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.

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.

Strain Review of Head Banger from HBB Medical Inc.

Purchase Date: May 20, 2016       

Strain: Head Banger

Hybrid 50/50   1g

Cost $9

CBD 0%

THC 22.1%

Look of Bud: A plump bud that weighed exactly 1gram with only a few long orange hairs. The larger trichomes are fairly abundant making a slightly higher than medium amount of frost.

Smell of Bud: First I detected a piney/woody smell that was earthy and warm. The lightest note is best described as diesel.

Taste of Bud: Yes I ate raw bud. It’s actually good for you. Gives you those cannabinoids that still contain the acid chain attached (CBDA, THCA, etc) and have health promoting benefits all on their own. (I’ll eventually discuss this in another blog post-it’s on my “To Blog” list).

As with the smell there was no one overpowering taste to this strain. A slight Diesel taste mixed with the generalness of eating vegetation. Not an unpleasant taste at all. (Though I’d not recommend chewing much bud as the trichomes do like to stick to your teeth leaving a gummy feel)

Handling of Bud: Bud moisture was good. Not as moist as the Champagne I review earlier this month. I did do what the Budtender at HBB Medical recommended though, I removed the buds from their packaging and let it sit in a dark glass jar to air a bit before I was ready to use it. When it came time to grind it up I was very happy with the result. I rolled some into a lovely long slim blunt and it handled just like it should, dry enough to not bunch up in the grinder, but sticky enough to stay packed while hand rolling (not my strong suit). 

Burn and Effect:

Blunt: As I mentioned above the flower rolled well into a hand rolled blunt because it was sticky enough to hold together as I manipulated the stuff. She burned slow and did not need to be relit, a rarity for me. The effect for me was pleasant. I didn’t feel particularly high but rather happy and relaxed. I did notice the friends I shared with demonstrated more paranoia, but that may have been because neither of them are medically legal as I am. (Admittedly, I may have too little fear cuz I don’t know better as I’ve only known “legal”)

Bong: Its unfortunate but my first reaction is to want to cough due to the peppery effect of this strain. I’m also not a big smoker so those of you who do smoke more might not have such a big reaction. The smoke is good a milky cloud. I feel its effects almost right away. A cerebral high that is causing me to loose a bit of focus because there are so many other senses of mine being stimulated right now as I type this on my deck this gorgeous Sunday afternoon in May. So CREATIVITY IS BOOSTED! YAY. I love that! P.S. I’ve only smoked half the bowl and feeling fine! Interestingly, I did not experience the dry eye effect after smoking the bong like I did after vaping. I'm wondering if my eyes were dry from the vents blowing in my car instead...? Not to be forgotten, ash was white right through. 

Vape: First taste from the vape was diesel, than came the woody, earthy flavour. The inhale left a peppery feel in my throat that tickled a bit. There is a slight lemony note in the taste as well. The cerebral effects were very pleasant. I had a general overall sensation of wellness with no sharp turns into feeling high. I can’t say I felt it coming on or leaving but I defiantly felt emotionally light and happy.  I was not prone to navel gazing or ruminating on past or future like some high indicas can do to me. The downside came on about an hour after inhalation. Major dry eyes! Easily solved if ya got some drops with you (which I didn’t!).

Grade: 

My grade scale will be out of five. A point per category listed above with 0, .5, 1 as possible scores.

I give Head Banger from HBB Medical Inc. a  4.5/ 5 

Look:  1

Smell:  0.5

Handling:  1

Burn:  1

Effect: 1

Weight Accuracy: I actually purchased two grams of this and decided to weigh the contents of both packages individually. Both were exactly 1 gram on a scale that weighs to 0.01g. Thumbs up guys and gals! 

Last Notes: I was specific in my purchase this time as I had a special event this weekend. Three ladies out on the town looking for some fun. Dinner and a comedy show out of town, so I wanted something that would give us a happy mood but not make us anxious in public, nor sleepy cuz I was driving an hour there and back. I asked for a 50/50 Indica/Sativa hybrid mix and Mr. B pointed me right to two strains in the showcase. Head Banger and Tahoe. The only reason I choose one over the other was because I had heard the name before. I wasn’t disappointed. 

