The Disillusioned Budtender

It has been nearly three months since I bolted from my job as a Budtender at a local dispensary. 
Three months of missing my customers.
Three months of wondering which direction to take with my life.
Three months of receiving cannabis job postings from across Canada....and I have something to say about that.

Literally every day I have received emails from Indeed.com with multiple job postings from across Canada for employment in anything Cannabis related. Those jobs postings are for positions like; Master Grower, Medical Sales Reps, Medical Receptionist, Security Guards, Executive Assistances, AVAC Techs, Accountants, Social Media Specialists, Graphic Designers, Chief Financial Officers, Production Facility Managers, Director of E-Commerce, International Import/Export Associates, IT Support, QA Managers...and the list goes on. All require a higher level of education than I have. But this is not a pity party. I have a point.

Not once have I received less than three, but usually its between 10 and 30 new job postings, A DAY!

The few posts for Budtenders out there are almost always for part time positions, OR they are looking for people with Social Work backgrounds or medical backgrounds. It is disheartening to say the least!

I have knowledge! Lots of it. I also have the skill and professionalism to teach others one on one how to medicate, which strains to pick and which method of intake would be best for different issues, or lifestyles. I know how and HAVE taught people, with success, how to make their life better when medicating with cannabis. But apparently that skill is not enough for the legal or grey market. Unfortunately I am not savvy enough to know how to market myself and start my own business.

My perspective of who uses cannabis, and this whole legalization process has changed a couple times since I have become a medical cannabis user only four short years ago. I now see very little difference between medical users and recreation users. Anyone who uses cannabis regularly, even if its a couple times a month, is using it for its medicinal properties. The real difference is one could find a doctor to write the damn prescription, and the others either are too afraid to ask, or can't find (or afford) a doctor to write the prescription. That's the ONLY difference.

Meanwhile our government is literally stealing away the very medicine, and the jobs we held, from us. In part by arresting honest people who chose to help others in the grey (black) market, which in turn prevents them from getting good paying jobs in pretty much anything due to having a criminal record.  But also by taking these cannabis jobs and putting titles, and educational parameters that many in the field already, don't have. Many of us had to get those jobs, and our education from the illegal market place, or while in hiding. It's beginning to feel like the government is trying to take away the knowledge of cannabis from the common man by lifting all the jobs up and out of the common workforce. Or maybe I'm just being paranoid...

Another issue I have found. No one in the government sanctioned medical Licenced Producer market is willing to hire from the grey market. We are marked as a non-conformist. We work in the grey market because we don't believe the system the Liberals brought in will work, so right there we don't qualify, because we don't already tow the line.

Am I less of an advocate because I am unwilling to take a part-time job as a Budtender somewhere? Am I less qualified because I am unwilling to risk being arrested?

No. But with all the angry postings on Facebook from medical and recreational users and advocates I think I am seen as less. With companies passing up my knowledge and passion to teach others how to medicate effectively for their clients improved health I'm wondering why I bothered in the first place.

Where is the peace, love, and hippie-shit Cannabis use to be about? Where is the community I first found when I started? Now I'm seeing division between Legal and Illegal and Grey market places. I'm seeing and hearing how medical dispensaries are pitted against one another and even calling the police to report other dispensaries or personal growers. Its despicable!

Yes, its about money. Everything is always about money (and control)...unfortunately while some are trying to sabotage others and we have infighting amongst the good people who originally wanted to help, the govt is still bulldozing a broken system into place and we will soon have no other options, other than to go back to the black market and remain in hiding.
Perhaps I'll learn what its like to have to look over my shoulder after all.

God I wish I was a better writer....I'd apply somewhere as a Cannabis writer if I were.

oh well. The call centre gig is all I got for now.

Peace Love and Hippie-shit people...it's still important. As is fighting together for our rights.

Keep up with me on Instagram #Newbieontheherb, and Newbieontheherb on Facebook too.

How I Medicate with Cannabis

It has been brought to my attention that I don't write enough. 😉
Its true. I don't write as much anymore now that I actually have the honour of working in the Cannabis Industry. It's bustling here in Fredericton!

