How I Went Legal (and you can too)

To be…or not to be…legal?

Going legal...for me the choice was a no brainer. Mostly because my personality just requires that I do things the “right way”. It’s not always as simple an answer for everyone though. That’s why I’m writing this. To let you see from my perspective how the legal system works ‘at the moment’ so you can make your own choice.

I happened to stumble upon the founder of Marihuana For Trauma in my store. So that’s who I went with to go legal. It is possible to go through the process without them. 

I found it to be a great experience. Everyone I spoke with was friendly and helpful. The most awkward part was talking to anyone about smoking joints already, illegally, without using code words or speaking in hushed tones. They understood because they had all encountered the same jarring experience. 

After stammering through my questions I was given a lot of comforting answers. I came away knowing that I was exactly the right kind of person to get legal access to Cannabis. I walked out of there 20 minutes later with a file folder full of paperwork to fill out, a two item list of things to get, and the knowledge that once the process was started it would only be a matter of about three weeks before I could have my first order placed. Wow!

So here’s how it works with MFT.

First, don’t be scared off by the Veterans Helping Veterans, like I nearly was. As a civilian MFT will work with anyone just as readily as they do with Vets, First Responders and Serving Military. If you need Medical Marijuana they will help you because they all have first hand experience with how well it works. Now, the huge benefit with going through MFT, is they are not in the business of handing out licences. They are to busy building a family and a support structure for their patients. Don’t miss this. No other organization is doing it this way, and others will most likely charge you a fee (you have to weigh out whether that's a good deal for you or not). This is what sets them apart and ahead of any others trying to copy them. 

Step One:

You need a prescription for Medical Marijuana from a Doctor. This can be your personal Family Physician, or a Specialist (Orthopedic Dr. or Psychiatrist etc). Any Doctor is legally allowed to prescribe Medical Marijuana in Canada, but not all are comfortable with it. 

What if you don’t have a Doctor (an unfortunate reality in Canada) or your Doctor will not write you a prescription? Then you will need a referral to one of the doctors that is willing to Prescribe. You can find out who is available in your area by checking this website.  (Because MFT has a presence in multiple cities and provinces you can also call your local MFT office and ask for the name of the local doctor working with them). This referral to a prescribing doctor can come from any doctor, specialist or chiropractor. I was advised that at the moment (Feb 2016) there may be a $200 fee for this doctor appointment. Check with your local MFT before you ditch the idea because of the cost. I was also quoted the $200 fee a year ago, but in the end I didn’t need to pay it. The industry is changing daily, so todays news could be old news. Contact your local MFT to get the most up to date info. 

I found a great bit of info worth adding from Whistler Medical Marijuana Corp's (WMMC) website, which applies if you are approaching your current doctor.

"When approaching your Health Care Practitioner about the use of cannabis, it is worth remembering that Canadian Physicians practice evidence based medicine. This means they may be interested in seeing studies and learn more about how medical cannabis can be used to treat your specific condition before completing your prescription, particularly if they are new to prescribing cannabis to their patients. They may also wish to know how much cannabis to prescribe. On average we see a daily allowance of between 1-5 grams per day. Some of the things that your Doctor may want to know are how you plan to use cannabis, how much you wish to use, and what type will be most beneficial to you. Take the time to research these areas before your appointment."

The paperwork I had to fill out included:

1. Permission to Share Information between doctor, MFT and the dispensary 

2. Patient Information Sheet for the doctor  

3. Application for the Cannabis Dispensary (MedReleaf) 

4. Application/Patient info for MFT. 

20 pages in all.

Step Two:

You will need to provide the prescribing doctor with medical documentation of a formal diagnosis, and a list of prescribed medications.

For me, my MRI results showing Osteoarthritis in both knees was all I needed. My list of medications was easily obtained from my pharmacy, as I have used the same them for the last 9 years. They had records that I was previously on anti-depressants. For me, the ease of finding this information was important because I did not have a family physician when I went for my MMJ licence. If you have a diagnosis already of chronic pain, PTSD, Arthritis, glaucoma, Crohn's, or other chronic condition you will need proof of diagnosis to take with you. Medical documents can be gotten from hospital records, or current or (sometimes) old doctors or specialists. There is a fee for photocopying your records. According to the College of Physicians and Surgeons the fee is limited to $0.25 per page and no more. Don't get over charged! (Found under Access to Records, last paragraph).  

