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Medical Marijuana
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Jun 04, 2009 - 6:54 pm
I posted an answer yesterday replying to “If drinking was okay on chemo” and it seemed to open up a great discussion. My name is Brooks and on April 14th 2009 I was told that I have cancer (Rectal). My life as I once knew if was changed in an instant. A week later my 68 year old father went out and somehow somewhere got me a bag of pot. NO I’m not a Pot head and haven’t smoked since High School. But this wonderful man risked getting busted because he heard that Marijuana helped people with cancer and do you know what? It sure has helped me. Two weeks later I made my appointment with a Medi Cann Dr and got my card. I take a hit or two every day after Radiation then a hit again about an hour before dinner. In the two weeks of being on a 24hr, 7 day a week pump for my chemo then radiation everyday I have lost NO weight I only barfed once. It has helped me come to terms with my cancer and I’m no longer so stressed out and depressed. It has worked for me!!! I would like to hear from others |
Joined: Jan 2009
Medication
There is a prescription called MARINOL...if I am not mistaken it is a derivative of marijuana that is prescibed to cancer patient. You might ask your doctor.
Good luck.
Anna
Joined: Jan 2009
Yes...
...We've had this discussion before, and in private mainly was I messaged by a few board members because when I was first dx'd and scared, and had a really bad first time chemo round, I was laid up in bed for 4 days, nauseated and sick, couldn't eat or drink a thing, it was horrible, the anti-nausea meds the doctor first gave me, didn't work. Since then, I was told about the marijuana, and how it helped, and no, you don't have to be a pothead to smoke it, I had a friend of a friend of a friend who was able to get me some to try, and it worked! I took only 2 hits, and that was all I needed, it stopped my nausea, and I was able to eat, by my 2nd round of chemo, plus, the doctor prescribed me EMEND and Dexamethasone which also work really great for my nausea, so I don't get sick at all anymore, I don't know why it shouldn't be legalized, I really never did it in high school, it actually had the reverse effect on me. I remember when I first tried it when I was 16, I threw up!!!
But now, it's a whole different story, it helps me. I only use it during treatment, and I was afraid it would make me sick again, but it didn't! it made me better! I really never knew anyone to hurt anyone on pot, it's such a mellow drug, I think caffeine is worse for people then pot!
Hugsss!
Donna
Joined: Feb 2009
Marinol
I've been taking Marinol for about three months now. Mine was prescribed not for nauseau but because I couldn't eat. Marinol and Marijuana is supposed to give you an appetite. You noticed I said supposed to. I quit taking Marinol and Magese and my taste buds came back and I'm EATING AGAIN. It was three long months of just drinking Ensure, Boost and Smoothies. I really didn't think I would ever eat solid food again, but every day I'm trying something different and every day I can eat it. Marinol gives me an appetite right after chemo, which I need. The four days after chemo I wouldn't care if I ate or not, but taking Marinol kind of makes me eat something.
I tried marijuana for my appetite too, didn't do a thing but make my lungs burn and give me a cough.
Debbie
Joined: Apr 2004
I did the illegal kind
when the anti-nausea pills (3 different kinds over time) stopped working. It also helped me keep an interest in eating food to curb a weight loss.
I totally support legalizing it but know that will mean the prices will go up once we have to pay "sin" taxes on it. Bring it on.
Personally it is one of many things that I thank for helping me to save my life but since no drug company can make money off of it, I don't see it ever happening.
Remember this is the good ole USA that is all about $$$$$$$, not health or well being. I sure wish we could change that but I don't see it anytime soon.
Lisa P.
Joined: May 2005
High Brooks ;-)
I am a proponent of marijuana for medical purposes. I don't even see it as a big deal recreational either since alcohol has the OK for "society".I just heard the NJ is another state that is very close to making it legal for medicinal purposes. NY is still working on it but the number of state is growing. Sort of a grass roots kind of thing. It's going state by state.
I think it's so great that your Dad did that for you, I'm sorry of your circumstances but I'm glad you posted this topic. It has been brought up from time to time and it seems (to me) that more people have spoken out positively about it this time compared to other posts I've read. I too had stopped after high school but started to use it after trying to deal with it by using the meds that were out there like Emend which is great for some people. I didn't find it worked that well for me and the price was high, even with insurance so I tried the pot. It works wonders, it also raises the spirit I found. I just felt better all around where as before, if I didn't move I'd feel OK.