Sometimes, selling cannabis is about the quick sale. Get in, get out, and get on with your day. But I've
had a few opportunities to spend more time with several customers recently. Those are some of my favourite days because there's a deeper connection when you stop and listen to what's going on in a persons secret life of struggle. It is like a gift they give me. I get a glimpse into their world. They had to decide if I was safe enough to trust. I realize they are standing judging me, to see if I'm worthy or even capable enough to help them. Its a big decision, and when I am trusted, I am honoured.

Sometimes I get to explain why and how I medicate. Thanks to one of my clients, this is exactly what I'm writing about today.

I medicate with Cannabis for a couple reasons. The first thing I noticed it did for me was relieve depression. Second was relieve pain. Third,  it reset my metabolism. The reason I wanted to try cannabis was to relieve pain so I could get off pain killers before they killed me. I succeeded. I'm off all other pain killers. Now, besides allergy meds, I'm off pharmaceuticals.

HOW do I medicate?

I don't know that I learned how to medicate from any one source, or person. It was an accumulation of information. I use a layering method, incorporating different modes of administering cannabis throughout the day. Capsules of infused oil, inhalation (Bud/Shatter/Hash), and topicals.

1. THC and CBD Capsules.

I've learned how to make infused THC and CBD oil caps. (See link on how to, here)
My current dosage: CBD - 17mg  x2/day
                  (Sativa) THC - 10mg in morning to keep me lifted
                  (Indica) THC - 35mg about an hour before bed, to keep me asleep

Eating infusions (or edibles, they act the same in the body) takes the longest time to kick in, up to an hour, sometimes two before the effects are felt. Your digestive tract health as well as how recently and what you ate are big factors in this. But, the effects last the longest too, 6 to 8 hours. This is a big benefit in that I can medicate with a "base layer" of oil. I then can taylor my THC needs throughout the day with smoke or shatter, depending on whether I am in more pain, or needing more happy, or less anxiety.

2. Inhalation of Cannabis

(Smoked or Vaped Flower, Shatter/Concentrates)

This is how I get my immediate THC needs throughout the day. Inhaling our medicine is the quickest
 delivery system. Its effects can be felt within minutes (I've smoked some that can take up to 30 minutes to be felt) but the down side is, the said effects typically only last an hour or two. And since nothing remains constant, except change I don't particularly find that to be a down side. In the course of a given day I can experience great anxiety from a sudden rush of customers to intense pain later on in my shoulder from an old injury. So I can medicate as I need for the moment almost by boosting either my THC or CBD with smoked flower or shatter.
And yes, I recognize I have an advantage working in a place that lets me medicate. Not everyone does. But that doesn't mean you can't medicate effectively for you throughout your day. You just need to find what works best for you.
* NOTE: Tinctures would work well in the case of needing a quick dose of medicine. Takes 15 to 20 minutes to kick in and can last three to four hours. For those of you who can not smoke or vape but need to medicate at work a CBD or THC/CBD 1:1 ratio could be a good option for you.

3. Topicals!

Our brains are not the only place with cannabinoid receptors. Our entire body has them. Topicals work, and do not get you high (you'd have to use a lot!)
I make my own coconut infused oil and apply it topically to my knees every day. The THC and CBD absorbs through the skin to receptors found in our skin, muscle, veins, bones, and nerves. Or as the pros say, the peripheral organs, and the central and peripheral nervous system as well as the immune system. From my experience I think it builds up in the system. If I use it regularly I have no big pain issues. If I forget for a couple days to apply the oil my knees suffer around day 3 and I finding I'm ingesting more.
The link to my original post about how to make topicals can be found here.

Myth Buster! CBD is not THC's enemy.

Layering your medicine is a big step to helping you feel better more consistently.

So is the use of CBD. I had the slight fear that upping my dosage of CBD would ruin the effect of the THC. Basically, I was afraid I wouldn't feel the high anymore.
I have to say, its not gone, but it is different. I actually like it better. Its more calming and happy than I expected. And it allows me to function better. Pain is less, inflammation is less. And frankly, I need less Sativa in the morning too. I'm loving the change and enjoying the benefits. Hardest part, as always, is my being consistent!

