Successful Surgery

I'm happy to report I managed to follow the rules this time and successfully encountered surgery as an
adult.
 A very strange experience being put under and waking. I remember details of both very clearly which I didn't expect. After the Dr. had the I.V. expertly inserted he said, "some patients say this is painful going in". I joked, " Oh, how fun!" Then the searing pain started to eat its way up my arm. I gasped, I held my breath. I arched my back and tried to hold back the words that were slipping past my lips, "HoooollllyyyFFffffff"  I was out. Mid swear. Proud moment.
The best description I can come up with of waking up after surgery is to describe it in opposite. It was like drowning in reverse. Like bubbles of reality were trying to break through the blackness. I distinctly remember colour filled bubbles of reality push in, grow bigger, absorb another bubble and then burst letting blackness dominate for just a second, until reality finally took over and the blackness was gone. The surge of noise and light and activity was disorienting. Slowly, or it felt slow, I was able to discern what was going on around me. I suppose, since I was dressed and out of there within a half hour of waking it wasn't very slow at all.

My knee? Oh ya.
Dr. Haene had to remove some floating cartilage that had been busy chewing up the remaining cartilage for the last ten months. There was more damage than we hoped, so I'm off work for four weeks to recover. I'm disappointed I can't be there, but I've got doctors orders. And pain...I've got pain that reminds me to sit. And I'm listening.

Speaking of pain and medicating. I didn't fill the Dr.s prescription for the Tylenol 3. I did take a Naproxen for a couple days. I'm using my usual oil caps. My CBD is 20mg twice a day and my day caps are 15mg each of Gods Green, I take 2. And my night time ones are 17mg each of an Indica, I take 2. I have noticed though that the amount of cannabis I need to consume has gone up since my surgery. I now have personal insight into maybe why some of my clients come in with the complaint that they don't feel anything from their edibles. Because its going to the places we need the healing perhaps? Like heat seeking missiles, and the brain just doesn't feel it to the same degree. That's my working
theory anyway.  Lastly, as these three little holes in my knee heal I'll be able to apply my cannabis coconut oil topically again. That should help speed healing as well.

So, I'm around. You might catch me in the store as a customer from time to time until my return to work. Thanks for checking in on me. Feel free to say hello on Facebook too.

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

A Retrospective: Not So Newbie Anymore

I have a confession to make. I'm a medical cannabis user.

Being a medical cannabis user is entirely different from being a recreational user, or an occasional user.

Using marijuana medically takes a whole new level of commitment. And not just from you, but also from the ones you live with and the medical professionals who support you. Strangely enough it takes a community of support for a person to be a medical marijuana patient, so I realize I'm contradicting myself when I say that. I have complained before that being a MMJ patient is a lonely place to be because I have had chosen to learn so much alone.

Hubby "hot boxed" the Barn!

I focused on the 'doing things alone' and so sought out others who also smoke marijuana. Whether it was recreational or medical use wasn't an issue for me. I wanted to experience the culture of puff, puff, pass. And I totally have! But I eventually came to the realization that I was sorely lacking in one side of my support system. I had no one else around me who was a medical user and I was starting to feel that lack.



It took nearly a year of reading, discussion and documentary watching to come to the terrifying decision to try Cannabis in the first place. It has been nearly a year of using it now, but somewhere along the way I stopped reading, talking and learning. The reason was because I knew more than everyone else in my  immediate circle about cannabis. I'm no scholar! I know I really know very little on such a vast yet vastly under scientifically studied subject! But any time I tried to have conversations with someone about the science, or the effects, or even the politics of marijuana usually left me exhausted from talking so much. I'd have to back tract all the time, needing to first explaining three other articles I read that somehow related to the topic that was on my mind at the time. Eventually I just stopped learning all together since I didn't have anyone to converse with about the things I was learning.

THAT was lonely! So I ignored that part of my life and just eventually got off track.

