Medical Marijuana

Locating a Medical Marijuana Dispensary: What to Look For, What to Look Out For

Locating a Medical Marijuana Dispensary:
What to Look For, What to Look Out Formedical-cannabis-marijuana-dispensaries
Whether you’ve been using medical marijuana in California for years to treat the chronic, wrenching pain of fibromyalgia; or whether you just got your first prescription for medicinal pot to manage an eating disorder, you want to find a dispensary near you that can deliver effective, safe, and legal medicinal marijuana.

This post will examine what to look for (and what to look out for!) when reviewing dispensaries.

Finding Candidate Dispensaries

Obviously, you can Google around (or use Google maps) to locate shops near you. Doing preliminary research on the web is great. Check out any candidate treatment center’s website, credentials, testimonials, and online resources. Different dispensaries offer different products. Some may offer free patient consultations. Some dispensary websites will give you discounts on products you might like to use.

Leveraging Other Patients’ Experiences

Just doing research on the internet may not be enough. A terrific looking shop may have a shabby website; and vice versa. Customer feedback can be a way to bridge this knowledge gap. For instance, using customer review sites, Facebook, and other social networking tools, you can get more detailed feedback about an establishment.

You can also check out forums devoted to medical marijuana “best practices” to learn what to expect when you visit dispensaries and to further your education about how marijuana can treat arthritis, cancer, chemotherapy, chronic pain, glaucoma, nausea, and other ailments.

In Person Visit

Once you’ve zeroed in on a good local dispensary – one that has a great website and excellent consumer reviews – go for a visit. Keep in mind that the medical marijuana industry is still at a very early stage, so there is not a lot of uniformity among dispensaries. Make sure that the people who help you have the credentials, background, and experience to advise effectively, and be sure to keep your doctor informed of your treatment progress.


A Cannabis Spray Delivery System for Natural Relief

Sativex Spray:

A Cannabis Spray Delivery System for Natural Relief

Independent studies show that medical marijuana (cannabis) can help relieve pain caused by glaucoma, anxiety, and chronic illnesses. Thanks to Proposition 215 Act, Californians can now use medicinal cannabis to manage chronic pain.What is Sativex?

Sativex is an extract from medicinal cannabis plants. It contains active compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Developed by a British company, GW Pharmaceuticals, Sativex offers an alternative way to take medicinal marijuana. Instead of smoking the marijuana or ingesting it orally, you literally spray the cannabis medication under your tongue.sativex-spray-alternative-medicine
Sativex: Safe for Use

Over the past decade, Sativex has been approved for safe use in Britain and Canada, after multiple trials showed that the medication effectively treats multiple sclerosis pain. Whereas a lot of other medicinal marijuana drugs used synthesized forms of marijuana extract, Sativex uses real extract from pot plants. According to tests and anecdotal evidence, Sativex appears not only to relieve pain but also to reduce spasms and muscular tension in multiple sclerosis patients.

 

FCC And Their Rural Healthcare Program

FCC Rural Healthcare Programmedical-marijuana-cannabis-weed
As recently assessed by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), over the twelve years since the primary program was initiated, FCC has disbursed less than a single year’s $400 million funding cap.  Due to poor p

California-based Institute, 420 College, Reaching Out To Arizonans

California-based Institute, 420 College, Reaching Out To Arizonans

In Arizona this past November, pro-marijuana voters scored a major victory in support of the medicinal use of cannabis.  Part of the new legislation, Prop. 203, expands the legal use of the drug, and will make available 124 new dispensary licenses across the state.  Assisting prospective entrepreneurs in obtaining these distributor permits is 420 College, the California-based Medical Marijuana Training Institute.  Comprised of experienced lawyers, doctors, and medical marijuana professionals, 420 College will kick off their road show by hosting an educational seminar in Tempe, Arizona the first week of February, 2011 with the goal of providing extensive training on medical marijuana law.  Anticipating the outcome in Arizona’s election, the school has been instrumental in keeping ahead of the curve by helping interested individuals get acquainted early on with the application process, general cannabis knowledge, and thoroughly navigating the complexities of this burgeoning industry.  Their proven success in California has generated a host of new businesses all operating in compliance with local laws.  As the cannabis movements spreads across the nation, 420 College will be taking a proactive role in sharing their expertise and extending education and community to those who wish to start their own marijuana dispensaries and other related business endeavors.