I never felt lethargic or muddled the whole night. Was able to navigate new streets with ease, feel relaxed in a new situation in a new city, in a dive of a bar. It was sketchy but I felt at ease and capable of handling an event I’d normally not even entertain attending. It was the perfect choice for a night out with friends. A perfect day strain. It would probably be great for doing any kind of creative activity as well. Over all, I love this strain. I’d chose it again.

Correction: I want to mention again the topic of moisture in the bud that I paid so much attention to in my first review. When I stopped by HBB Medical Mr. C was kind enough to educate me in the fine timing of curing. And I fully admit to still being Newbie enough to not know everything. Remember, my only experience so far is getting perfectly cured bud from LP’s in plastic jars with air tight sealing. So I’m willing and wanting to learn from anyone, even my mistakes. So hopefully I can correctly retell what I think he was telling me. 

When HBB packages their product it is done so when the moisture is such that the trichomes are not so brittle that they crush easily. It is recommended that after purchase you store your bud in a dark glass jar (or similar). I did this and the product was better only a few hours later. 

I’ve asked the guys to feel free to comment below the first review and describe what he told me in person. Hopefully one of them will get around to it, as my desire is to learn myself, but educate others as well. And if I’ve made a mistake in something I’ve conveyed here I’d love it if someone out there who knows I’m wrong would correct me. I’d hate to think I’m spreading false information when false information is what we are trying to get away from as we as a Country work on legalizing. 

Follow Up to My Cannabis Break

It was three weeks ago that I told you all I was taking a break from Cannabis. I think I've processed that week long enough. Time to tell you what happened.

I started this blog as a way to process the changes that I have been going through since starting Cannabis as my medicine. The desire to educate people grew the more I learned and realized how little actual truth about this herb is out there. 

I have to state, the changes that sometimes occur are not always medical, or physical. In my case I was very religious my whole adult life. Like, the kind of Christian who wouldn't let my kids watch Disney movies cuz they were full of witchcraft, or magic. I was THAT kind. I shutter, and have much regret for who I was back then. But I try to let the voice of wisdom speak louder and remind me that I only did the best I could with the knowledge I had back then. My best just happens to be better today then my best back then...that's all. (ok...it's not always better...I'm still a work in process.)

My last intake of cannabis in any form was a Friday night. I was off fully until Tuesday evening when I started to ingest it so I could sleep. I didn't start back to my day use, vaping and/or smoking until Saturday night a week later. It has taken these last two weeks to re-acclaimate and mentally/emotionally process all that has gone on internally.

I had a VERY bad first weekend. My biggest physical issue was restless legs, preventing me from sleeping. They hadn't actually start bothering me until day 2. But you can only go for so long without sleeping well. My other physical issues, pain, were easily dealt with by using Tylenol and Aleve. (These are the two drugs I've been on for years and the reason I started Cannabis in the first place was to get off them so as not to over stress my kidneys any further). My mental issues were mostly due to the ridiculous amount of stress I was under for a prolonger period of time. Years. And a big contributing factor was/is my ever present self doubt; doubting my judgment and well...everything. Much of this self doubt comes from the shame associated with my previous religiosity. (Not that church caused it, but rather for me it fed an already established shame and made it grow.)

A small example of how bad I was at the beginning of this pursuit; by the middle of the afternoon on the first Saturday I was literally packing all my cannabis related things into a box and hiding it all in my closet. Bongs, lighters, weed, printed material about cannabis, and my colouring page from #myTHCbox also went. I couldn't stand the sight of any of it so I cleared it out of sight completely. I was at the point of hating that I had ever started it. I deleted groups, and unfollower Cannabis community Facebook pages. I just couldn't have been more hateful towards cannabis.