I've wondered if those who are in power were to be in OUR shoes and tried it, how what would they think of it then?
I hope you're doing OK
-phil
Joined: Feb 2009
Just My Luck
It would be just my luck to go buy it illegally and I would be caught and sent to jail. Ugg, I couldn't face that reality. This just passed in Michigan so I'm not sure what you all have to go through, but I'm sure if it is controlled by the government in any way it isn't going to be easy, nor cheap.
Would like to see if it helps the anxiety though. That would be a big help.
Hugs! Kim
Joined: Oct 2007
Michigan Pot
Kim,
I actually did some research on the Michigan medicinal marajana law since I live so close to the border. You need to apply for a state issued card through your doctor. I like the Michigan law because you can grow your own to keep expenses down. If only I lived 10 miles north....sigh.
Kimby
Joined: Oct 2008
Phil
I agree..and don't think the 'grass roots' comment slipped by everyone! LOL!
Vicki
Joined: May 2008
Arizona
May pass a bill for medical marijuana use, It did help angel a little But as we know angels vomiting was a big issue at the time , but the marijuana did help him at times and the hospice dr told him to get smoking some weed could not prescibe but easy enough to get.
michelle
Joined: Dec 2008
Never thought this would cross my mind!
But I started chemo Tuesday and I still have no appetite. I just forced down 2 of my daughters fishsticks. I am worried because (never thought I would say this) I am too low on the scale. I am 5'1 and I weight 89 - 91 (on a good day) so I do not want to lose anymore weight. But I also don't want to force down foods that are high in calories and not so healthy. But I guess when you are doing chemo, the chemo is doing it's job so we have to do ours and eat.
Has anyone baked that stuff in anything? Like brownies?
Joined: Jun 2009
Wow
I have to tell you my daugter was about the same age as yours when I started fighting my battle. I think I lived on Smoothies and Almonds.. I had a hard time eating as well. I battle with my beliefs in God and the use of Pot. None of the anti-nasua medicine worked for me so... I tried it it worked...... I have to tell you I had stage 3 bowel cancer and my CEA levels remain at 5 and I am going on my six year my children are now 14 and 12. My heart goes out to you many many prayers.....PS bake it in brownies is totaly fine. If you drink OJ when u smoke it u wont cough.
Joined: Jan 2009
Phil
I just had to reply I do think it should be legalised I dont smoke it I prefer a few
beers myself but I know of more people who get in trouble from drinking than smoking pot
to be honest if my amzemet and ginger did not work I would smoke it myself as we all know our goverment is not always right
Sheri22
Joined: Jul 2006
New Jersey, Phil???
Well I guess they call it the "Garden State" for good reason! LOL....
Joined: May 2005
NJ
I'm sure they will outsource it Kat, there are few farmlands left. It is the biggest cash crop in many states and has been for many years.
;-)
Joined: Jul 2006
Yes to Legal Marijuana!
Wow, Brooks, your dad is way cool! I love people who are open minded and willing to entertain the idea that marijuana does indeed provide relief for people with all sorts of ailments. I know as of now there are at least seventeen states with legal medical marijuana, perhaps eighteen with Michigan having signed on, and hopefully soon to be nineteen with Arizona joining the ranks. Hopefully this will be a growing trend toward Federal legalization. It has provided a fantastic revenue source for the State of California and even the Federal Government, and has helped many people in the process. It really is a win-win situation.
I was frustrated as a California resident when I would read reports in the newspapers about Federal busts on State legal marijuana dispensaries and legal marijuana growers, even though I did not consume medical marijuana myself during chemo - I tried it a few times, but I figured since insurance didn't cover it I would stick to the traditional anti-emetics with a mere $3 co-pay. I do remember a woman who made big news and who was brave enough to file suit against the Federal government (DEA) for raiding her legal pot farm, but the Supreme Court ruled against her, citing that even though the pot was grown under intrastate commerce rules, it might find it's way into the area of interstate commerce. What??? It was BS, and I, and many other pro-pot residents were very angry.