Step Three:

Meeting your prescribing doctor. This person is automatically (my assumption) going to be less judgemental towards you for seeking marijuana as your medicine. So although seeing a doctor can cause anxiety for some this will probably be the most refreshing doctors appointment you will ever have. I’m sure most of the people these doctors see have used cannabis “recreationally” for years. Though not necessarily, I hadn't. It has become my belief that pretty much all people who gravitate to regular use of weed are actually medicating, whether they realize it or not. The Doctor I saw seemed to hold the same opinion.

Step Four:

Right! Paperwork done!

Doctor seen and prescription written!

You’re officially legal! 

But there’s more…

The Dr. office sends in your prescription along with your application to a Licenced Provider. This is the company (or companies) you can make your marijuana purchases from. You should schedule a meeting with one of MFT’s Cannabis Coaches. They can help you navigate some of the newer information you will suddenly become aware of. Like the differences in THC percentages and why you should be also looking for CBD %. How to purchase, what to purchase, and what method of intake will work best for your health issues. Edibles? Oils? Flower?Topicals? Vape? What is a Vape!?

Once the Licenced Provider processes your application and prescription you will receive an email informing you to log onto their website and place your first order. Your licence card will arrive with your first purchase. Legally you will now be required to carry that licence with you at all times. I’ve never been asked for it, yet…but just wait! One day there will be dispensaries in more than just Vancouver and Toronto!

One More Thing:

Some Providers are having a hard time keeping enough stock for their growing number of patients.Therefore some are accepting new patients and others are not. As you seek out your Licenced Provider options keep in mind your favourite choice might not be available to you. Also, stock changes, of course, because of growth times and such that goes along with growing and harvesting a plant. So you may find a favourite strain unavailable when you are ready to order again, but it will most likely be back. You’ll be like a kid in a candy store when you first get a look at these website! 

That said, there are many Licenced Providers (LP's) in Canada and you are free to choose which one you want to deal with. There is a list of Licenced Providers here at The Jane Exchange. Check them out ahead of time if you want. You can bring in application form from their website and ask the doctor to have your licence through another provider if you chose. Be mindful, you should do this on your first visit. It’s not really possible to change part way through the year. You will have to wait until its time to renew.

Peer Support meetings happen regularly for members.
They also have a Vape Lounge you can use with membership.

I found MFT to be a good resource and I'm glad I went with them. Knowing what I do, over a year later I'd still choose to go through them instead of going it alone. That's because of the extra perk MFT provides. The family atmosphere and non-judgmental acceptance within a larger group. That's hard to come by frankly, so there's no way I'm taking it for granted! If you choose to go through the process with MFT you will not regret it. 

 Regardless of how you go legal, doing so is worth it just to lose the fear and over the shoulder checking.

Was this helpful?

Did I miss anything? 

Do you have any questions that I can answer? Feel free to comment below. 

I can also be found on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/NewbieOnTheHerb/

And on Massroots as NewbieOnTheHerb

I Could Have You Eating Edibles for Your Next Meal. Interested?

I ran out of 'Med'ibles last week and my stash is the lowest its been in a year. I placed my order, but it didn't make it here before the weekend. Canada Post for ya. Less reliable that a local dealer. But it's what I got. So I make due until I pick it up this aft. (yay!)

Making due but really missing the place my edibles take me to every day. That's why I love this
recipe! It is very simple. And don't assume that because this is not a space brownie or a pot cookie that the high will be less! Who said your first edible had to be a sweet made from a big batch of butter made in a crockpot?!?

Best part? You don't need a lot of weed to make it! Not everyone buys a months supply at once. Not everyone can bake! But if you know how to make eggs already you too can make this healthy breakfast! (Eggs aren't just for breakfast anymore). Just takes a bit of time. Ready?

Green Eggs and Toast
I admit I have stolen this recipe from Water Melon. And for a change I didn't change it. Just made it like I learned it.