By Tuesday afternoon I had pulled out a little weed to roll a joint and I start back eating my AVB with ice cream at bed time just so I could sleep. But I had still decided I'd not ever go back to using Cannabis as much as I had been. I could deal with the physical pain by using pharma products and I was willing to take the risk of damaging my kidneys. I got over that by the next Saturday.

My last day off weed was horrid. I was unable to think a positive thought. But by dinner I realized I was on a bad thought track and knew the only way to combat it was to grab my cannabis and get couch-locked! It worked too. Stress left. I calmed the fuck down and realized the sky was not falling. Next day I had the best Sunday a person could have.

And as I processed that weedless week I know that my emotional instability was not and is not caused by my Cannabis use. I really was under a crap load of situations. Most of which have now been resolved, thankfully! It just took a ridiculous amount of time. A couple issues remain, but I'm working on those with Mindfulness practices I learned in classes given by a medical Doctor here in the city; learning some new (and badly needed) coping skills, gaining insight into the causes of stress, and seeing a counsellor. I've spoken with both the M.D. and the counsellor about my shame issues that were fed and grew to huge proportions under the guise of a loving God and both have applauded me for getting out of something that caused me to feel so much shame. Unfortunately that doesn't remove some of the wrong beliefs I still have. That might take years to do in some cases. Some of those shame issues are what had me second guessing my original choice to start cannabis. So while I was six feet under all these major stressors recently those very shame issues were raising an even stronger opposition. But my week off helped clear up and remove the lack of trust I had in myself, at least regarding the issue of Cannabis as medicine!

What this whole week taught me:

The whole reason I took a weedless week was to see if cannabis was causing or creating more stress and drama in my life. I went through a strange week, denying its effectiveness first, accepting its medical use in one area of my life, and then embracing it fully again.

I've learned that Cannabis was not causing me to stress out, life was. Cannabis helps me realize what is no big deal so I can focus on what is.
I know that popping a low dose canna-cap of a Sativa/CBD mix allows me to chase the blues away. I don't feel any cerebral effects but I don't get dragged down by the time I've finished my first cup of coffee either, which can happen if I don't medicate effectively.
I know that I need to get more serious about keeping connected to the larger medical cannabis community. Not that there is anything wrong with the few people I've started to get to know, I just know they don't have all the answers either. Some of them are just as new (or newer) than me. But there is a world full of life-long medical cannabis patients who have a wealth of information that I want to learn from.

I know that I don't know enough about how to medicate properly for pain. I am still medicating with big pharma for pain and inflammation. I want and need to know more.
I'm also allowing myself some grace. My original pain issue was better for six months. I had more mobility and less restrictions due to pain since starting cannabis back December 2014. My new injury occurred mid August. It was intense! I was SO disappointed by the set back! So now, rather than being disappointed that I had to go back on big pharma drugs after I had only just gotten off of them I am learning to be ok with what is right now. Unfortunately I also badly sprained my ankle two weeks ago so I again had to increase my dose of pharma to the max while this newest injury heals. But giving myself a break (or grace) is exactly what I need to learn here, so I'm learning.

Although this may not have been the best way to do it, I do believe this break was a success. I've learned more about me, and what works for me because of it. And as a side note, three weeks out I have felt an internal shift recently that I'm hoping is permanent. It's a healthier perspective with less self doubt. If I went through a hellish week just for that it was well worth it!

Strain Review: Flower from HBB Medical Inc.

Fredericton has its first Medical Marijuana Dispensary!


Welcome to the neighbourhood HBB Medical Inc.! I will do a post later introducing you all to a dream come true! I literally didn't think this would happen for years, yet here we are. Opened April 2016 and I've been in and am doing my first review. More on them later.

Purchase Date: May 5, 2016

Strain: Champagne 

CBD/Sativa   1g

Cost $10

CBD 8%

THC 6%

Look of Bud: The nug looks dense and full and well trimmed. Lovely mix of dark and mid greens with long orange hairs. Tricomes are visible creating a medium amount of frost. 

Smell of Bud: Scent is fruity and sweet, reminiscent of Sweet Island Skunk. Slight pungent hint of skunk with an earthy undertone. 