I was happy to hear though that Obama said his administration would not interfere with legal growers, distributors and users in states where medical marijuana is legal. That was good and certainly a step in the right direction.
In fact, President Obama just named his 16th Czar today - The Great Lakes Czar - I know, what the heck will THAT guy do? Perhaps have lunch and discuss how freaking great that stimulus package is with the Cyber Czar and Stimulus Czar? Anyway, I think I'm going to put in my resume for Marijuana Czar, after all I do need a job. I would like to work towards making legal pot available to all Americans, thus Obama would not need to hire an Anger Management Czar for when the American people find out exactly where all that stimulus money is going...to the Czars of course...but if I succeeded in my efforts in legalizing pot perhaps Americans would be too high to care about wasteful government spending and everyone would be happy. Seriously though, I think it would be great to remove the conflicts between Federal and various States' laws regarding medical marijuana, and I think the best way would be to simply legalize it altogether on the Federal level. I could then, as Marijuana Czar, work with Federal regulatory agencies to identify and establish potency and intoxication spectrums...by trial and error of course.
Herb the gift from the Earth
And what's from the Earth
Is of the greatest worth
So before you knock it try it first
Oh, you'll see it's a blessing
And it's not a curse.
If you don't like my fire
Then don't come around
'Cause I'm gonna burn one down
Yes, I'm gonna burn one down....
~ Ben Harper, Burn One Down
Joined: Oct 2008
USAKat
I will vote for you. Do you need personal references? As soon as I can "make a sentence" I will write one for you!
Vicki
Joined: Jan 2009
good for your dad
Brooks,
Good for your dad. I agree with the statement that the only reason MJ is not legal is because of the drug companies. It is allllll about $$$$$$$$$$$. How reasonable would it be for people to grow their own drug that would help with many of the side effects of cancer and no middle man would be needed? It makes too much sense.
I hope Obama jumps on this one. Here in Hawaii (Obama's home state) MJ is legal for medical purposes but there is no legal way to get it. Are you kidding?????
Anyway, so glad you have some relief.
Aloha,
Kathleen
Joined: Jul 2006
Marinol and Big Pharmaceutical Companies
Marinol, manufactured and marketed by Solvay Pharmaceuticals Inc., and approved for use in the US by the FDA, is the pharmaceutical synthetic version of medical marijuana. It is prescribed as an anti-emetic and to stimulate appetite. Marinol however, does not give that euphoric sensation that THC/marijuana does when consumed in the...um...more traditional methods, inhaling (smoke) or eating it. In real world use Marinol does not appear to be as effective as other drugs that stimulate appetite and/or control nausea.
I've never heard of big pharma lobbying against legalizing pot. I would guess they don't get into it because pharmaceutical companies are subject to Federal laws and FDA regulations. Medical marijuana is not legal on the Federal level so big pharma cannot grow it, market it and sell it as easily as local growers and distributors who are only subject to intrastate commerce laws and regulations in states where medical marijuana is legal. In essence, big pharma cannot compete and make it a cost effective and profitable venture. Although, I've heard that several pharmaceutical companies are working on developing and patenting products made from natural THC, waiting for the time that the Federal government rethinks the benefits of marijuana. I really don't think big pharma lobbies against medical marijuana, they just don't put themselves in that marketplace....yet.
I think the big hang up on legalizing marijuana federally is because it is negatively associated with all the other street drugs out there, which are quite destructive (cocaine, heroin, LSD, meth, ecstasy, etc.), and is also associated with the criminal activities that are naturally created by prohibition. Remember the Temperance Movement of the 1920's and the crime that resulted from prohibition of alcohol? Same-same...it's just now on a much larger and much more dangerous scale.
I think the reason legalizing marijuana is so difficult is because of the negative stigma that pot has and the success of the anti-drug/anti-marijuana propaganda and campaigns that started years ago with Reefer Madness, and then reached a fevered pitch in the days of "Just Say No". And now we have DARE, which is supported by various law enforcement agencies all across the country, who actually do lobby to prevent marijuana from becoming a legal substance. While I do believe DARE is a good program for kids, I also believe that pot has gotten a bad rap for legal adult use for both medical and recreational purposes.