Then I meet a real newbie, and that changed everything!

meme and picture are my originals

A friend introduced me to someone who has been a secret pot smoker most of her 45+ years. Nice lady. Some stuff started to dawn on me as we smoked. Like when she was surprised to hear that it is impossible to die from an overdose of pot. I wondered why, if you actually thought something could kill you, why would you ever smoke it?!! But then again I'm not much of a risk taker in life; proven by a full year of learning before asking the one person I knew for a try.

It was my second encounter with her that really woke me up to where I had allowed myself to slip to. Pure coincidence that she was part of it actually. A common friend invited us out to a bar to see a great local band one evening. Not having those invitations often I jumped at the offer and said yes. "Oh, could you do us a favour and roll us a joint, we'll pay your way in and your drinks". I almost hesitated. But when we sit around a table we all pitch in so I didn't really worry about it. It wasn't until we arrived and the ladies had to find a hidden corner to light their newly acquired joint before they went in, that I realized my blunder.

They had to hide. I did not.
I had with me my vape, and my licence from my mmj provider. As long as I followed the laws regarding smoking I was fully allowed to stand outside the bar and use my vape, or smoke a joint if I choose, no fear. Then it dawned on me that I had given them that weed, and by mere association in that situation I could be in trouble legally. It was THAT moment I realized I needed to smarten up, and pay more attention. I recognized I needed to include more people in my life who were likeminded and pursuing a similar life path. I needed a medical marijuana community and I needed to get over my fear of doing that.

So here I am. Not so much of a Newbie as I once was, and again actively learning. I wouldn't give up
my Barn buddies for the world! They have been a big and wonderful part of my life over the last year!  To round out my support system I have now been to two meetings at my local MFT and met some wonderful military and non-military women who are also new medical marijuana users. That's a total of four things I have in common with them right there! It took a lot to get into that first meeting. Lots of will power over the fear that was trying to escalate to terror. But I did it, and I am SO very glad I dared to be brave.

Its been a very unexpected and wonderfully stretching first year. Here's looking at a second year of building new friendships, deepening my understanding of how best to medicate for me as well as understanding the issues and the science behind Cannabis as a whole in general. I don't want to be a simple follower, or user. I want what I do to matter.  But I will just have to see where year two takes me.
I know one thing for sure! I intend to be more pursuant regarding life and less reactive.

Bring on Year TWO!

I OD'd on THC

Well this is certainly not a topic I set out to write about, or experience. It's embarrassing to say the least! But I did over do it and I'm still alive and sane to talk about it. So, as per usual I'm using this experience to help educate those who are seeking information.

First off. I didn't die. Didn’t even come close! I didn't go crazy. I didn't try to hurt anyone, and I didn't run around my city, street, house or anywhere else talking nonsense or trying to jump off bridges. I didn't even need to go to the hospital. Whatever your preconceived notion is that could go wrong did not. All that did happen was I went to bed. Boring, eh? 

Here's everything I did wrong. 

The other night after work I made the family some banana bread. Most of the way through the process I decided this would be a great time to try using some of the AVB (already vaped bud) in some baking and then I could blog about it. With the batter ready I filled one large loaf pan and two small ones with normal batter. I added my finely ground AVB to the left over batter and made my own mini loaf. Alas, I was not my normal careful self. I got sloppy. 

I had assumed that AVB was not as strong as freshly

de-carbed bud. Correct, but WRONG!  The 1/8 cup (...Yes, I said cup!) of AVB I added was WAY too much for the TINY loaf pan I had. Oh, but it smelled heavenly! Here’s where I REALLY went wrong…I ate two pieces. It was a small loaf, I thought, one slice is like a half of a regular slice. No problem!  
Oh, yeah….then I had a half joint right after cuz that’s the habit I’ve gotten into each evening before bed. 

The result? By the time I got back home from our evening walk around the block it was rounding the hour from when I had eaten the AVB Banana Bread. I started to feel dizzy, had difficulty seeing straight and I just started to feel generally bad. This was when it dawned on me that I had eaten too much. I decided to put myself to bed right away. I was able to behave normally, nobody knew I had over done it at all nor was I mentally incapacitated. Though I did fall asleep pretty quickly. (It's taken my describing this twice to my husband for him to realize I wasn't just normal sick that night, I was over-dose sick).

