New MMJ State (MA) What to Expect? Find Dr?

[BryE23]

Hi FCers,

So, MA passed MMJ last night and I happen to live in MA and use MJ for my IBS and Anxiety. The last time I had my physical, last year, I told my Dr. I had started using MJ and she was against it. I explained I understand, but its the only thing that helps and she wasn't going to sway me with her statements on if being a gateway drug etc...

So, my question to FCers in MMJ states is what should I expect? How long does it take for everything to go into effect? How long before I can expect to see Dispensaries pop-up? I am betting I will need to find a new Dr. who will prescribe MMJ to me so is there a good way to find a Dr. who will do so or is it pretty much just keep checking with Drs until I get lucky?

Thanks for all and any help anyone can provide.

PS. I wish I lived in CO, hahaha

 

[Tstat]

As your neighbor to the south, I can maybe shed some light. In RI, you need to have a DOCTOR (used to be a nurse practitioner could do it) sign a statement recommending MMJ. Finding one that will do it is hard.

In light of that, a couple of consulting businesses have popped up. What they do is have you come in (with all of your medical records) and see their doctor. If their doctor feels you will benefit from MMJ (and the state will not challenge whatever ailment you have) they will sign off. This costs between $225 and $300, but you are legal as soon as they sign.

As a patient, I can grow 12 mature and 12 immature plants. Not sure what MA will be. We also finally passed a law allowing dispensaries and will have 3 to choose from after Jan.1. We can also have caregivers that we can get meds from, or become one yourself to help others.

There are many nuances to the law that suck or don't make sense, but I won't get into that since MA will have it's own language.

It's awesome that you guys passed this! But, that said, there will most certainly be frustrations as lawmakers try to come up with guidelines. RI was a mess for a while with nobody really knowing what was legal, etc. It still is in many ways, but it's certainly better than nothing. Good luck!

 

[darkrom]

I'm in the same boat. Seems like NOTHING can happen before Jan 1st. Thats about all I know for a fact at this point. I too need one for anxiety, pain, and stomach issues.

I look forward to MA improving my quality of life. I'm really eager to get the ball rolling. Picking strains is going to be a HUGE help for anyone with anxiety.

 

[BryE23]

I'm in the same boat. Seems like NOTHING can happen before Jan 1st. Thats about all I know for a fact at this point. I too need one for anxiety, pain, and stomach issues.

I look forward to MA improving my quality of life. I'm really eager to get the ball rolling. Picking strains is going to be a HUGE help for anyone with anxiety.

Yeah man it would be amazing to be able to pick strains as well as have a safe, reliable place to get it without having to worry about where it is coming from.

As your neighbor to the south, I can maybe shed some light. In RI, you need to have a DOCTOR (used to be a nurse practitioner could do it) sign a statement recommending MMJ. Finding one that will do it is hard.

In light of that, a couple of consulting businesses have popped up. What they do is have you come in (with all of your medical records) and see their doctor. If their doctor feels you will benefit from MMJ (and the state will not challenge whatever ailment you have) they will sign off. This costs between $225 and $300, but you are legal as soon as they sign.

As a patient, I can grow 12 mature and 12 immature plants. Not sure what MA will be. We also finally passed a law allowing dispensaries and will have 3 to choose from after Jan.1. We can also have caregivers that we can get meds from, or become one yourself to help others.

There are many nuances to the law that suck or don't make sense, but I won't get into that since MA will have it's own language.

It's awesome that you guys passed this! But, that said, there will most certainly be frustrations as lawmakers try to come up with guidelines. RI was a mess for a while with nobody really knowing what was legal, etc. It still is in many ways, but it's certainly better than nothing. Good luck!

Thanks a ton for the insight. Seems like it will still be a tough road, but with 1 roadblock down at least we can start working on the next roadblocks.

PS- Sorry for the double post, wanted to make sure I replied to both posters :-)

 

[Steele Concept]

Our good neighbor to the North! It looks like MA will have a much better MMJ policy than CT. Best of luck in your quest Bry.

New England seems like a relatively progressive place now regarding decrim and MMJ... With the exception of New Hampshire where I hear they will chop off your left hand for possession .

