Whooo are youuuu?
Is marijuana the new cure?
Apparently not if the FDA has their way.
I see them plotting.
At the end of December last year, I had had enough - enough of migraines and enough of chronic insomnia that refused to give me any kind of restorative sleep. I had been told that cannabis might be what I'm looking for.
Here is a grown woman who has never smoked anything in her life. The smell of weed in general disgusts me. Return to the mid 1980s to an Echo and the Bunnymen concert. I was so green I had to ask my friends what that smell was. So yeah, not even in college did I experiment with lighting up joints and partaking in the hallucinogenic revelry.
I was a chicken. Inhaling anything into my lungs seemed to go against all logic. Besides, I didn't want to cough like a fool and be found out. I was a weed virgin.
But somehow chemical amphetamines were different. Though less "natural," pills were something I could swallow -ha! And I did for years. You can read about my conflicted relationship with speed here: https://steemit.com/art/@jlwkolb/art-on-amphetamines
I don’t like stimulants. I like the effect, but I don’t like the fall. It feels like you have had too much caffeine – all the shakes with the perks worn off. I was rattled, irritable, impatient, and unable to chill out. Enter tranquilizers and the start of a long-term romance with Xanax.
This can’t be a good thing. I originally was prescribed Xanax for my fear of flying. But it soon became my go to for any stressful situation. I’d get to the point where having to vacuum was stressful, so I had a solution.
I know better. That’s not the way. A friend of mine had been having problems with migraines and was using cannabis in capsule form – pills? Marijuana you didn’t have to smoke? I was down for that.
And let me make something clear. I wasn’t chasing any kind of high. I wanted the chronic pounding in my head to stop. I needed to sleep - sleep well for once. I’m a mother and I need to be operating at full capacity.
I finally made an appointment to get my medical marijuana card – an easy process in California. Because of my aversion toward smoking, the doctor advised me to start with the edibles. Chocolate? I was familiar with the space cakes from Amsterdam. During my junior year abroad that was all the rage - I never tried them.
I was scared going to the dispensary with my ID. There was a security guard in front and bullet proof glass where you check in. Wow – I haven’t seen this kind of set up since the inpatient pharmacy at the hospital. Isn't this a natural plant with medicinal purposes? Why the fuss? Their stash was behind closed doors. I wondered what delights were waiting.
Alice knows
The real scary thing, though, is that despite being a natural pain alternative, we have to jump through so many hoops just to prove we should be able to try it. Anyone can go into CVS and buy poisons by way of over the counter remedies. No one cares. But once you bring up the taboo subject of pot, it is assumed you are some leftover from the hippy days. If you are a woman you probably don't shave your armpits and you wear tie dye. People are serving time in JAIL for possession. Really?
I call bullshit. The thing is the FDA knows. They know they will be put out of business if word gets out that hash is in fact a safer way to treat chronic anything. And we all know how crooked the pharmaceutical industry is. They won't get rich off of healthy citizens. The solution? Make it hard and dangerous to obtain. Never mind that every year almost half a million people die from prescription medications made by the Big Pharma mafia - to be taken as directed by their own doctors. I just read that the FDA wants to include marijuana as a schedule 1 drug right up there with ecstasy and heroin. They are going to make it as hard as they can to get a hold of.
Back to the forbidden fruit.
Once inside, I find myself in a room surrounded by a counter that wrapped around the storeroom. About five or six 18 year old hipsters were working gathering up orders. I had no idea what the hell I was doing. I asked for something “edible” as was recommended. I bought two chocolate bars to try.
Just in case I got the capsules – Indica is the variety you want for relaxation. Sativa is the variety for stimulant-like effects. Or you can get something called a hybrid, which is both. They gave me free sample of a truffle – cookies and cream flavor - told me to take half and wait before I ate the whole thing.
*Indica variety
*Sativa variety
I also got some CBD –Cannabidiolcaps that are non psychoactive (no THC) for overall wellbeing. THC is the compound that is sought out for recreational use - the stoner's high. And they work for headaches or any other physical maladies.
