Medicinal Marijuana

pitt
pitt Member Posts: 387
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
So I admit that my breast cancer center spoils us with facials, mani/pedi, acupuncture and free massages. I get how nice that is. HOWEVER, in Florida we do not have legal access to medicinal marijuana. I would trade all the facials in the world for a known cure to those horrible body aches and nausea. Especially since having marijuana, when you are on chemo, does not make you high, it just takes away the pain and nausea. Who wouldn't want that?!

So, I am extremely jealous of all you girls in states where this is legal. I'm going to write to my state legislature because they won't let the bill out of committee. Can those of you with experience in this department give me some ideas to help fuel the fire! Thanks - Pitt

Jealous of all those California girls!

Pitt
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Comments

  • VickiSam
    VickiSam Member Posts: 9,079 Member
    Pitt ... I've never thought of asking my onc ...
    ???????? I will ask .. on Tuesday, 9/20. I'll let you all know the outcome ..

    VickiSam
  • cindycflynn
    cindycflynn Member Posts: 1,132 Member
    I'm in CA
    But I still probably would not take medical marijuana.

    Even though the state won't prosecute you, it's still against our company policy (as well as federal law), and our company does post-accident drug testing. If I'm somehow involved in an accident at work I would be tested and I'd hate to lose my job of almost 20 years because of testing positive.

    If my job wasn't a factor, I'd be all over it!!
  • dyaneb123
    dyaneb123 Member Posts: 950

    I'm in CA
    But I still probably would not take medical marijuana.

    Even though the state won't prosecute you, it's still against our company policy (as well as federal law), and our company does post-accident drug testing. If I'm somehow involved in an accident at work I would be tested and I'd hate to lose my job of almost 20 years because of testing positive.

    If my job wasn't a factor, I'd be all over it!!

    Cindy, legally if you had a
    Cindy, legally if you had a legal perscription for medicinal marijuana, your company could not hold that against you anymore than any other prescribed drug they might find in your system. But if you're not a casual partaker of the weed anyway, you probably wouldn't bother. My girlfriends brought me a bag before I started chemo(no, it's not legal in Tennessee) but they ended up smoking it more than me, as I don't normally indulge and I'd just forget about it til they came to visit.So legal or not legal, if you feel like sitting out on the back porch with your doobie....I doubt that anyone is going to arrest you for it....
  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    dyaneb123 said:

    Cindy, legally if you had a
    Cindy, legally if you had a legal perscription for medicinal marijuana, your company could not hold that against you anymore than any other prescribed drug they might find in your system. But if you're not a casual partaker of the weed anyway, you probably wouldn't bother. My girlfriends brought me a bag before I started chemo(no, it's not legal in Tennessee) but they ended up smoking it more than me, as I don't normally indulge and I'd just forget about it til they came to visit.So legal or not legal, if you feel like sitting out on the back porch with your doobie....I doubt that anyone is going to arrest you for it....

    Prefer to stick with pills
    Here in Los Angeles, I'm starting to see new medical marijuana places sprouting up (pun intended :-) on every corner.

    There's one with an enormous neon sign called "The Grasshopper" just down the street from my minister's house, and she spent all of my chemo trying to convince me that she needed to go there for "research" for me! :-)

    With my asthma, I would probably end up in the ER if I tried to smoke a joint, so I stuck with pills during chemo. Liz, are you still having problems with nausea? I know there are several different anti-nausea drugs your doctor can try -- have you asked for a different prescription? And is the Claritin not working for the Neulasta pain?

    I hate to hear that you're suffering, and I really hope that your doctor can find the right cocktail to help you through this. If all else fails...especially since I wasn't willing to let her do it for me, I'm sure Rev. Anne would be glad to do "research" for you!

    :-) Traci
  • New Flower
    New Flower Member Posts: 4,294
    TraciInLA said:

    Prefer to stick with pills
    Here in Los Angeles, I'm starting to see new medical marijuana places sprouting up (pun intended :-) on every corner.

    There's one with an enormous neon sign called "The Grasshopper" just down the street from my minister's house, and she spent all of my chemo trying to convince me that she needed to go there for "research" for me! :-)

    With my asthma, I would probably end up in the ER if I tried to smoke a joint, so I stuck with pills during chemo. Liz, are you still having problems with nausea? I know there are several different anti-nausea drugs your doctor can try -- have you asked for a different prescription? And is the Claritin not working for the Neulasta pain?