Poor guy!

Normal bodily functions woke me twice in the middle of the night (unlike overdoing it with alcohol and literally pissing yourself in a drunken sleep). It was the middle of the night when I noticed my mouth really tasted bad! Like I had eaten an ashtray, all of it! Teeth brushing and mouthwash only lessened this nasty taste for a little while. It was like the taste was coming from the inside of me rather than from something I had put in my mouth. 

The next morning I got up for work, but still felt horrid. Nauseated actually. I got ready anyway, but standing looking at the door to leave was as far as I could get. It was my own fault I felt like this and I deserved to feel this way for being so stupid. But the people at work did not deserve to have me bale on them cuz I was stupid….I called in anyway and was pretty much in tears as I told the supervisor I couldn’t leave the house for fear of throwing up. The deed done, I stripped off my uniform and fell back into bed, make-up on and all. That’s where I remained for several hours, slipping in and out of sleep and often wondering if I should run for the toilet; was this going to be the time I finally threw up? I never did, but the feeling persisted for the better part of two days. And the taste that lingered contributed to the nausea. 

For those who don't understand, and may think I'm exaggerating, or may think I didn't actually over dose, let’s recap…. I literally used more AVB in a small 1/3 sized loaf pan than I should have for a whole recipe. That's nearly 8 times more than I should have eaten in one sitting. 

Things that happened when I over dosed on THC:

1. I got dizzy
2. I had trouble seeing well (This strain of bud that I used is known to counter the eye pressure of glaucoma. I figure this explains my vision problems)
3. I fell deeply asleep.
4. I was nauseated and had little desire to eat for about 48 hours.

What did NOT happen when I over dosed on THC:

1. I did not die
2. I did not fall into a drug induced coma, preventing me from waking to my own bodily needs
3. I didn’t attempt suicide (or attempt self propelled flight)
4. I did not lose my sanity. 

I did throw out the rest of my medicated banana bread though. Just the smell of it made me sick. And the thought of attempting to bake with AVB is not as exciting as it once was. I’m still saving it mind you. I can’t bring myself to throw it out though. Its extremely economical to save it and use it on an edible fire cracker or something. It’s like free THC! You use it once to medicate, save it and use it again with just almost as much benefit.

Just heed my warning, as non-life threatening as OD’ing on THC is, it’s not necessarily pleasant. That goes for smoked, vaped, or eaten. Though I think it’s easier to over do it with edibles for two reasons, it takes so long to kick in, and unless you do the actual math you don’t know how much medicine you’re eating. So, please! Be aware of what you eat. 'Measure twice, cut once' are my fathers wise words that could apply here just as easily as they do to most of life's little odd jobs. 

So tread lightly friends, and be diligent with measuring out your medicines, especially with edibles! But know too, in case you do hit a snag like I did, this too shall pass and you will live!

What I'll be doing from now on is using a method more like this...

AVB Weed Recipes. 

              Happy medicating.

(P.s. Thanks Chef Luigi for making this great video!)

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.

Cannabis Culture Vs. the Pot Culture

I had a short conversation via text the other day with a friend about the oddity that is my life right now. How I'm stuck between the Cannabis Culture and the Hippie High.

See I'm a new breed of Pot smoker. I don't call it Pot, and I don't (usually) smoke it. Admittedly I feel a sense of importance to the new Cannabis Culture that is arising. Why? I'm not really sure. I've never grown it so have no helpful tips of the trade. I don't sell it, and so have no secret insider information. I'm no scientist so I can't tell you any groundbreaking new discoveries. Heck! I've only started using in December of 2014. I think it has more to do with the importance one person can make when they stop believing the propaganda and learn something from experience instead. It also has to do with being a woman involved, in a small way, in a new revolution. I've never felt so important actually! (if only Rona Ambrose really knew from experience, perhaps she'd lighten up too and start making a positive difference!)


That conversation I had started like this....
Me: ....the whole stoner culture intrigues me cuz I'm not really part of it. Everything I do is measured and dosed and picked based on relief of symptoms. And done alone. I don't often get the chance to indulge in the freedom of just having a toke and a talk with a friend.