After I got home, the truffle took some effect. As I predicted, it tasted like weed smoke. You can't hide that. The problem was I didn’t give it long enough – I ate the other half too soon. It hid me hard. Is this what being stoned feels like? I felt like I was looking out of my eyes but everything was far away. Then I felt tired and overly caffeinated at the same time. When I went to bed to rest, I kept twitching. It was uncontrollable - much like a chronic shiver with intervals. Later, I was watching a movie and couldn’t remember the scene just before. I learned my lesson.
The next day I tried the Indica capsules. I took them around 5 in the afternoon. By about 9:30 I felt relaxed enough to the point where I knew I would sleep well. That was a first.
And I did.
I'm so glad I took the plunge to try something new to help my maladies. Here’s the best part. I can get all the marijuana I want delivered. I order online, and some really nice guy brings me my stash in a paper bag. Totally legal and legit. They have my card license on file – I proved myself, I guess.
I am convinced that the USA over-medicates to the point of numbness and apathy. Every day more and more addicts are born - not from marijuana, but from man made toxic chemicals that are prescribed willy-nilly. Who regulates that?
I don't trust the FDA to make decision about my health. They simply don't care. In the meantime, I will experiment with different forms of Indica strains to battle my insomnia and keep my debilitating migraines at bay.
And I will never be convinced that this is a dangerous substance.
Illustrations ©Johanna Westerman 2016
that is a decent smoked post :)
thank you @fairytalelife for another great store, I enjoy you painting as much as your writing, very clam and smooth, reading this article made me want to write about my first and ever marijuana experience about 15 years ago, LOL =^^=
Thank you, @miacats. Please do share!
Yep, most pharmaceuticals seem to do more harm than good. Cannabis can be a fantastic medicine. Strains high is CBD are generally lower in THC (such as Harlequin and Harley-Tsu). I prefer these kinds of strains since I don't really like being stoned and they help to relieve headaches. My partner uses CBD infused bath salts (not the kind some people smoke) and they tend to work very well for relaxation.
Any strain can be harvested for CBD.
Un-ripe blossoms contain extremely little THC if any. All un-ripe cannabis blossoms are LOADED with CBD.
All strains produced it, CBD is the precusor to THC.
CBD (cannabidiol) is polymerized with CBC (cannabichromene) during the _slow drying of the branches known as 'curing'_ into THC (tetra-hydro-cannabinol).
Over time, THC breaks down into the useless CBN (cannabinol), as far as I've read CBN has no effect, period.
Best thing for us all to do is GROW IT. Presidents Washington and Jefferson did. It was a needed cash crop for centuries, and will become one again come hell or highwater!!! :^)
@matherly, you know your weed! I'm still learning. But I do know that it helps. The FDA won't be able to make that decision for me.
ah, it says you get delivery.
Here in the valley that isn't available.
In Ventura county however, its the only way as there no dispensaries.
Still, pretty local if you are out in Thousand Oaks, etc.
That is good to know, @ironwood. Bath salts would be great. Thanks for the tip.
I also use mmj for insomnia as well as pain control during the day, and i agree that it is a life changing switch from traditional medicine, witch slowly takes over your life. Thank you for sharing your story so others can learn of the healing effects this plant has to offer. If you ever see the strain blue cheese available at your local delivery service id recommend giving it a try as it has worked by far the best for my sleeping troubles.
Thanks, @fourbirds. It's time to uncover the truth about who the real drug pushers are. I will keep an eye out for the blue cheese strain. That sounds like what I need.
Like ur post ......butt
Smal leaves is sativa
Large leaves is indica
grts
Good On You For Choosing Cannabis!
It's the healthier choice, even with all the contaminated cannabis out there. (Working on passing around clean growing information myself.
@ossama-benjohn I was going to point that out as well. :)
Most Edibles are Awful!