Ingredients:
Two Eggs
(Splash of milk)
Two slices of bread for toast
Butter (I suggest at least a Tbsp)
Fresh Bud
Salt and Pepper to taste

The only thing not explained is how much bud to use. In another of her videos she explains that 0.7g per person is a good rule. Especially if you haven't had edibles before. It might seem like a small amount but when you eat Cannabis your body processes it differently than when you smoke it, so a little is all you need! REALLY! And feel free to lessen or increase the amount if you medicate methodically and know how much you take. I for instance know that I need less than 0.7g of bud, being a Newbie and all.

I measured out 0.02oz, which translates into 0.57grams. The 0.7g would be close to the same as a loose and level tablespoon of busted up bud.

Add butter to a fry pan and melt, adding the measured Bud after its melted.
*Important! leave fry pan on low or 2 and stir the bud into the butter every few minutes. This will bubble slightly. It's what you want to see. The bubbles indicate that the THC, Cannabidiol and Terpenes are being released from the plant and absorbed into the butter. Too high, too fast and you burn the butter, and the medicine gets burned off too = No high and No feel good medicine!

Let your butter absorb as much medicine as possible, so let it sit over Low heat for 5 to 10 minutes. The longer the better of course. It means more medicine will be usable. So, if you have the time, let it bubble longer than ten minutes. The result is brownish or greenish butter. Pour most of this off into a small bowl to butter your toast with. Bud and all.

Replace pan on heat and turn up to cook eggs as you normally would. The pan is greased with High Butter and probably some cooked bud. I made scrambled eggs so added a splash of milk, salt and pepper. This way the left over oil and bud on the pan got mixed into the whole meal and added flavour, colour and texture....I know, you just want to get high! Who the fuck cares about texture! ME actually. Cuz I love good, well made food.

When eggs are cooked as to your preference, butter the toast you remembered to make while the eggs were cooking. I literally just spooned the High butter, buds and all as evenly as I could across my toast. I don't like to see dry spots on my toast so when the bowl was drained and scraped out I did add a tiny bit more normal butter to fully cover it.

Plate your finished product. Looks good, smells good and tasted AMAZING!

I had two surprises. The first surprise was how right I was on the amount of medicine I choose to use. About the second paragraph in to writing this and I was happy, dancing in my seat and not really interesting in writing anymore. The Clash was on 105.3 The Fox so I cranked it and danced instead. LOVE that place! The place my edibles take me. Love it.

The second surprise was the taste! The Bud I had on hand was a Sativa called Luminarium, a small amount of Indica called Remissio (Headband) and my high CBD called Avidekel, all from MedReleaf. The flavours were earthy and slightly salty, making it a great addition to eggs and toast. I don't think I could actually enjoy eggs without that flavour now.

In case you are concerned about eating the actual plant material. It was not too much that I felt like my mouth was full of plant matter. Nor did it dissolve into nothing. It was there. But it really did add to the full experience of the meal. It did not detract from the overall enjoyment, in fact it was barely noticeable because the flavour was so overly enjoyable!

Bon Appetite!
Happy Medicating!

And if this is your first try at edibles, You're welcome.

How and Why I use Cannabis Infused Oils

None of my Non-medicating friends (that's all of the people I know pretty much) want to hear me talk
about what I've learned and why I do what I do. That's fine. My husband has to hear about it, until I over load him with details. Last night while explaining something to him I realized, it's exactly what I need to explain in my next blog post. How and Why I use Cannabis Infused Oils.

From my reading, video watching and experimenting there are now a few things I do because it makes medical and/or logical sense to me. This works for me. Something else might work best for you. I also realize that there are places with fewer or more regulations than I now have in Canada. You do what's best for you. I'm just giving you some ideas that you might want to learn or adopt. In the mean time, I'm always learning! So tomorrow it's possible, with more information, I may change how I do things.

When I purchase my medical marijuana I get a full range of strains. My desire is to get the best strains to fit the physical issues I have, gently intertwined with the type of high they produce. I have to factor how the product will be used, if I had it last time, as well as taste. Taste matters to me since vaping releases way more of the specific taste of each strain than smoking a joint does. I always choose the high CBD strain, two Sativa and two Indica strains. About 1/3 of the bud goes to oil and the other 2/3 to vaping or joints (maybe its closer to 1/2 and 1/2). 