That right there sums up the Cannabis Culture Vs. the Pot Culture


Thankfully my friend calmed my slight paranoia that evening and let me know I did nothing wrong by immediately seeing a simple drive home one evening after work as an appropriate time to pass a joint her way (whew). Navigating this new life is sometimes easy and other times I have no grid for what's right, wrong or otherwise. My Cannabis use is for medicinal reasons. But it's fun to cross that line and just get blasted too. I've had to learn everything I know by myself. Whether it was through Youtube videos or reading articles from HighTimes, or The Stoners Cookbook. I've taught myself how to roll joints, blunts, make butter/oil and what paraphernalia is best, worse, or most useful. I can also discuss the finer points of Cannabis science that has so far exceeded everyones else's limits I know. This is what the new breed of Stoner looks like. Like a 40-something working mother trying to live life to its fullest cuz hiding from it in alcohol, pills or seclusion just weren't working for me anymore.



This is Cannabis use in the selfie culture! Everything done alone. A quick search of Puff Puff Pass in Google images bears no group photos. I have one photo of myself smoking from a pipe, but the full photo won't be seeing the light of this or any other computer. At least not yet, I'm still a closet cannabis user. But I do have rather a lot of photos of the different strains I've bought, blunts I've rolled, the cookies I've made, and the stuff I've bought (many of these photos can be found on my public Facebook page of the same name). All of it done alone. So am I taking pictures to prove I can do it? Maybe, but I tell myself its for my blog. I also do it to educate. I'm not the only Mid 40's woman out there who has just embarked on a new Cannabis way of life. If I can do it, so can anyone!

It is a strange thing being on one side of the coin but having grown up "seeing" another side, the old culture. The Hippie Pot culture. What some refer to as Stoner culture. Where a group of people gather, pass a few joints around, share some peace, ideas, and free love. Really, they were doing exactly what still needs to happen today. Sharing life together in real and meaningful ways. Having community. Something sorely lacking in todays fast paced selfie culture. But is it dying out? Is the Stoner Culture being transformed along with our laws, regulations and knowledge of the Cannabis plant? Will any of the original Pot Culture hang on through this transition and stay firmly fixed in spite of the new solitary places we find ourselves? I guess that's really up to us to determine. I for one do not want to lose the good old days that I have still yet to experience, but would rather see it merged with the new.

Medicated Oil and Chocolates

With my third purchase made, received and tried out over the last week I was ready to make more medicated oil.  (I know, I’m behind and didn’t tell you about the first time)

The purpose of this oil, though edible is for topical application to my knees and sore arm. I found the topical use helps to decrease my joint pain enough to warrant daily use. My test included daily application for a week followed by two days of not using it. I definitely regretted not using it those two days! There was an increase of pain, a decrease in speed of movement and a decrease in my ability to be on my feet moving. I haven’t gone without using my oil since. 

And then I did something that seemed only logical, yet risky. I rubbed some medicated oil on my daughters back. She had back surgery in April and is still dealing with lots of pain. She medicates with an Extra Strength Tylonal and an Aleve every 8 hours, but her pain and the shooting nerve pain that occurs numerous times a day just makes her miserable, tired and less focused on her last few weeks of school. The next morning she said it helped and wanted me to put some on her back again before school. She decided to also try putting it on her rib cage under her arm where a shooting nerve pain runs. After two days of applying it in both places I asked some important questions. No, she wasn’t feeling any high at all. Yes, she noticed a decrease in pain in her back, but the effect faded part way through the day. (We need two applications a day if possible). And lastly, regarding the spot under her arm, the CannaCoconut Oil decreased the severity and the frequency of the “attacks” of shooting pain that usually make her hold her breathe and grab her side when it occurs.  Such SWEET success!! 

Her pain is not gone mind you. But I’m not about to medicate her any further than with topical oil. And she has expressed that she is not interested in that anyway. I’m ok with what we are doing for her. Its helping and eventually I’m guessing she will be able to wean off the phamra-drugs first. So what this means for me is making lots more oil to share. 