Please, if you have not yet tested CBD in your daily medical regime you definitely should. I have had several customers come back and actually thank me for putting them onto CBD. A big pat on the back goes to them though. Cuz I just told them. They are the ones who followed through and did the work to find what works for them. Bravo! Keep it up! I love how we work together for the benefit of each other and our community.
And I'm loving this community!

Any experience with CBD, topicals, or making your own infusions? Tell us your experiences. I'm no expert and love to hear what others have learned.
Any questions feel free to ask here, or my Facebook page.

You're Legal - Now What?

First of all, Congratulations!!

You just won the right to carry and consume Cannabis for Medical Purposes. Some of us had a hard time getting that right from our doctors, others found it easier. No matter how hard or easy that was for you, you did it! And now you can breath easier. 

A big congratulations to my personal Sensei, for finally getting legal! Nearly two years after I questioned you to help me try Cannabis, here you are asking me questions. The student becomes the teacher, for this anyway. So happy for you!  

If you used cannabis before you may have a learned fear. That feeling of always looking over your shoulder. You are now allowed to brush that fear off your shoulders. But there are things we still need to know and laws we still need to abide by. That’s what I’m here to tell you about.

Now what? 

First of all, I find it strange that I can’t find a list or article telling us what we need to know now that we are allowed to possess Cannabis. So, I’m writing this to fill a gap the government has left empty.

 

Your Documents:

This is what my prescription looks like.

Most Doctors who prescribe regularly will provide at least one of these documents to you at the end of your appointment. I happen to have two, as my prescribing doc split my prescription between two Licenced Producers (LP's).  I’ve met some customers now who only have one LP, and some who have three. That’s up to you and your doctor. 

DO: You need to carry at least one (better if all) of these prescriptions on you at all times. 

A Licenced  Producer (LP) is a government approved company who has paid big dollars to the government to legally set up a grow op. The process is long, and costly. There are 52 such companies in Canada currently. 

According to the Government of Canada, an LP is the only legal way of purchasing your medical cannabis. Any purchases you make from your LP are taxed, but are also admissible for tax purposes. So far any I've used only take credit card payments. This is unfortunate for people who do not have access to credit, or a computer since the purchases are made online and not over the phone. Also a disadvantage, you are only allowed to make purchases from the one (or two) LP's you are signed up with. So if your Licenced Producer is out of product, you are out of luck for ordering. 
It has happened to me. Its a big flaw in a flaw filled system.

Once you have your prescription, one of two things will happen. The doctor will fax the prescription to the chosen LP, or you will be required to do your own search and submit your script, along with an application form from your chosen company online. Pretty much all of them allow you to self apply as long as you have the original script. The application forms are usually on their front page. (see link below for list of LP’s)

DO: Consider these things when searching for an LP.
1. Are they accepting more clients? (They can only accept as many as they can grow to produce for)
2. Do the sell flower only, or also oil? (Flower for smoking, oil for ingesting)
3. Do they charge for shipping?
4. Cost? and do they have compassionate pricing?
5. Have they had recalls on product? 

Once you apply you will be sent an email letting you know you are approved, your client number and how to make your first purchase. Usually your client card comes with your first purchase. These LP’s are usually set up to take credit card purchases. Not one will take cash, and none are open to the public. So even if you live close to one, that does not mean they have a store front to sell from. They are required by Govt to mail our medicine via Canada Post or Purolator. Shipping is sometimes free, sometimes not. There’s tax on your product too.  Some LP’s are priced at $8/gram and others at $15/gram. Some give compassionate pricing, others do not. You can only purchase in 5 gram lots or bigger.  

This is what my two Prescription Cards look like. Notice that neither have the same info on them. Tilray is even worse. They put the customer name on one side and a client number on the back. Nothing else. (So much for consistent regulations from our govt!) Providing so little information on the cards forces the police to phone the company for more details. 

This is why you should also carry a copy of your original prescription from your doctor, as well as your cards.

Scenario: If you were to be questioned by police while stopped for a simple headlight out, or something boring like that, and they smelled your medicine they can ask you about it. If you provide one of your LP cards, it may not have enough info on it. Always have more than you think you need.