The Oil 

I use Coconut oil because I have read that Coconut oil is more bio-available. It has a higher fat content than butter, and thus a better

carrier for the cannabinoids. Coconut oil has many of its own health benefits and is easily absorbed by the skin since it melts with your own body heat. It smells great, and adds flavour. It is both edible and great for topicals so I don't bother with Cannabutter anymore. I can make one small "batch" (all of 1/4 cup today) and divid it up, half to some edibles and half to topical use. Two separate jars of course so as not to end up eating what I've stuck my fingers into. 

 Note: storage can be fridge or counter top, depending on how hot it is. Coconut oil will liquify in a warm room. This does not change the medicinal (or other) effects of the infused oil, but it affects what I store it in. I found a small sample glass jar (0.5oz) to be the perfect size to store or carry my Infused oil. As testament, my jar of liquified oil did not leak during my recent cross Province flights (but my face wash did). 

The Cannabis Infused Coconut Oil

I infuse the coconut oil with at least three different strains of Cannabis. About 1/3 of the weigh is the
high CBD, 1/3 Sativa and 1/3 Indica. The reason for this is so I get a wide spectrum of medicinal value for my effort. The CBD strain is great for reducing inflammation which causes or contributes to pain and it reduces spasticity (like Restless Leg Syndrome). The Sativa provides a happy or euphoric energy that I like in the day. It has anti-depressant properties that have changed my life! The Indica provides good pain killing effects that I need. Yes, the indica usually produces a heavy body feel making one dopey and sleepy. Not a great effect when I need to medicate every day, all day. The benefit of having all three strains in the oil in equal-ish amounts is the CBD and Sativa help counter the sleepy and the high effects of the Indica strain. It sort of levels everything out so that there is less (but still some) effect of the high, with all the medicinal value. That being said, if I take in more than the 1/4 tsp I use I can still get pretty blazed!

How I Medicate

A typical day when I can medicate freely and without interruptions involves four methods of intake.
In the morning I will ingest about 1/4 tsp of Infused Coconut oil. Either by melting it in my morning coffee (which I do in a small cup on the side, like a shot) or in a food item I have made. Eating the Infused Oil provides a good pain reducer for up to five hours I've found. Before getting dressed I rub infused oil into my arthritis (AO) affected knees and the muscles on my left arm. The oil absorbs in quickly and does not leave a greasy feel. Because I apply it to or near the source of pain and inflammation it is a more targeted approach specifically to reduce them. Since I first tested it out I will not work a shift without first applying the oil to my knees.

The rest of the day I use my Vape. Throughout the day I vape a mix of High CBD and one or both of the sativas I have. This, layered on top of the body/pain relieving high that I've already started by eating the oil helps the medicine to stay at the same level with little drop off, unless I have restraints in my ability to vape, which can happen, especially while at work.
Come evening is when I exclusively use the Indica/CBD mix. I could vape this, but for some reason, out of habit since it's the first thing I tried maybe, I like to roll a joint with one or both my Indicas. I have also used a bong and a pipe instead of a joint from time to time, but I find the activity of sitting outside for a puff rather relaxing while the weather is nice. The reason I use no Sativa and only Indica/CBD at bed time is to keep me relaxed and sleepy rather than energetic. I mix the Indica and CBD strain because the first is
pain relief and the CBD strain relaxes and stops the restless leg syndrome I fought for about 2 years. It helps me fall asleep and stopped my over active mind, the pain in my arm and knees, and completely stopped the leg spasms that kept me from falling asleep every night for hours.


This method of medicating works for me because most of it is discreet, easy to do anywhere, anytime, and its effects are long lasting. I'm sure if it was necessary to go a period of time without being able to go out for a puff I will still be able to medicate without anyone being the wiser with just my infused coconut oil.

Back to the Middle of the Journey

Let’s see! Where was I?

I was kind of in awe, and then in panic mode way back! I’ve had to actually check my calendars and previous notes just to jog my memory. By the looks of things my Dr. appointment was on Thursday March 19th. Four days later I received the confirmation email from MeReLeaf that I was approved and my account was set up to be able to purchase my first order. I was starting to panic that I would not have my first order before I left for a medical procedure for one of my kids in another Province. And since I would be flying I wouldn’t be taking any of my street stash.