Handling of Bud: Upon removing the flower from the plastic packaging I immediately noticed the bud still contained moisture. I was disappointed in its lack of proper curing. The bud did not grind well in my hand grinder because of this. It also took way more fire than fully cured bud needs to light. Next morning the bud I had left in the grinder was properly dried and easier to burn. 

Burn and Effect: When smoked from a bong it gave a good white smoke and produced white ash.

It has a slight floral and earthy taste. After 2 min I felt a slight buzz, 4 minutes a medium head high. At 8 minutes I was at full effect which is a nice head tingling relaxed contentment. I feel happy to sit here writing my review, or moving indoors cuz the wind is picking up. The low THC of 6% is deceiving though. The relaxed energy I have is perfect for having a conversation with the Bell Fibre Op lady at the door, or getting creative with what I’m going to do in my next art class (or what to say for the next sentence). Music is standing out more to me than it does with some other strains. This is the perfect strain for me for when I want to dance around to loud music while cleaning the house. Or getting physically active like working out or going for a run. 

When vaped the taste is distinctively pine and lemon with a slight skunky, earthy undertone. I found the taste rather pleasant. The effect time is about the same vaping as it is smoking. Length of time the effects lasted was longer than I expected. I noticed a slight brain tingle even 3 hours after I had smoked a bowl around 5:30pm last evening.

Grade: 

My grade scale will be out of five. A point per category listed above with 0, .5, 1 as possible scores.

I give Champagne from HBB Medical Inc. a  3/5 

Look: 1 

Smell: 0.5

Handling: 0 *not fully cured

Burn: 0.5

Effect: 1

I’d like to note that there is a risk of mold growing in the bud if moisture is left in it and then packaged. Check your package before you make your purchase, as long as there is no mold evident it is possible to complete the curing process yourself at home. Simply pop your purchased buds into a brown paper bag and let sit in a cool DRY place for a day or two. 

Last thoughts: I’m pleasantly enjoying Champagne by HBB. I will purchase it again as it is a great choice for my day use cuz it makes me happy and productive. It was also a decent cost at $10 per gram. I would recommend this strain, with the note to be aware of moisture on this current batch.

Check out my second Strain Review Here!

Why I'm Taking A Break From Cannabis

I'm going to be honest with you. I'm really struggling right now. 

And since this blog is about first year or newbie issues I think it's fair topic to discuss here.  

I was introduced to Cannabis through a friend. After nearly a year of reading and watching docs I decided go for it. I found it removed the pain in my knees making me quicker at work, stopped my restless legs at night, allowed me to sleep an entire eight hours, and it took care of the negative nancy in my head. I was happy for the first time in my life. I danced about the house, my work was more fun and I stopped looking for another job. 

That lasted for about six months. Then I sustained a work place injury. Rotator Cuff, repetitive movement injury. That was August 2015. I've never been the same since. 

Once I was cold, stable, and analytical (and easily angered). After Cannabis I was a happy, hopeful person. Now I'm an emotional basket case. I cry at the drop of a hat. I'm more insecure than ever, and my trust meter is even lower than it use to be. 

Granted, these changes didn't come without cause! My Physiotherapist explained that the physical pain center of the brain is exactly the same as the emotional pain center. That's one of the reasons a person can have physical pain but no physical symptoms. It really is all in our heads. But it's real emotional pain. Just manifesting physically. That's part of the explanation for me, never having dealt with root issues.  

As a "doer" my shoulder injury reduced me to near helpless. Off work and lots of time on my hands I couldn't clean my house, wash or put away my dishes, fold laundry, chop food or stir a pot to make dinner. Asking for help was exhausting. And embarrassing. And frustrating. I'd have to ask my husband or kids for help and then wait for the help that didn't always come. So I'd have to ask more than once, daily. 