    I hate to hear that you're suffering, and I really hope that your doctor can find the right cocktail to help you through this. If all else fails...especially since I wasn't willing to let her do it for me, I'm sure Rev. Anne would be glad to do "research" for you!

    :-) Traci

    I wish they gave me
    I Wish they gave me marijuana. I never directly asked, every time when I complained I got more steroids and benedrill.
    Living in Los Angeles does not automatically give you a chance to try. Probably requires persistence.
    I definitely needed it after 4 cycle.
    Good luck
  • cindycflynn
    cindycflynn Member Posts: 1,132 Member
    dyaneb123 said:

    Cindy, legally if you had a
    Cindy, legally if you had a legal perscription for medicinal marijuana, your company could not hold that against you anymore than any other prescribed drug they might find in your system. But if you're not a casual partaker of the weed anyway, you probably wouldn't bother. My girlfriends brought me a bag before I started chemo(no, it's not legal in Tennessee) but they ended up smoking it more than me, as I don't normally indulge and I'd just forget about it til they came to visit.So legal or not legal, if you feel like sitting out on the back porch with your doobie....I doubt that anyone is going to arrest you for it....

    Unfortunately they can
    Since using pot still violates federal law, companies can still have policies prohibiting employees from using marijuana even if they're in a state that allows you to use it. All it really means is that no state authority can arrest me. Federal authorities still can.
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member

    Unfortunately they can
    Since using pot still violates federal law, companies can still have policies prohibiting employees from using marijuana even if they're in a state that allows you to use it. All it really means is that no state authority can arrest me. Federal authorities still can.

    Pot is still against the
    Pot is still against the Federal law, so, you can still be prosecuted for using it, growing it or buying it, even in CA. Also, why would you want to put that smoke in your lungs and chance lung cancer?

    Debby
  • Calleen
    Calleen Member Posts: 411

    Unfortunately they can
    Since using pot still violates federal law, companies can still have policies prohibiting employees from using marijuana even if they're in a state that allows you to use it. All it really means is that no state authority can arrest me. Federal authorities still can.

    For Me
    I didn't have to have chemo BUT I if I did I would have 2 reasons for using it..I also have glacoma... I did ask my Glacoma Doc about it on my last visit...He said that in Glacoma patients it helps lower the eye pressure.. and If I wasn't on 3 different drugs my eye would pop from the pressure.. gross to think about but true.. And he doesn't prescribe Marijuana... DARN... He's too afraid of it casuing lung cancer...
  • Marlene_K
    Marlene_K Member Posts: 508
    Calleen said:

    For Me
    I didn't have to have chemo BUT I if I did I would have 2 reasons for using it..I also have glacoma... I did ask my Glacoma Doc about it on my last visit...He said that in Glacoma patients it helps lower the eye pressure.. and If I wasn't on 3 different drugs my eye would pop from the pressure.. gross to think about but true.. And he doesn't prescribe Marijuana... DARN... He's too afraid of it casuing lung cancer...

    Hmmm...
    I'm surprised to read about marijuana causing lung cancer! Someone told me they did research on it and marijuana is actually good for your lungs as well. It makes sense as I don't believe there are any carcinogens in it that could cause cancer. But what do I know... it feels like I'm learning something new every day!
  • Ritzy
    Ritzy Member Posts: 4,381 Member
    Marlene_K said:

    Hmmm...
    I'm surprised to read about marijuana causing lung cancer! Someone told me they did research on it and marijuana is actually good for your lungs as well. It makes sense as I don't believe there are any carcinogens in it that could cause cancer. But what do I know... it feels like I'm learning something new every day!

    Marijuana can cause lung
    Marijuana can cause lung cancer. So, I would think that would defer bc survivors from using it unless it would be absolutely necessary. You fought one cancer, why get another? And, it is against the Federal law. And, I have seen stories where they will prosecute since it is illegal. And, why risk losing your job if you work? I hope noone here really needs to use it and takes any of those risks.

    Sue :)

    This was on one of the websites for cancer information:

    How does marijuana affect the lungs?
    Scientists believe that marijuana can be especially harmful to the lungs because users often inhale the unfiltered smoke deeply and hold it in their lungs as long as possible. Therefore, the smoke is in contact with lung tissues for long periods of time, which irritates the lungs and damages the way they work. Marijuana smoke contains some of the same ingredients in tobacco smoke that can cause emphysema and cancer. In addition, many marijuana users also smoke cigarettes; the combined effects of smoking these two substances creates an increased health risk.