And as far as how much you are allowed to carry on you at any given time….your whole months worth, up to but not to exceed 150 grams. I was prescribed 6 grams a day between the two LP’s.  I am allowed to purchase 180 grams of cannabis per month, but I can only carry 150. Will I carry that much? Doubtful! I might have been prescribed 6 grams, but I am only consuming just under 2 gram per day at present. I don't have the money or the need to have that much on me, unless I'm traveling. 

Yes, you can travel within Canada with your cannabis. Again, have all your documentation and original containers if you can. Some jurisdictions are more strictly regulated than others. You shouldn't have to tell anyone you have your cannabis. If you think of it like any of your other prescriptions, we don't inform Air Canada we packed our opioids or anti-psychotics do we? Why do we feel we need to inform them we have cannabis?
DO: Pack your cannabis in carry on luggage only. Never put it under the plane. Keep all your documents on you and follow laws regarding smoking and vaping in smoking sections only. Never take your medicine if you are traveling internationally. 

I was advised to always have a bottle from one of my LPS with me at all times. Let’s be real here. The bottles and jars do contain all your prescription info so this is a good idea, empty or full. But some of the bottles from different LP’s are really big and not easy to just throw into your purse (and not all of you carry purses). I decided to put an empty container into my car. I have two, one in my trunk, and one in my glovebox. They are both several months old now, and I should swap them out for newer ones. But I’m lazy like the rest of us…so not happening soon. 

Don’t show your dispensary card. 

Don't show your dispensary bottles. 

Dispensaries are currently not regulated and seen by the Government of Canada as illegal. 

Yet many operate anyway. 

I’m exceptionally grateful that I now work in one. But I know I’m at risk because if it. It’s a risk worth taking as far as I’m concerned.

Why can’t you show your dispensary stuff to police? 

If they decide to uphold the full law you could be charged with possession of an illegal substance, because it is not from the government approved Licenced Producer. 

Is that charge likely to stick? No. Not if you're smart about it. Too many cannabis laws have already been challenged and won in the court systems. But the hassle may not be what you were bargaining on. One day, someone will likely have to fight it so we can have better, legal access to dispensaries, but if you're not up to the task, don't risk it, is all I’m saying.

A quick note on what I’ve gleaned about our beautiful Province of New Brunswick…

I work for a dispensary now. We operate daily and have since April 2016. The Police know we exist. A few have been in the store on police matters but never to investigate our business. Why? Because they know we will only take patients who already have up to date medical cannabis licences. And truthfully, if we the people want to continue having access to dispensaries we need to make sure we as clients do our best to uphold our end. Keep our documents up to date,  always provide your client card, and don't invite non-medical patients into the dispensary with you... annnd no sharing your purchases with non clients. Being mindful of these can help our community to continue to have access to the dispensary. 

Side Note: If a dispensary allows you to purchase cannabis from them without seeing a medical doctor, or their doctor does not give you a physical prescription that can also be given to LP's, be wary. You may not have a legal prescription that law enforcement will recognize. See link below for details on what the document should include.

How to Find and Choose a Licenced Producer:

Here are a few links that will be helpful

1. Government of Canada website 

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/marihuana/info/list-eng.php

2. Lift - A Canadian hub for all things Cannabis, including strain reviews.

 https://lift.co/producers 

3. What your medical document should include: Gov’t website

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/marihuana/info/med-eng.php

4. The governments instructions on obtaining legal medical cannabis

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/dhp-mps/marihuana/access-acceder-eng.php

ONE LAST THING!!!

This is your PRESCRIPTION MEDICINE! 

This medicine may not be covered under insurance companies, but it is classified as a medicine now and can be claimed on your taxes! Keep your receipts! And submit them on your taxes under medical expense along with all your other medical expenses.

I did last year and got money back. You have to read the tax laws regarding medical expenses to know how it works…has to do with spending a percentage of your income, and what you pay over that percentage is given back to you. I figure storing a few papers for 7 years is worth the effort for me.

Any more questions? Did I forget something? Ask me here, or ask me on Facebook, find me by the same name. Have a suggested Blog topic? Shoot me a message.

P.S. Any spelling, grammatical, or punctuation mistakes, please forgive me....Its a work in process, just like me.