Clashes Over Cannabis In California Continue …

Clashes Over Cannabis In California Continue …


In March of 2009 the Obama Administration called for an end to raids on marijuana distributors in states where the drug has been approved for medicinal use.  Since then, the number of dispensaries in California’s Santa Clara County has skyrocketed—as have the raids on some of the larger ones therein.  According to estimates issued by the narcotics division of the district attorney’s office, there are over 100 marijuana distributors in the county, most of them located in San Jose.  In some cases, these collectives have thousands of members, i.e., suppliers.  Unlike other jurisdictions such as Oakland and San Francisco where marijuana dispensaries number less than 40 total, and where local ordinances treat them like small businesses, San Jose officials have not as yet reached a resolution on the issue of regulation.  This has caused some controversy as to how law enforcement agencies determine who is illegally distributing and making a profit from the sale of marijuana and who is not.  Undercover agents report having purchased pot at street level prices from some of these collectives—without the benefit of receiving any health care advice or information on how to become a member.  Based on California’s Prop. 215 which in 1996 legalized medicinal marijuana, only patients with a doctor’s recommendation can grow or obtain marijuana, and only entities designated as ‘primary caregivers’ can dispense the drug.  Until county officials decide how to regulate marijuana dispensaries, the raids are likely to continue.

Medical marijuana TAX- smoke and mirrors

Medical marijuana TAX- smoke and mirrors

Prop 19, the ballot measure that would have legalized recreational use of marijuana in the state of California, was earlier this month rejected by voters.  This is the very same state in which the drug was approved for medical use almost fifteen years ago.  Go figure.  Ostensibly there remains some conflict among Californians as to whether a distinction ought to be made between the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana.  If that is the case, is it merely a concept or reality?  Whatever the answer, it has not stopped numerous local jurisdictions in California from levying taxes on sales of the drug, now the state’s largest cash crop.  Advocates for medical marijuana decry the notion that the drug continue to be regarded solely in its traditional sense, i.e., that of a mood-altering substance, suggesting instead that because it has been officially sanctioned as a ‘medicine’ not only in California but more than a dozen other states, it therefore belongs in the same category as prescription medications, which are not subject to taxation. The irony of Prop 19′s defeat lays in the decision of California voters approving tax levies on medical marijuana similar to those imposed on alcohol and tobacco.  This lends credence to the attitude that the drug being sold legally under state law for “medicinal purposes” is really just smoke and mirrors.

Medical Marijuana Spreading Its Roots

Medical Marijuana Spreading Its Roots

Whatever your thoughts and feelings on the medical use of marijuana (cannabis), consider that sixteen states in the US have now legalized the drug for this express purpose.  The implication here is “medical use” as opposed to “recreational use”, the latter having gained some momentum recently and taken the form of a ballot measure in the progressive state of California where it was soundly defeated this last election.

But will the medicinal attributes—and there are many, some unanimously confirmed in the scientific community, and others yet disputed—of cannabis receive at least some acknowledgment if not support from the rest of the US?  Indications seem to suggest that this is indeed the case, as six states currently have ballot measures or pending legislation.  Inviting goverment control over so contentious an issue may, for some, inspire a false sense of security.  But to oversimplify either way, pro or con, what is unarguably a very complicated topic, is to demonstrate a dangerous ignorance.