    Can marijuana cause cancer?
    Marijuana smoke has been found to contain more cancer-causing agents than is found in tobacco smoke. Examination of human lung tissue that had been exposed to marijuana smoke over a long period of time in a laboratory showed cellular changes called metaplasia that are considered precancerous. In laboratory test, the tars from marijuana smoke have produced tumors when applied to animal skin. These studies suggest that it is likely that marijuana may cause cancer if used for a number of years.
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    I have the solution!!
    What about "Pot Brownies"? Then you not only take care of the medicinal effect, but the munchies too!! It does make the whole house stink when you are baking them though (whoops, did I say that out loud?) Teehee....Pammy
  • DebbyM
    DebbyM Member Posts: 3,289 Member
    Akiss4me said:

    I have the solution!!
    What about "Pot Brownies"? Then you not only take care of the medicinal effect, but the munchies too!! It does make the whole house stink when you are baking them though (whoops, did I say that out loud?) Teehee....Pammy

    It is against the Federal
    It is against the Federal law and an employer could fire you for using marijuana, so, I don't know if that would be worth the risk. I would hope there is some other alternative for you to use.

    Debby
  • pitt
    pitt Member Posts: 387
    DebbyM said:

    It is against the Federal
    It is against the Federal law and an employer could fire you for using marijuana, so, I don't know if that would be worth the risk. I would hope there is some other alternative for you to use.

    Debby

    So this is interesting.
    So this is interesting. Today the Obama administration is issuing a DOJ memo stating that the federal prosecutors will no longer pursue users of marijuana for medicinal purposes. I say it is interesting because the federal government actually holds the patent to medicinal marijuana, so I expect we will be seeing some changes here shortly.

    As to the treatments for medicinal marijuana, it has shown efficacy in treating asthma, suppressing lung cancer tumors and breast cancer as well. It relieves the user of nausea, muscle and bone pain, headaches, etc. There are several ways to take it, including pill form, liquid, etc.

    I would never recommend casual use of any drug; although we as a society do condone alcohol and tobacco which are addictive, whereas marijuana is not. Also, when used in combination with chemo, there is no issue with getting "high." You don't. It simply relieves the user of the pain. Seems like a nice choice to me.

    As I said, I will not be using this approach as it is still illegal in my state; but there are 14 states out there where this is an option. Good luck to those of you who can and do. (Check what your employers' rules are regarding this.) I would appreciate a report back as to your experience (though perhaps you should email me privately!)

    Again, jealous in Florida,
    Pitt
  • cindycflynn
    cindycflynn Member Posts: 1,132 Member
    pitt said:

    So this is interesting.
    So this is interesting. Today the Obama administration is issuing a DOJ memo stating that the federal prosecutors will no longer pursue users of marijuana for medicinal purposes. I say it is interesting because the federal government actually holds the patent to medicinal marijuana, so I expect we will be seeing some changes here shortly.

    As to the treatments for medicinal marijuana, it has shown efficacy in treating asthma, suppressing lung cancer tumors and breast cancer as well. It relieves the user of nausea, muscle and bone pain, headaches, etc. There are several ways to take it, including pill form, liquid, etc.

    I would never recommend casual use of any drug; although we as a society do condone alcohol and tobacco which are addictive, whereas marijuana is not. Also, when used in combination with chemo, there is no issue with getting "high." You don't. It simply relieves the user of the pain. Seems like a nice choice to me.

    As I said, I will not be using this approach as it is still illegal in my state; but there are 14 states out there where this is an option. Good luck to those of you who can and do. (Check what your employers' rules are regarding this.) I would appreciate a report back as to your experience (though perhaps you should email me privately!)

    Again, jealous in Florida,
    Pitt

    I hope the Federal Law changes!
    If it does, and assuming I'd need it, I'd be all over those brownies! ;-)
  • chenheart
    chenheart Member Posts: 5,159
    I wish they all could be California Girls......
    I dunno what to tell you~ I am indeed a California girl, but ( would you believe it?) am actually allergic to marijuana? I can't stand to be anywhere around it~ even the smell makes me sicker than chemo ever could! If they were giving it away for free I wouldn't take it! LOL

    On the other hand, my chemo never did make me nauseous, either~ so I guess I lucked out!