I think its not big pharma that is holding up legalizing pot, but rather, citizens, law enforcement and law makers who view pot as a product that offers more problems for society than it does solutions. Until more minds can be opened to the benefits of legalizing pot (positive medical purposes, positive source of revenue, decriminalization, etc.) I think it will remain an uphill battle, especially on the Federal level. State by state though...it appears we're getting there....
Joined: May 2005
I really would not want big pharma involved
I think they would ruin it or screw it up somehow. If you check out the NORML site they have studies posted where million's of dollars are spent on trying to synthesize the components of pot (THC among many others) so they can "recreate" it in the lab. Why bother. It make no sense to me other than they want their hand in the cookie jar.
I certainly do NOT want my kids smoking pot, or drinking until they are adults. Neither is for growing minds. I agree Kat, many of the drug laws were influenced by Reefer Madness, which BTW is a funny movie if watched high. It's just so untruthful of how it affects people. The comparison the smoking pot will lead to heroin use, how many out there tried pot and are not heroin users? It is like saying having a beer is going to lead to beating your family up ever night. In both scenarios, the bad outcome is possible but it not the norm.
I just hope that it's kept simple and on a grass roots, state by state level. IT doesn't have to be federal although that would be nice, I do not see it happening.
Joined: Jun 2009
prescription...
Some of us believe that marijuana can use as prescribed to cancer patient. Similarly, stem cells according to research, it can also be used in treating disease. Nancy Reagan has argued expanded stem cell research could have helped her husband, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Nancy Reagan, spouse of the late President Ronald Reagan, praised Obama for reversing the ban on stem cell research. She went to the White House to meet with Michelle Obama and President Obama. The President had made some disparaging remarks about Mrs. Reagan and her attending a séance, and he later apologized. (Mrs. Reagan had consulted with astrologers during Reagan's term.) The remark was intended as tongue-in-cheek, but lost on many. She was honored at a White House lunch, part of the ceremonies was a new statue of Ronald Reagan. The luncheon would have taken some hefty installment loans to schmooze with the President and Nancy Reagan.
Joined: May 2005
there's hope
I think there is some hope with this administration to get over some important medical hurdles. I am glad that Nancy Reagan spoke up, I remember a few years back when she did first speak out about stem cell research.
Joined: Dec 2001
States Rights
Does anyone have a list of states that allow Medicinal MJ?
I have a brownie recipe made with stevia and barley malt if anyone is interested....teehee.
Scouty, any chance of you providing the "refreshments" in Key West? HA! ;-)
My FIL smoked pot his whole adult life for his stomach ulcers. We found his stash after he died. When I moved to the Northwoods (into his log cabin) I was amazed at how many professional adults are still rollin' 'em.
Phil.... your grass roots.....I'm still laughing.... :-)
peace, emily who believes in Decriminalization and does NOT want the gov't involved on a Federal level.
Joined: Dec 2001
I answered my own question
Medicinal use of cannabis is legal in a limited number of territories worldwide, including Canada, Austria, the Netherlands, Spain, Israel, Finland and Portugal. In the US, fourteen states have recognized medical marijuana: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington;[6][7] although California is currently the only state to utilize "dispensaries" to sell medical cannabis.
Joined: Dec 2001
P.S.
There are currently five US states considering medical marijuana bills in their state legislatures: Illinois, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York. South Dakota also has several petitions in interest of medical marijuana legalization.[
Joined: May 2005
Butt
NY just had 2 democrats jump ship to the republican side so we can most likely kiss the brownies and equality for same sex marriage bye-bye...
Close, but no Spliff
Joined: Dec 2001
Spliff?
Is that like doobie?
Joined: Aug 2008
Google........
The term spliff is a West Indian word of Jamaican English origin,[7] but has spread to several western countries, particularly Britain, Europe, Canada and the United States. Its precise etymology is unknown, but it is attested as early as 1936. While Jamaican spliffs are generally conical in shape, those elsewhere tend to be cylindrical and of varying lengths. "Spliff" can also refer to various styles of marijuana or hashish cigarette rolled with a mixture of cannabis and tobacco.[8]
There are also numerous additional slang or "street" terms for a joint in various regions, such as "bifta", "jay", and "doobie".