Keep looking for the edibles that work best for you. The highest quality are artisan crafted edibles, small batch jobs by people who care about medicine. Most retail edibles taste like chlorophyll and nutrients. :)
My cannabis oils are spiiiiicy, not green/weed tasting. When I make edibles they come on fast for everyone. I make them with foods which are easily digestible by nearly everyone as well. Makes for easy dosing. :)
Oh no! Thanks, @ossama-benjohn - a mix up I will correct!
Can't change now, but thanks for pointing out my error.
It is okay when adults choose to take stimulants. It just seems sad when young adults waste their life smoking weed all day.
Thank you for that read it was very interesting actually. I also live in California and was shocked when my sister in law commented she was going to buy some marijuana at the shop. I was like "WTF". In New Zealand(from there been in America since 2012) you get stomped on for a small tini, check this out http://www.police.govt.nz/advice/drugs-and-alcohol/cannabis-and-law. It is sad how the government acts the way they do. I don't think they will ever pass a law for medical marijuana in NZ.
Sanity is Coming!
Though the DEA is being a bunch of ignorant thugs, the truth is spreading among the people in the USA. Federal prohibition will not last much longer.
Once the USA Goes Down, the World Will Follow!
Most of the nations have treaties with the USA that include cannabis as an illegal drug. When the USA ends prohibition, all of those treaties will be re-negotiated. It sucks that so many nations are afraid of the USA, we're such a screwed up country.
What can you do though?
1961 UN "Single Convention Treaty"
We (as in the criminal U.S. Oligarchy) bribed or threatened the world into signing on.
China and a few others refused.
Thanks, @cryptoiskey. They react this way because they are scared we won't need them anymore to manage our afflictions. Knowledge is power!
Great story @fairytalelife Positive MMJ stories from other people than "stoners" will help to get rid of that "hippie" "rasta" stigma it has. It's like with the food industry ... we're finally getting aware of GMO and Meat scandals . Everyone should be aware of how bad the drugs prescribed to us by doctors we trust are.
How right you are, @binauralism. They will do everything they can to keep what is good for us under wraps, won't they? Thanks for your comment.
got to be causes...the ones that come out are the ones who know the pro and corns of that substance...treat medication as medicine for cure.
Лайкни взаимно пожалуйсто))
To read later.
I love this, I've been wanting to try weed for the longest time, but can't get it legally and don't think my family would understand. But one day.... :)
The medical benefits of drugs that are scheduled in america are finally starting to be discovered due to research finally being allowed in these areas, to disregard a drug for medical treatment due to it's illegality is completely wrong.
Laykni mutually pozhalujsto))
Kind of irrelevant: I am a huge fan of how you illustrate your stories. I wish more people did that! I think I'm going to follow in your foot steps. It really adds a new level of interest to your posts, for me.
Thank you, @veralynn. It is really a lot of fun. I find I can be a lot less of a perfectionist when I concentrate on illustrating my own stories. I look forward to seeing what you come up with. Let me know.
"Whooo are youuuu?"
Loved it! Thanks for your share@ fairytalelife
Thank you, @lkong87 - much appreciated
@fairytalelife, I can assure you the FDA still has work to do in the area of control and abuse. Do not forget even some license drugs get abused in the hands of some patients talk more of marijuana.
cool! Thank you @fairytalelife. Did you paint these pictures at the same time when you use marijuana??? They are amazing)!
Ha ha! No, but that would be fun to try. I'd probably be much like the caterpillar. All I need is a fancy hookah of my own and the the ability to smoke. Thank you!
This is a very interesting theme, and there is something to discuss, every day new drugs appear in drugstore, some of them are not only useless, but harmful even to death. My opinion: definitely, there is a Big Pharma mafia. Your story is very close to me and has caused a lot of memories. It was an interesting experience for me, but now it's in the past. Remarkable pictures, thank you for sharing them and your experience. Its one of my oldest pictures right from that past times :)
Nice, informative story.
Thanks for your kind words, @nekromarinis - especially regarding my art. Do you live in Russia? I enjoy your work very much. I hope the elephant is getting something out of it. ;)
Yes, I live in Russia, in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Saint-Petersburg.