Its known addictive properties notwithstanding, medical marijuana has gained national attention and perhaps overall a much more receptive audience than in the past.  This may be attributed to many factors but likely relies rather heavily on the fact that there is physician involvement which in itself suggests a significant reduction in the odds of abuse occurring among patients.  But additionally, there is now the implied acknowledgment that legitimate alternatives (however unsavory to some), perhaps more holistic in nature, to traditional methods of pain relief do indeed exist and ought to garner enough national support to merit further study.  As with any substance, controlled or otherwise, moderation and strict oversight are key both from a patient and physician standpoint, and the material provider as well.

 

Can’t Sleep? Medical Marijuana Can Help Treat Your Insomnia

Medical Marijuana Can Help Treat Your Insomnia

Many people fail to realize how lack of sleep can have a negative effect on their life. Insomnia is not only the cause of poor health; it can also greatly reduce your productivity at work and when left untreated, it can even lead to death.

Although there are several over the counter drugs available to help people fall asleep, many of these products cause drowsiness during the day — not to mention other potential medical complications. There are many insomnia sufferers who complain of feeling tired and sluggish during the day after using sleeping aids.

The good news is you no longer have to settle for harmful sleeping aids.  There is a safe and effective alternative known as medical marijuana.  Medical marijuana has worked wonders for many victims of insomnia.

It is important to note that medical marijuana is a natural alternative that doesn’t have the dangerous effects that many sleeping aids have.  More importantly, medical marijuana doesn’t make you feel sluggish and fatigue.  As a matter of fact, after consuming medical marijuana, it helps you to fall into a relaxing slumber.  When you awake, you’ll feel well rested and revived.

Marijuana for medical use is legal today in California. To legally access medical marijuana today, you need a medical marijuana ID card and prescription that was issued by a certified medical doctor. To arrange an appointment today with a local doctor here in Oakland, CA who can write these prescriptions, please go to our contact and appointment page here- Marijuana ID Cards.

Medical Marijuana’s Amazing Health Benefits

Medical Marijuana’s Amazing Health Benefits

Although medical marijuana has become a controversial subject among many circles, the medical benefits are undeniable. For instance, medical marijuana has been used for pain management for several illnesses such as Glaucoma, Chrohn’s disease and even AIDS. In addition, recent studies have shown that medical marijuana may help victims of anxiety disorders and depression.

Here are a few more health benefits of using medical marijuana:

  • Medical marijuana is safer than most prescription drugs
  • When compared to some prescription drugs, medical marijuana shows no serious side effects. The majority of the prescription drugs out there, used for pain relief, has major side effects such as liver damage.
  • Reduces chronic pain, nausea and arthritis
  • Medical marijuana even reduces pain in women who suffer from menstrual cramps and even menopause (hot flashes, chills, and mood swings).
  • Medical marijuana is a natural medicine
  • Medical marijuana is an herb grown straight from the earth – unlike some medical drugs that are chemically enhanced and processed labs.

As you can see, medical marijuana provides patients with a host of medical benefits. Most of all, medical marijuana is an effective alternative that does not cause one to overdose like many prescription drugs out there.

Marijuana for medical use is legal today in California. To legally access medical marijuana today, you need a medical marijuana ID card and prescription that was issued by a certified medical doctor. To arrange an appointment today with a local doctor here in Oakland, CA who can write these prescriptions, please go to our contact and appointment page here- Marijuana ID Cards.

New Cal law

A $100 fine is the maximum penalty of being caught with less than an ounce of marijuana in California, after Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Bill 1449 into law Thursday night.

What used to result in a criminal misdemeanour charge is now no more than a civil infraction in the Golden State. Those caught with less than 28.5 grams of marijuana will no longer have to appear in court and face a criminal record.

Californians with a Medical Marijuana Identification Card are exempt from the fine.

The California bill was passed by the Senate in June and the Assembly at the end of August, but it didn’t become law until Schwarzenegger signed it. The bill was among nearly 800 gathering dust on his desk; the governor sent a Tweet from his iPhone after he got through the stack.

“With my fantastic legislative unit after finishing acting on all 772 bills that were on my desk,” he wrote.