I contacted my Cannabis Councillor at MFT and headed in to meet with him by the next day. A quick side story, I met another newbie there that afternoon in the Vape Room. She was only a few months in, and was there to take advantage of the use of the Volcano Vaporizer that is part of the membership with MFT. In good stoner fashion she offered me a hit off her Vape bag. She (unfortunately) uses a different company with different strains available. This was my first real hit from a medical strain. And the first Sativa I’ve actually tried. Holy Hanna! as they say here! I felt nothing in the body or even a tingle in the head. But there was a point in time when I slowly just felt great. A type of euphoria I guess. I have never felt anything better than that feeling! It lasted at least six hours. Way longer than a typical hit or rip. The effects from inhaling cannabis usually lasts about an hour to maybe two. I’m attributing the long lasting effects to that fact that it was a Sativa, and my first hit of one. My body was just highly reactive to it, sort of like how it over reacted to the time I smoked my first joint. 

My cannabis councillor and I talked about my trip and how to pack my order for the flight. Recently he and the Founder, Fabian had been to our local airport and pretty much taught Air Canada about how to handle medical marijuana when patients travel. We checked out demo models of the vapes from a local Vape Store to get a sense of them. We also went over the strains available to me, which he thought would be good strains to try first time around, and how much I should order. Which, at the time I thought he was crazy that I would need to order 15grams right off the bat! MedReLeaf sells in 5g increments, so I couldn't actually order less. But 15g’s seemed like SO much! Once I finally got into smoking a joint I only used at most 4g in a whole month! Of course, that didn't count that fact that I had been eating herbal cookies for the last month, which would be equivalent to another 20g.

I headed back home as happy as could be with this Super Silver Haze leading the way (I am currently on a mission to see if I can find a strain similar through MedReLeaf). As soon as I could I messaged my Sensei to see if I could get some moral support and physical participation in going to the Vape Shop to pick out and purchase my Vape. I get very nervous going new places on my own, especially when I’m already feeling out of my element with this whole new lifestyle change! Basically, I needed someone I didn’t have to explain everything to, but who knew the technology and would be able to ask questions, or at least keep me focused on the need rather than the want. I was very happy Sensei was willing and available. We set a time for the weekend and my next mission was to place my order.

I navigated the website with a lack of confidence. This was a big purchase and I was nervous! I was pretty much told what to order and how much to get, so I just did that. Put in my credit card info and my order was made! Then came the small surprise. I received an email notification at every step of the shipment. Order received. Order processed. Order shipped, here’s the tracking number…should arrive…Your order was received and signed for. Literally five minutes after it arrived I had that email. 

My order arrived by Canada Post. Hand delivered and had to be signed for by an adult. I was the happy recipient that day. It actually arrived a day earlier then suggested. Ordered Friday, received Tuesday. Pretty stinkin’ fast if you ask me! It was in a nondescript brown box, with red tape. No return address to give away what the contents might be. 

Back up a minute! I bought the Vape between ordering and receiving. I arrived with Sensei at the very spacious, clean store and Sensei directed me to the small glass cabinet off by itself that contained all the dry herb Vaporizers. They had three options of portables in stock, which made the choice easier. Cuz of course, I wanted the best one that was nearly $500, but that was the one they were sold out of at the time. So I choose the Pax. There are two on the market. I have the Original Pax in purple. It’s very streamlined. Easy to fill, clean out, and use. Sensei reminded me my biggest concern was that it be discreet. and the Pax is! 

I love it and have no complaints. I have a warning though. Don’t carry it in a shallow pocket. If it slips out onto the floor you will lose all the contents and that is both embarrassingly NOT discreet, and could possibly do damage to the rechargeable battery inside. Or you could lose the bottom to the oven chamber. Then, you’d have to order a second before you could use it again. That would set me back to smelly Joints so I’m very thankful I have not lost it yet!

A Short But True Story

Hello Lovelies! I have missed posting to my blog over this last month. I hardly feel Newbie-ish enough anymore to feel comfortable with my blog name now. I obviously wasn’t thinking ahead at all when I choose that name. 

Well, here’s a first. Writing a blog post buzzed and on the way to baked. I’m telling you, short sighted!

