MMJ and Nerve Pain

I think I've reached a point in my journey where I can use a bit more meds, more often, with less "psych" effects... which is a good thing, as I really need it for pain, as well as for the anxiety/insomnia.

I have begun to notice some reduction of my joint pain, though I still have the surface "itchy" that affects me so badly. It's all nerve misfiring. My CMP is reducing slightly, too.

I miss the way happy "high"... but I really like being able to walk up stairs, and to sleep.

I'm unfamiliar with Canada's rules on handicapped, disabled and special needs, but here in the U.S. this group would be segregated and protected under their rights for special needs. Maybe Canada has the same sanctioned laws there? I would check it out and make sure this change will apply to you and your particular circumstances.

The 'MMAR' (Medical Marihuana Access Regulation) is the only way to be exempted. The new rules WILL apply to EVERYONE with an exemption... which of the majority are disabled unfortunately. Groups are forming and we are trying to get our message across, but our current government is really determined to go ahead with this. On the other side, they also changed the law for mandatory minimum sentences if your caught with 6 plants or more to minimum 6 months in jail. Maximum has been raised to 14 years. For 6 god damn plants.

This all soumds so wrong in so many ways. If I understood correctly, your federal government legalized it? That's one thing we don't have here in the U.S.. Our federal government can't legalize it unless our Food & Drug Administration creates a provision exempting it from their exact dosing requirements. So far, science keeps finding more and more attributes from cannibus, but lose them or make them unstable unless it's consumed in it's plant form. So we have what you would call a 'stand off' here between administrations. But the issue didn't stop States from making it legal for medical purposes. Most physicians here are not signed up to perscribe it, so those needing it have to see a physician who really doesn't know the case, but can hear the patient out and perscribe accordingly. I assume if our Federal Government took over the program, they would mandate proof of a diagnosis to qualify for perscriptions. When it comes to medical, a one for all and all for one system will never work. I think those with special needs should fight this on the premise of discrimination.

Doctors are doorkeepers of the exemptions in Canada as well. And that is a problem because the vast majority refuse to sign because of lack of information and fear of being sued if the patient was to die from cannabis use! (like driving under the influence).

It is NOT legalized and is still a Schedule II classified drug in Canada. The government only created the MMAR because they were forced to by the Ontario court of appeal in 2000 (R. v. Parker) that basically invalidated the marijuana prohibition under our charter of rights. The Court found that the prohibition on marijuana was unconstitutional as it did not contain any exemption for medical use. So they created MMAR, allowing us to grow ourselves or designate someone. Now, they want to take this all away, and force us to buy swag from "licensed commercial growers". They created a flawed system which has now become a monster they want to reform.

CA just shut down a lot of pharmacies for 'grading' violations. As I understood it, inspectors working under cover were finding unqualified grades being sold. Didn't care what the story was, if they find stuff that doesn't belong, owner(s) lose everything. I think the rules and regs here in the U.S. are going to be a work in progress for some time. One smart thing CA workers did was join a Union. By working under a Union, they are protected by a power house of legal experts. Anyone who gets the bright idea to sue a doctor here better have jet $$$, with Giraffe $$$ in reserves. Even legal teams for that Hostess BK filing are not winning against the Union their employees worked under. Here, it's a "Good luck and may God bless" undertaking.

I have Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, as well as Myofascial Pain Syndrome. I've been in insurance limbo for several months, and have been managing my pain as best I can with cannabis. The only prescribed medication that has ever helped with the nerve pain is Neurontin (Gabapentin) -- for me, it relieved the nerve pain almost entirely. Between Neurontin, a muscle relaxant, and the scripts I need for other conditions, I'm able to keep it down to a manageable 3 or 4, pain-wise. Stuck without my meds and relying only on cannabis, I'm left at a constant 7 to 8 on the pain scale. Cannabis helps, but it doesn't really relieve my pain...it softens my perception of it, let's say.

I'm in the market for an Extreme Q when I get my tax refund this year, because I can't always afford to medicate if I'm smoking joints -- which is the only method I can really tolerate, because bongs and pipes make me cough until I vomit. I spend a lot of time worried and panicking over running low/out of weed, because I just can't stand to be in pain like this anymore. I just can't. I'm hoping using a vaporizer and making use of my ABV will help me stretch out my stash and keep me from having to go without so often.

@fluffyplague those are grave and debilitating illnesses, I sympathize with you so much - I don't think there is any pain worse than Myofascial.

The EQ is an excellent choice, and you will certainly extend your stash. Think about using a water bong or bubbler to smooth out the vapor.

Cheers!

I'm a work in progress getting a diagnosis. I too have nerve pain. It shoots out of my knees at the reflex points then runs down my leg to the ankles and feet. It's so bad it cuts off circulation making my bones and muscles hurt. Then it cuts off circulation making my one foot numb. It situation makes my body resistant to any kind of excercise (walking or target specific) without suffering with extreme fatigue. I too am on Neurontin (Gabapentin). The Neurologist believes my nerve pain is a secondary symptom to a medical condition. A tumor found on the front of my thoracic spine is being investigated. The surgeon said it looks benign so he's also investigating a common cause for a benign tumor which is a Neuromuscular Autoimmune disease called Myasthenia Gravis. Because my symptoms also mimic Lymphoma, I'm getting a Pet scan too. My primary goal with Cannabis is suppressing my immune system so I won't have to take steroids. I'm currently on my 4th round of having to take oral steroids within a 12 month period. First two was the inability to get well from a flu. These last 2 were hyper immune allergic reactions, both putting me in ER. This last on Tuesday was so bad, I needed an injection of steroids with the oral to follow. I think the chemo cream I had to put on a bump that tested positive was the blame. I was putting it on an open wound so it had to be in my blood and we all know chemo meds are toxic. My reaction was so bad, the dermatologist took a biopsy of my skin. I was already trying Cannabis but it wasn't medical grade. I could tell it was helping because my knees were throbbing less. If I get the nerve pain down the other pain goes away. I'm going this weekend to get my license and start on the medical grade that's right for my case while I'm still on the steroids. Figured it would give the Cannabis a nice start already being on top of it. Steroids are liver and kidney killers!!! They are a last resort when doctors need to control our central nervous systems and/or suppress auto immune behavior. They all know the value of Cannabis. Because of my case I've read countless articles about Nuclear medicine wanting Cannabis. The sticking point is the inability to get the plant in exacting doses required by our Food & Drug administration. I like the other things Cannabis can do for my health so I'm pretty excited about it. Did anyone tell their doctors they wanted to try Cannabis or is it better to keep it hush hush? Because recreational users can easily get in the program, it's not getting the respect it deserves medically and that carries over to those who are using it. How did you all handle this?