    Without endorsing "criminal behaviour", I imagine this ahem-"medicine" is available anyway no matter where you live! LOL


    By the time you write to your legislature and get action, I dare say you will have long finished chemotherapy!

    My cancer center also had no perks...though I live in a beautiful, ritzy, and much desired part of California, ( santa barbara) I was simply in a treatment room by myself with a blanket on my lap and a TV!

    Hope you find some relief~ I know our Drs don't want us to suffer; be sure you ask for meds to help you cope~ and drink plenty of water all day long!

    Hugs,
    Chen♥
  • stevie178
    stevie178 Member Posts: 31
    Just had to jump on this train
    Well I have been waiting to see this and the only laws I see being broken is what the average American,taxpaying , hard working ,devoted wife/mother is being charged for health care. I mean come on now , stop the oppression of so many family's who just can't afford it and perhaps them & their children could get quality health care that they deserve. Where is it justifiable for what some of these prescriptions cost and what's charged for them out of pocket ? Could anyone imagine not having health insurance during these times and being told .....sorry no pay , no treatment ? Alright , I'm done with my rant now but this is a touchy subject with me after taking care of granny for 5 years and looking at the stunts that are pulled on the elderly. This is a touchy subject with some and I'm not promoting that it be put on the shelves of every Seven Eleven for it to be distributed freely to children but if it can legitimately give relief to pain and suffering then what's the problem ? I hope I'm never going to have to go through cancer but I would like to have options with my treatment where I had the final say .

    P.S. If the brownies don't work then try short bread cookies or make a tincture


    Best Wishes

    Steve & Teresa
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    Akiss4me said:

    I have the solution!!
    What about "Pot Brownies"? Then you not only take care of the medicinal effect, but the munchies too!! It does make the whole house stink when you are baking them though (whoops, did I say that out loud?) Teehee....Pammy

    I wondered if you'd have to
    I wondered if you'd have to eat it to releave nausea. How would smoking it help the stomach?
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    stevie178 said:

    Just had to jump on this train
    Well I have been waiting to see this and the only laws I see being broken is what the average American,taxpaying , hard working ,devoted wife/mother is being charged for health care. I mean come on now , stop the oppression of so many family's who just can't afford it and perhaps them & their children could get quality health care that they deserve. Where is it justifiable for what some of these prescriptions cost and what's charged for them out of pocket ? Could anyone imagine not having health insurance during these times and being told .....sorry no pay , no treatment ? Alright , I'm done with my rant now but this is a touchy subject with me after taking care of granny for 5 years and looking at the stunts that are pulled on the elderly. This is a touchy subject with some and I'm not promoting that it be put on the shelves of every Seven Eleven for it to be distributed freely to children but if it can legitimately give relief to pain and suffering then what's the problem ? I hope I'm never going to have to go through cancer but I would like to have options with my treatment where I had the final say .

    P.S. If the brownies don't work then try short bread cookies or make a tincture


    Best Wishes

    Steve & Teresa

    Whats a tincture?
    Pammy
  • stevie178
    stevie178 Member Posts: 31
    Akiss4me said:

    Whats a tincture?
    Pammy

    Tincture
    Pammy , A tincture is simply a given amount of spirits (alcohol) generally 100 proof or stronger and it is made with herbs of your choice at a 50-50 or 60-40 ratio that would be combined in a mason jar and left for a couple of weeks , being shaken 1-2 times daily then filtered through cheese cloth , mesh strainer or similar. Then the contents of the strained material would be put into a dropper bottle (available at local pharmacy) and the drops would be applied under the tongue or added to a tea or juice.


    Best Wishes

    Steve & Teresa
  • stevie178
    stevie178 Member Posts: 31
    Akiss4me said:

    Whats a tincture?
    Pammy

    Tincture
    Pammy , A tincture is simply a given amount of spirits (alcohol) generally 100 proof or stronger and it is made with herbs of your choice at a 50-50 or 60-40 ratio that would be combined in a mason jar and left for a couple of weeks , being shaken 1-2 times daily then filtered through cheese cloth , mesh strainer or similar. Then the contents of the strained material would be put into a dropper bottle (available at local pharmacy) and the drops would be applied under the tongue or added to a tea or juice.


    Best Wishes

    Steve & Teresa