So quickly, I apologize for being off here for so long. Had an extended hospital trip pre-planned for a surgery for one of my children, so we were away and distracted for 20 days this month. She’s alright and recovering fine. Just trying to manage pain and lack of energy while healing. And I won't get started on my rant about pain meds here! I need to be fully devoted for a day to be able to hash out that topic. Tonight I planned on leaving you with a few funny stories that happened in the last few weeks. 

The night view from hotel.

While away in Montreal for this hospital trip the Shriners from our home city booked and paid for our hotel (as well as the flight there and back. Support your local Shriners club! They do Great work!). Everything was walking distance! I loved living there the better part of a month. Once my daughter had surgery she was admitted and I remained in the hotel since that is also where she would be discharged too for a few days until the first doctor appointment…too much detail….sorry. So I would sleep at the hotel and walk all of two and a half blocks back and forth to the hospital each day. To finish setting up the scene, the side street I walked for two blocks crossed over a very main street in Montreal. And by main I mean full of people day and night. Many business men and women, and lots of poor hung around there too, pan handlers and street people even. A bit sad, and yet I loved every face, language and nuance that my senses could take in. I would watch people as I walked behind or past them. To see their clothing styles and which language they were speaking (many english as there is an english college close by).

One very warm evening I left the hospital around 10:30pm and headed back to the hotel. Every time I got off the hospital property I would pull out my Pax Vape (Ah! I have to tell that storey!) and take a few inhalations from my medical marijuana. Which sounds cool, but walking and holding your breath isn’t easy, but it got easier. This evening I did the same thing. I approached the main intersection and had to wait for the walk signal. I had been holding my breath, and as I halted I exhaled slowly only to look around and see four walking police men and women just coming up behind me at the same crossing point where I was standing and exhaling marijauna vapour! There was nothing I could do except act natural, which was surprisingly easy to do. 

The light seemed to take forever to change, but the longer I waited the more I noticed nothing happening. IF they noticed the smell they may not have known who it had come from. It’s a common smell on that street specifically. But I really wasn’t worried about it. Which got me thinking later how completely unafraid I am of being noticed vaping it by police. I had my prescription bottle on me and my MMJ card also. And frankly, who dry herb vapes marijuana recreationally? I bet absolutely no body! Act naturally and no one notices. Act awkward, or shifty and someone will notice! 

Which reminds me of another short story from my trip. While with my daughter before she was admitted we had the privilege of hanging out together in a big, busy, noisy, city full of LOTS of shopping and amazing restaurants. One afternoon after a full day of walking and shopping we stopped into the Starbucks around the corner from our hotel to refuel me. I needed caffeine, and my poor feet needed bandaids! We sat for a glorious half hour. Long enough for me to discover my herb was well used and ready to be refilled with fresh. I didn’t want to wait to hobble back to the hotel so I dumped the two thimble sized amount of cooked herb out of the little oven compartment and into the garbage hole at the milk and lid counter. I returned to my seat and when my daughter excused herself I took out my MedReLeaf plastic prescription bottle, scooped out already ground herb with the larger end of the green splash stick (my tool of choice actually). Right there in a packed Starbucks, at a window table I gently packed the little oven and attached the lid/bottom, then put everything away. If anyone noticed me I’m sure it looked like nothing more than someone packing tobacco or just a lady with a medicine bottle. I had it all done and away before my daughter returned to the table. 

So apparently I have no fear at all of being seen. In fact! This 20 days away in another city was very liberating! I could walk around the streets, with my daughter, and vape in public. No one I know was there to see me. I had legal permission to have marijuana on me, and use it. Maybe I am innocent enough to think I’m safe from police harassment, and that gives me false security. Don’t know. But until I experience anything different, I’m walking tall, and proud and free to use where ever I am (except the kids school grounds….I’ll refrain there!). Cuz I am just one in a new breed of women on the rise; and I will be an honest, and outspoken advocate for medical marijuana use. 

Obviously I’ve got lots to still fill ya’s all in about. So keep watch here. Or subscribe to get updates of when I post and then you won’t miss out on any of this weird and wonderfully happy new journey I have embarked on. 

Sleep Sweet! I know I will…