Joined: Jun 2009
P.S.
Recently PA is also considering medical mj. Unfortunately, for me, it probably won't pass until AFTER I'm done with chemo and radiation. Alot of help that does me now.
BTW I think we should be able to go to police stations and ask the officers for some of their stash, you know that they have a HUGE room just full of confiscated MJ! LOL
I think all of us cancer patients should rally in DC for medical MJ. That demonstration would be HUGE!!!!
Joined: Jun 2009
Thought about it
Even though I didn't have much nausea, I thought about it for my appetite, especially since the Maltase, the dr gave me for appetite made me sicker then the Chemo. Unfortunately I had to think of my dear husband, boy with the job he has if I would have been busted, he would have lost his job for sure, plus wasn't going to put my granddaughter at risk since we fought so hard to get her.
I am not against it one bit, it just wasn't the right decision for me.
Debbie
Joined: Jan 2009
Rhode Island
Our paper mentioned that Rhode Island just passed a law the provides the avenue for people to get their mj legally. They were in the same bind as Hawaii, lawful to use mj for medical reasons but no way to get it. Hope Hawaii gets on board.
Aloha,
Kathleen
Joined: May 2009
North Carolina
Medical marijuana in N.C.?
The Associated Press
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Proponents of legalizing marijuana use to relieve pain and suffering in some patients are getting a day at the North Carolina Legislature to speak out.
The House Health Committee scheduled a committee meeting Thursday to discuss a bill that would allow people with debilitating medical conditions to possess an adequate supply of the drug and not be prosecuted.
The measure also would create a licensing process for qualified patients and those entities that distribute marijuana.
The Marijuana Policy Project says 13 states have laws designed to allow patients to use marijuana to treat illness without threat of state punishment, despite federal law still barring its possession.
Opponents argue marijuana is a dangerous drug linked to health risk and can lead abusers to try other hard-core addictive drugs.
Joined: May 2005
Of course, how could I be so stupid!
I love this part:
"Opponents argue marijuana is a dangerous drug linked to health risk and can lead abusers to try other hard-core addictive drugs." Yes, sometimes it does lead to that.
Yes, I'm sure that we cancer patients who are trying to beat cancer will start to shoot heroin right after we are cured from cancer. I know it's tops on my list, I mean, how else is a person supposed to celebrate? Burn cars or something...
This is like suggesting to ban all alcohol because it leads to people going home and beating their wives and kids. Yes, sometimes it does lead to that.
Joined: Jun 2009
I love this...
Oh and as if all the pain and nausea meds they give us can't lead to some of the same problems!
Adictions are totally different then medical responsible patients managing symptoms.
Debbie
Joined: Apr 2004
POT in North Carolina
Given that we (here in NC) are probably going to get our taxes raised or kid's education will suffer I think it is high time (had to say that) we legalize it so we can start collecting the taxes on our number one cash crop!!!! 3/4 of the counties in the state have the perfect growing conditions for it and it could replace our number 3 cash crop, tobacco which needs replacing. For those wondering, our number 2 cash "crop" is pork, number 4 is close between soybeans, christmas trees, and corn.
Lizzy where in NC are you? I just east of Greensboro, south of where tootsie (Gail) is.
Lisa P.
Joined: May 2005
Pig Out!
I've never smoked pork but I bet it's good after some Mary Janes (not the candies).
I think you should start a grass roots movement to make it legal
Joined: Apr 2009
POT
I smoked it when I was young. Enjoyed it too!!! It got to be to expensive and I stopped. I understand today it cost a bunch$$$$.
I haven't thought about it because my young son (18) just got busted by his dad for smoking it in the basement. I was smelling this skunk smell now and then. I didn't put two and two together but John did. Found his BONG. They had a long chat and he told him not to smoke it anymore.
I told John that the way it smelled it wasn't the good stuff!!! This is really just to give you a laugh. Take care all, Paula G.
Joined: May 2005
I think it's the other way around
Skunk beer = no good (warm Heineken)
Skunk week = rather good
It is much cheaper than what the pharmaceuticals charge and much more fun.
