comes in various colours and is USB charged. The mouth piece and middle part screws off and can be changed to a capsule which holds the oil. A small coil heats the dried leaves or oil and the vapour is inhaled. No combustion.

After ten days: Yes, I sleep better. Yes, I think my pain is more under control.

*Health Canada has lots of information, lists and answers.

*Tilray is one of the suppliers approved by Health Canada