Lucky you! I visited back in 1988 (!!) when it was still Leningrad. St. Petersburg is so much more enchanting. It WAS beautiful. I visited in early March, but would love to go in late spring or summer to see the trees and flowers in bloom.
@fairytalelife you defenately should visit Saint-Petersburg, White Nights in summer are awesome. and museums, squares and parks are realy magical. Sorry, I`m fond of my city and I can talk about it for hours
Interesting article and I love your illustrations.
Where I live there is no way of obtaining capsules, I have insomnia and what I tried yesterday was a marijuana tea, frankly I didn't get sleepy and was only able to fall asleep at 01:00 woke up at 7:00, only difference I see is I do feel a little more rested. I will continue trying this and see if it really works.
I believe that it should be legal everywhere , I mean think about it would you rather meet a smoker or a drunk in a dark ally . Would you rather meet a smoker or a drunk driving down the road. I know my answer is a smoker. I believe it is also helpful with seizures. UPVOTED AND FOLLOWED.
@halo xoxo
Always a pleasure to see your art and stories.
Thank you, @paco! I'm glad you enjoy them
@fairytalelife
A kindred spirit, you certainly are that. I loved the article, truly captured me.
One misprint however (or mis-label); Indica is the wider leaf, Sativa is the thinner leaf. Other than that, beautiful.
It sounds like you may have entered either Kushism in Van Nuys, or Apothecary420 in Sherman Oaks? Both are very good places, Apothecary420 has the best pricing in my opinion.
I vape now, try not to inhale smoke (with all the tar, etc).
My vape pen in a "Stealth Bhomber" and I found extra coils/bowls at the Apothecary!! Cleaning them out can be a hassle. But the waxes vaporize cleanly, give you a bright flavor, FAR less coughing (if any) and for migraines or stress & anxiety (my biggest issue) the oily vapor kicks the problem every time.
Edibles (IMO) are best for sleeping.
Each time I eat one, I enjoy the tinglies for a while.... and then wake up the next morning. Often having no memory of actually laying down in bed.
But yes, NOTHING works as well as THC edibles for a good nap.
Please be mindful of your own personal level of tolerance!!
Do not eat too much or it can last for days if your tolerance is low.
Please follow me if you wish. I too am and artist. I'll be posting more soon
:^)
And since we're relatively local to each other, I'd love to stay in touch.
Dave M
Hi @ matherly - yes, I see my error in labeling the leaves. I flipped them! Obviously still new to the game.
It's nice to meet you here. I will start following you - thanks for the comment.
So many people need to distract from the harm they might cause to society. And one of the ways to give them the opportunity to smoke. But not worth taking such people to work. I have known mathematicians who wrote and smoked. Lord, what they nonsense and absurdity wrote. And then this nonsense published in magazines.
Great post! I totally agree. Most of our government agencies are being run by the very industries that they were meant to regulate. It's legal here in MN for medicinal use but not as easy to get approved here as it is in CA or CO.
Thanks, Eric. Corruption is the name of the game.
I'm so glad you found something that helps you without dangerous side effects!
LOVE your illustrations! ...Can't even say how many ways that weed has helped this grandma! Indicas tend to be preferred as they take me to the most creative places, streaming downloads of cosmic info. Began at age 47. Now 9 years and counting!... Also i'd like to mention that weed has always been lawful! Legal is actually the antithesis of lawful and is literally the undoing of God's Law! ( Legal is a set of rules created by a society, but no one ever mentioned that you aren't part of that society- it is presumed that you are- all a big game!...) "Now put that in your pipe and smoke it" as my mother used to say, lol!
that's my mom!
I loved your blog post. You can tell it's authentic. I'm also a female medical cannabis patient. I too, use indica strains for sleeping, still shave my underarms and could totally relate.
I'm in Canada and I call Bullshit on my government too. This plant should not be a schedule 1 drug. If the general public only knew how harmless this plant actually is...it's the biggest scam going and it's criminal how many people are charged and incarcerated for it.
It's also a "crime against humanity" that we are not permitted, in North America, to use it to openly cure cancer. I will fight until my last breath to see this plant freed.