I've heard
Joined: Apr 2009
Love it
Phil you keep me laughing. Thanks for that.Paula G
Joined: Dec 2001
Score
You mean what I might be smelling coming out of my son's room isn't incense from Global Village?
Joined: Dec 2002
different take..
I have a bit of a different take on this topic. I am all for legalization and feel our federal government wastes enormous amounts of $$ on the "war on drugs". What a joke! That said, I smoked for most of my life, starting at about the age of 14. It never led to me to meth or any such "hard drugs" and I did very well in college, etc.....However, since my diagnosis I think it would make me way too paranoid. Part of the mental anguish of the whole cancer ordeal for me at least is paranoia related to upcoming tests, etc. I know smoking effects CEA and I could not bear the idea of my CEA being elevated which would cause a freak out, etc. etc. Also, having had lung mets the idea of smoking anything gives me the heebs even though I know my mets were not in the airway per se...Anyway, I would love to be able to go back to my care free smokin' days, but I don't know if I ever will be able to again. Here in Alaska no one is prosecuted for small amounts in the home anyway and it is very prevalent and pretty much accepted.
Susan H.
P.S. I am not in treatment though and for you guys battling nausea, etc. I say if it makes you feel better, go for it.
Joined: Feb 2009
Pot
I use to love to smoke pot. It was legal when i use to live in Alaska. I haven't smoke any now for 20 some yr.s mostly because u got drug tested at my job. But now that I am not working. I would love to smoke some again. I no that sound's silly at my age but it was a something that really mellowed me out. And as confused as I am in what is happenimg to me might help the stress. I don't need to get the mucnchies though because I am over weight now from the steroid's the doctor's are telling me. Take Care Everyone. HUG"S Colleen
Joined: May 2005
Age???
People of all ages (sounds like a circus promotion) enjoy a glass of wine or a martini. I do not see anything wrong with it but that's me. Some people see lot's wrong with me!
:-)
-phil
Joined: Dec 2001
Eat 'em, don't smoke 'em
Hey Susan,
You can always eat the dope with chocolate! Hellllo! Banish the bong, bake the brownies!
peace, emily
Joined: May 2005
I can't name names
but someone I know very well was at a conference where the guest speaker was a VERY well know author who had written some classic American novels plus some hippie type books. Anyway, these people were up in a room at a very famous hotel and they wanted to get high but had no papers or anything. One phone call down to the kitchen and up came an elaborately carved carrot-pipe. It had designs along the sides of it and all. From what I heard, it did the trick.
I have to try baking it sometime, you get 2 birds with one stone(d). You take care of the nausea and the munchies.
Joined: Dec 2001
Oh thank you
Phil,
I can ALWAYS count on your for my daily laugh therapy.
I wish you could hear my belly laughs and guffaws. :-)
peace, ememememememmeme (see i can't even type as I'm laughing)
Joined: Dec 2001
ps
Was the Author's initials KK?
Joined: May 2005
:- )
You are a good guesser
Joined: Dec 2001
English major
before I graduated with a BS in Art, plus I have well read sons who are in to him. I had a hunch.
Joined: Jan 2009
Baking
Here's a recipe. You make butter with it, then bake using the butter in place of the oil, it is still kind of bitter, so use lots of sweet frosting, boxed fudge brownie mix and choc. fudge icing works good. Take a pound or 2 of real butter, put in a big pan of water with the weed, simmer several hours. Squeeze and squeeze and squeeze it all through a cheesecloth, cool liquid in fridge, the butter rises to top. VERY potent, one small brownie square can be too much for some. And it doesn't hit you till about an hour after you eat it, back in the old days, that's what we did before a concert, then during the concert, wow it hit, and no risk of getting busted with it on you. This works good with scrap weed, the stuff that's usually tossed out, outer leaves sticks and stems too. It is not too good if you just add the weed to stuff you cook, very chewy and bitter, though used to crisp a bit up in frying pan and put on bread with honey, that worked too (bad teenager's lunch trick) Ahhh the 70's.
Pam
Joined: Dec 2001
Wow
I love these boards! Ya learn something knew every day.
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