The rest of life is one big ball of stress. Workers Comp refused my claim (yes I'm fighting it- it's a very long process with very little information. Finally got good news last month, the WCB Advocate is finally on my case!) Meanwhile I've been on EI. Until someone through Service Canada suggested I apply for a program to cover me while I was away for a month in another Province to care for my youngest (14) during her surgeries. I couldn't justify saying I could work and look for a job while I very well couldn't! So I lost EI and have been trying to get it back now for months. It has devastated us financially. I have received no money for the last 4 months. And that's not all of it, but I'll spare you the other long details. It's been stressful, exhausting and defeating to say the least. 

This is carrying over into my attitude toward cannabis. I'm starting to doubt that this was a good idea. I've been so overwhelmed by everything that I'm not handling simple things well anymore. I'm suspecting that cannabis is making me emotionally unstable. Or at least making my emotional instability worse.

So today I'm not going to have any cannabis at all. At this point I'm not sure how long I'll avoid it but the whole weekend is my starting point. 

With the absence of a really strong support group I don't have a trusted person to bounce my questions or concerns off of. No one to remind me of why I started this journey. Maybe that's my own fault. Being too afraid of being misunderstood or of judgement to open my mouth and communicate.

Real or imaginary I already feel judgment and disapproval from my kids. So I'd rather take this time off to decide if this really is helping me, or not! 

If Cannabis really is medicinal then I should be brave enough to admit if it's not working for me. Maybe it was before but now it's not. Maybe it will again eventually. Maybe it is working well and I'm just too overwhelmed by everything else to be able to tell. Maybe I'm just out of sorts because I was not able to find an appropriate strain to match my symptoms while I have had no money all this time. It could be any one of those reasons. It's worth testing to find out. So just like testing different strains and methods of intake to see what effects are felt I'm kind of doing the opposite. Finding out what I feel or find when not on it at all. 

 As far as my pain goes I can resort to Tylenol and Alieve like I use to. They took care of my pain just fine before. Maybe I can still avoid damaging my kidneys or liver by insuring I eat and drink healthier. More water to flush me out, less coffee and sugary drinks that bog my systems down. Cuz repair of my knees isn't expected for 15 yrs or more. 

And as far as depression goes I'm at the point were I'd rather feel nothing again. I'd rather not worry that my kids (or anyone else for that matter) is thinking I'm unstable. I'm so overwhelmingly embarrassed that I'm so emotionally unstable. It seems like the worse I feel the worse my decision making is. So I'm going to test that out too.  

If I had to theorize what my results will be, I'm suspecting my emotional instability is not related to my cannabis use. It might be exacerbated by it though. So I need to find that out because I'll doubt myself until I rule it out. 

I also suspect I might just be better off medicating with topicals to reduce pain and inflammation. Especially if the cannabis is heightening my emotions while in these highly stressful situations. 

That's why I'm doing this. That's why I'm writing about it. To be accountable and honest with all of you is of upmost importance to me. Cuz if I can't be bold enough to say it's not working then I feel I'm doing dishonour to the very fact that we claim cannabis to be medicine. If big pharma drugs don't work we tell our doctor and we (or they) make changes. I don't want to be stubborn because I want it to work. Or just because it's cannabis. If I'm bold enough to say, 'hey, maybe this isn't working for me right now then that gives others permission to do the same. 

So, we shall see how this goes. I might be all for this until my legs start twitching in bed tonight and I can't sleep. Or I'll just learn how to deal with lack of sleep again like I use to. It's not like I've never done that before.

A very Quick shout out to MaryLovesGlass for sharing my blog a couple times on Facebook over the last week. My views have increased significantly. I wish I could force myself to feel happy about it. I'm certainly thankful for the encouragement! I've felt more frustrated by my blog over the last month than ever, to the point where I've removed some posts because I've not had the confidence to keep them online. And I've posted and since removed youtube videos too.

So don't take MaryLovesGlass's saying at the end of her videos, "Smile at someone today" as just a nice tag line. It is important to smile at or even encourage someone everyday. It might be the only smile or encouragement that person gets all day, or week! You never know what's really going on in the background of their life, and one smile could help make the difference in turning their perspective a little more positive. 

