Chronic pain and medical marijuana

Yes, relief does not come immediately with CBD. But it took a long time for your pain to get where it is and I’ve never expected immediate relief from chronic pain.

When last I looked, stem cell treatments were approved for very few conditions and I think knee pain was not one of them. Maybe start with a referral to an orthopedic physician who specializes in knee replacements.

I agree the cost of the product is too high and from what I know this applies to other states, as well. What I find expensive and excessive is having to see a medical marijuana doctor twice a year! They don’t bill insurance (at least the one I know about) and the cost is $155. I could see this once a year maybe, but I spend more per year on them than on the tincture. Florida needs to change (many rules/laws, actually). In Illinois, cards are renewed every 3 years and that’s when you see the doctor for a note.

Hi can you clarify gummie? Do you mean three cannibis gummies as in 10 mg THC, or CBD gummies? How much CBD does it take to help your pain?

That is terrible in Fl to charge so much for a mmj card and gouging patients for $155. In Pa it's once a year and after initial fee of $150 renewal is $75/year. Prices vary state to state and yes cannabis costs me out of pocket but it's healthier than narcotics, I feel a whole lot better, no drug hangover and I'm controlling my pain and it's not controlling me. And I'm not being held back by a prescription writing doc. All worth it to me.

I've only tried CBD gummies and don't like that I can't control how long they take to work. I have both CBD tincture and THC tincture and find I prefer the CBD for pain, one full dropper three times a day. THC makes me sleepy. I'd does take 4-6 weeks of consistent use to "train" your body's receptors, at least that's how I understand it. It's very important to get high quality full spectrum tinctures from a reputable store, not over the counter from a corner store.

Good evening @maxiesmom. It was good to read your post and that you are having success with some cannabis options. I do have a question. Are you using gummies because you like the taste of them? Unfortunately, you are correct, it is not possible to predict the time it will take them to become effective. Your best option is to use tinctures, hold the dose under your tongue and let it mix with saliva. As it penetrates without going through the digestive system, you should have a positive response within 15 minutes as opposed to 45 -60 minutes. You will also be getting a complete dose and not one that has been diluted.

I am curious about the sleepy THC. Are you using 100% THC? Are you using a Sativa or perhaps an Indica? I have never used a 100% THC dosage. Having said that, I do resort to a 1:3 CBD/THC dose when my pain is very high. I think each of us has to do the research, find the ingredients and then evaluate the reaction. At this time, I use only cannabis for my neuropathic pain control. I am noticing that the SFN's intensity is progressing and so will be wanting to know how I can keep up with it.

What do you think will be necessary?

May you have peace and ease.
Chris

At least you have access to cannabis, both THC and CBD, so you can be thankful for that.

I would pay a lot for that. It would be great to have medical guidance about dosage and what to try. That is crucial to getting the help we need for pain.

Those of us who resort to purchasing recreational cannabis in legal states have only “bud tenders” to consult. Yikes.

So what amounts of CBD are you using? How many mg for each dose and how often? Where can those of us who live in states that sell CBD (I understand it is legal everywhere in the US) but not THC go to research this?

I think all forms of cannabis will become legal in the near future. There must be a lot of research going on now that it is legal in many states, so I’m hopeful we will have more resources like this in the future.

Hi. I only use tinctures that are 1:1 CBD:THC. I only use them at home for pain and/or sleep, and wouldn’t drive for at least 10 hours. But there’s less of a hangover than with traditional sleep medications. I was using 100mg for each, but now can only find 50:50 (for about the same price). The first one came in oil, but now they’re water-based and supposedly taste better. (I haven’t tried them yet). They do have expiration dates on them, but I have used the oil ones for longer than the date.

I use tincture CBD in combo with THC for my pain relief purchased from mmj dispensaries in Pa. For sleep I take 1/2 ml 3% THC and Ilera Health Hope2 1 ml. In the morning I take Ilera Health Ease product 1 ml (CBD:THC 10:1), at 1:00pm and 6:00pm I take Ilera Health Ease 0.5 ml. Throughout the day between tincture doses I vape similar CBD:THC products heavy on CBD. I no longer get buzzed from THC which is fine because I have less pain and use less breakthrough narcotic meds. Good luck with your journey.