With my first tiny batch of Infused Coconut Oil (only about a tablespoon worth, skimmed out of my infused oil I made for baking) all but gone I was in need of making more.  Ingredients were Coconut Oil, and three hand picked strains best for pain management. For a wide spectrum of coverage I choose AviDekel (high CBD best for inflammation), Cognitiva (UK Cheese - a Sativa), and Sedamen (Pink Kush - an Indica). 

Medicated Coconut Oil

The Recipe :

1/4 cup of organic Coconut Oil

3.5 g of Cannabis of choice, ground but it doesn't need to be as fine as Shake Flour.
(See about the method I used here)

Put both in a cold pot and turn heat to lowest heat.
Allow coconut oil to melt and mix dry herb in well. 
Let sit on heat. Tiny bubbles that form in the oil are indication that the Cannabinoids are being absorbed by the oil. 

I nursed the mix for 2 hours. Low heat, off, low heat, off, repeat…Stirring (or swirling the pot) often. 

I strained through a small sieve into a coffee filter which was placed in a second larger sieve and over a bowl. The larger pieces of herb I pressed the oil out of into my glass storage jar with the back of a spoon. The coffee filter had very little plant matter, but what was there was very fine. The oil came out very clear and such a pretty colour! 

My dry herb was already crumble in the containers so I did not need to grind it. I do recommend it be at least as ground up as your hand grinder gets it. For baking, grinding it down to Shake Flour would be fine, but for topical oil I wanted only pure oil with little to no plant matter in it. I was very happy with the results of the coffee filter method instead of the cheese clothe. Though I did have to gently squeeze out the last half of the oil to speed up the process when the filter reached saturation. I feel there was not much oil lost to the filter.

In the end I had just under a 1/4 cup of Cannabis Infused Coconut Oil. But I couldn’t just stop there….Cuz I have started to consider making medicated chocolates and candies. I had saved a recipe to Pinterest for medicated chocolate bark. I halved the recipe and adapted it a bit to my taste. The original recipe can be found here….

Since a 1/4 cup is only 4 Tbsps I scooped out 1 Tbsp for a test batch.

CannaChocolates!

Ingredients:

 4 oz chocolate:(I used 2 oz of semi-sweet chocolate, and 2oz of 70% Chocolate)
1 Tbsp  Infused Coconut Oil (or Cannabutter)
(Bit of paraffin wax for consistency)
1/4 cup granola
Toppings:
1/4 cup  chopped dried cranberries
1/4 cup chopped pistachios 

Melt chocolate and infused oil over a double boiler and mix well until fully melted. 

After it was fully mixed I added a few bits of paraffin wax. Its used to make the finished product glossy, but since I added extra oil I didn't want my end result to melt in my hands, so the wax helps reduce that effect too.

Once fully melted and mixed I removed the bowl from the heat and added in my own home made granola, and all the chopped dried cranberries. (I had to chop more for the topping since I did that). 

In tiny chocolate cups (they are silver inside to let sticky candy or chocolate just slide out) I carefully spooned about 3 demi spoons into each cup, making 16. Working quickly before it cools too much I topped each cup with chopped Pistachios, then Chopped cranberries and as a finishing touch I dusted each with gold dust. Just cuz it’s for me doesn’t mean I can’t feel fancy!

Serving size for me is 2 chocolates. I wouldn't eat more then that before a work shift. It gives me a nice light sensation. One was too little. 

The math: 

1/4 cup oil =  (4 Tbsp) = 3.68g
1 Tbsp = 0.92g
Divided by 16 chocolates = 0.057g each.

It is true the dose is low. I’m not getting high as a kite off my chocolates. But according to research for medicinal purposes some issues are helped with just micro doses of Cannabis (Learn More Here). Its not really necessary to smoke or eat large amounts to feel the health benefits of Cannabis. I’m not really wanting to spend more money than I really need to that’s for sure! And I do see and feel the decrease of pain from the small doses I take throughout the day. 

Maybe I’ll try suckers next!

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!