Here is my favourite Quote from Doctor Who's best episode. Vincent and The Doctor.

  Check out my follow up post on what I gleaned from my week off Here!

Kick Ass Medicated Chocolates

I have finally successfully made Canna Chocolates at a set dose and I'm pretty proud of myself.

I mean, I've made edibles before and have had a 98% success rate. Only one product I made was void of any cerebral effects. I can't say it had no medicinal effect though, because regardless of whether I decarbed it properly or not, or it had enough Kief in it or not, it contained cannabinoids. Therefore it had medicinal effect. But I won't be trying to make hard candy again for some time!

I have been concerned for lately about finding my dose. The right amount that I can make consistently. I first had to find out how to calculate the amount of THC per piece of baked good or chocolate (or gelcap). I hunted for some sort of formula for a while on the internet until it was with great relief I was given this one. This is the actual math for my most recent batch.

2g X 1000 = 2000mg
2000mg X 22.4%THC = 448mg
448mg divided by 15 pieces = 29.8mg/piece

So the formula for you to fill in is....

#g x 1000 x THC% divided by # of pieces
If you are unsure of the THC amount use 10% as it is typically an average for generic street weed. All prescription Cannabis from you LP or local dispensary will have the THC% written somewhere on their container.  I add the decimal point in the calculation as it makes it that much more accurate.

Enough with math! Lets get to the chocolate recipe! Apologies, I did not take a whole lot of pictures this time as I was way to stressed about having this turn out right (maybe next time I'll do a video demo).

Decarbing the Cannabis

I measured 2 grams of Kosher Kush bud. I busted it up and cooked it in the oven, in a glass casserole dish with lid on, at 200'F for 20 minutes. I removed it from the oven and let it sit undisturbed until morning. Not even taking the lid off. (Leave lid or covering on until the bud has fully cooled!)
Next morning I added 2 Tbsp of Coconut Oil to the decarbed bud and warmed it in the oven for another 20 minutes. I was in no hurry. My purpose was to hopefully get as much of the THC converted as possible. 

Canna Chocolates

Ingredients:
 4 oz chocolate (I used Semi-sweet Bakers Chocolate Squares)
 1 tsp  cocoa powder (to counter the oil)
 2 Tbsp  Infused Coconut Oil (or Cannabutter)
(Bit of paraffin wax for consistency)
1/4 cup granola
1/4 cup ground nuts 
2 Tbsp shredded coconut (I used unsweetened, I'd prefer sweetened in this case)

• Melt chocolate and infused oil over a double boiler and mix well until fully melted. 
• Added a few small chunks of paraffin wax, about the size of the thumb to the first joint. It is usually used to make the finished product glossy, but since I added extra oil I didn't want my end product to melt just by looking at them, so the wax helps reduce that effect too.
• NOTE: I did not strain out the bud from my oil. In order to get the maximum amount of benefit from my medicine I didn't want to risk throwing away any terpenes or cannabinoids by straining out the bud. I just made sure it was very well ground up so the bits were small.
• After mixing the chocolate, oil and wax together I prepped my production line. 

This is where I differed the manufacturing of my chocolates. I had already done the math and knew I needed to make 15 to get the dose I wanted per chocolate. So I laid out 15 chocolate candy cups, the bowl of granola/coconut/ground nuts and the bowl of medicated chocolate. 

• I spooned out a teaspoon of chocolate into the bottom of the cups, which had been dusted with cocoa.
• Next I spooned a 1/4 tsp of granola mix into each cup. Mixing a little with a toothpick to mix it into the chocolate.
• I then spooned another teaspoon of chocolate over the top as the third layer, and again gently mixed.
• I decorated the tops with a tiny bit of granola, and....
• refrigerate

I now have 15 chocolates that knock me out for bed all from only 2grams of bud. 

Must stay refrigerated.

Things I'd do different?

I would add peppermint to the chocolate for a nice flavour. Or I'd add a tsp of maple syrup and some dried fruit, or sweetened coconut. Cranberries are nice in chocolate. So is broken up candy canes, or cookie.  Also, the sweetness of your chocolate is up to you. You can use white, 70% Cocoa, semi sweet, or sweet. Or mix a couple. How about top layer white chocolate and bottom dark? Get creative.

Why did I do it that way?

I explained above why I kept the bud in the oil and mixed it into the chocolate. Since bud is a bit gritty it is necessary to add something to the chocolate to hide the gritty texture. Thus granola. Many things could work to hide that texture as it appeals to you. 

The reason I did the math first was so that I could determine ahead of time how many pieces to make to get the right dose. I'm usually leery about making something and having the pieces come out different sizes and shapes resulting in each piece being a different dose. This is why I was super careful to measure exactly the same amount in the bottom, middle and top layers. It's also why I spooned them out in layers. If I had added the granola to the chocolate and mixed, I may not have gotten exactly the same dose per piece if one had more granola than another. 

Have any questions? Or suggestions? 

What have you made recently? 

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Happy medicating everyone.

Another version, Cranberries and Pistachios

A Perspective As Canada Moves Forward

Please note: I have looked for actual study links to back up the claims I am just blatantly throwing out here. I want this to be accurate and not just some chick on a rant with no knowledge to back her up. Admittedly those hard fact studies are hard to find when journalist or articles do not site their research. I've chosen the links with the best evidence I could find (at this time). 

 How can a chemical that has shown promise to kill cancer, stop some of the most stubborn epilepsy, one we naturally produce ourselves, have a whole networked system for in our bodies  (see video below) and our nursing mothers fed us with as still (*Note: see below) mentally developing infants...how can this same chemical compound possibly have negative effects on the teenage brain?! I'm not a scientist. But I can follow the path and find an obvious disconnect. I just don't follow that logic. 

Do I agree cannabis should be widely available to any and all? Children, teens and adults alike?!  Not at all. Unfortunately our society has created such a large error in misinformation with fear tactics that I do not think that a wise move.  Instead we need to start slow and protect society from itself in a way. Put up lots of barriers, precautions and focus on good solid education that will equip people to function as good responsible adults. Slowly as the society grows to embrace the reality of this substance the protections and precautions will drop. 

To those of  you who have been on this grassroots movement for years and even decades we thank you for getting us this far! What an amazing job you have all done. It is you who took all the negative force society was brainwashed into believing. Just Wow!  It's because of you that I can feel safe to hide in my barn to smoke my prescribed cannabis. Or stand at a crosswalk beside police officers while using my vape (true story). It's also you who must feel like this process is just taking forever! You did all the hard work of birthing a movement. Not all of it is even all out into the light yet, but it almost is. 

For the rest of us just coming in or waking up to see or participate in this birthing we must remember. First to be thankful for the cost others have paid for this privilege. Second to listen to those who paid the price and have been in the trenches. They are wise! They have been thinking about this for a long time. They know some stuff!  And lastly, for everyone regardless of whether you are in the movement or a sideliner, remember we as a society are just getting birthed into this concept. It will have to be strictly regulated until we all grow and mature. 

Cuz, the last I've seen, it takes time for that to happen. About eighteen years before we've grown and matured to adulthood where we can be responsible for our own lives, give or take a few years.

So it's just a thought, but let society take it slow to grow, and catch up. Because it will be a delicate balancing act that our Politicians have to set up. I advocate education, grace, and wisdom as Canada moves at what feels like a snails pace, for now. If we learn everything we can and pass on good quality

information we can back up instead of believing and spreading crap like NASA found THC on a meteor (was probably found in a corn field somewhere), or ranting that MP Bill Blair has to go, maybe the change we are wanting will happen because of us.

* Note: Quote from link on Breast Milk...This is so huge I wanted everyone to know it.

"Endocannabinoids have been detected in maternal milk and activation of CB1 receptors appears to be critical for milk sucking ... apparently activating oral-motor musculature," says the abstract of a 2004 study on the endocannabinoid receptor system that was published in the European Journal of Pharmacology.

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.

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

And on Massroots as NewbieOnTheHerb