 

[darkrom]

I really need a card. I need to get some crazy shit like harlequin or some CBD rich strain that would be WORTHLESS to most of the recreational market I'm stuck buying from for now.

 

[BryE23]

I really need a card. I need to get some crazy shit like harlequin or some CBD rich strain that would be WORTHLESS to most of the recreational market I'm stuck buying from for now.

I am all out right now, but I am an Indica guy. The strain that worked the best for me was Northern Lights, but alas, I was only able to get it one time. I hope to get it again someday!

 

[BryE23]

I found this small tidbit

The Department of Public Health is charged writing the rules within about four months to fully implement the law, within the framework outlined on the ballot, and registering at least one nonprofit distribution center in each county, with up to 35 allowed in 2013.

The law, which will take effect Jan. 1, calls for the DPH to issue a set of regulations within 120 days after that.

The DPH must decide what amount of marijuana constitutes the 60-day supply -- register treatment centers that will distribute the marijuana; and register the treatment center's personnel.

NECN.com

http://www.necn.com/11/08/12/Medica...ding_politics.html?blockID=799203&feedID=8498

 

[darkrom]

I heard the first one was SUPPOSED to be in wakefield, but I think the potential owner pulled the ballot himself so he didn't confuse voters. What a guy!

 

[BryE23]

Can't come soon enough. I been out for like a week and my IBS has been killing me, uugghh Sucks when you don't have a reliable supply. I just hope they don't delay everything.

 

[darkrom]

Now at work I've reached anxiety levels I can't even describe. Spending the next week shaking and debating resorting to pharms (ALWAYS regret benzos the next day).

HURRY UP MA!

 

[darkrom]

Anyone got any more info? I'm getting excited AND anxious because I don't know how to guarantee myself a card or what to expect.

I went from buying oz at a time to 1/4s. I'm broke and just trying to string myself along until I can switch to medical and pick some more helpful strains.

 

[Bouldorado]

Medical won't necessarily be much cheaper than street prices, at least at the start. Here in CO, $50+ eighths and $350+ ounces were the norm for a while. I'm not sure why prices fell eventually, but it was either due to a government price ceiling and/or more competition. Same deal with the doctor fee and state fee. Doctor fee used to be 150-200+, while the state fee was 90; now that has dropped to 60-100 and 35, respectively. Hope MA gets it figured out soon.

 

[darkrom]

I'm not thinking of it for lower prices. I just think if I get more carefully chosen strains or concentrates I'll get a much better value than whatever the dealer happens to have at that time.

 

[darkrom]

Anyone heard anything about ANY progress? They don't have long to have the official guidelines and process figured out yet. I'd really like to get a jump on the process by staying informed.

 

[fake name]

All ive heard about is every town the news has mentioned is trying to zone it so its impossible to build it within regulations. Quincy is making it so it cant be within 1500ft of anywhere with a liquer license, schools, or residential areas. All the burbs in norfork county seem against it too, so I'm not sure where they'll put one, far be it the 5 possible in the county.

I'm sorry to hear about your troubles guys, I at the moment am blessed with the ability to get from many places so I am never without. When they do start opening I will be trying get a hash manfucturer license. My new thing is studying ways that can extract individual cannibinoids, and ive had some success. Sorry, I cant tell you how until ive filled for a patent on the tech, but I can promise you that at some level people are getting ready. And when I can, ill be there with all thc oil for headaches, all cbn for joint pain/muscle pain / back pain, and the all cbd for stomach pains/cancer/ liver pains. I recommend mixing about ten percent cbn with the all thc if you're not used to the type of high, and mixing thc and cbn evenly for anxiety.

I know this does you guys no good at the moment, and I am so very sorry I cant help you out right now, but all I can do is say is that the steps are falling into place, regulation is being set then the investors will follow. If they had made it private bussiness, like all other big pharma is, it would go a lot faster, but it's hard convincing people to invest in "non-profit."

 

[darkrom]

Any updates? It keeps getting closer and closer but it seems they are keeping everything quiet.

 

[fake name]

I know that a a couple of recommendation centers from other states are planning to set up centers, cannamed and integr8. The MDPH has until late April to write the regulations, but the mass municipal association has asked for a six month delay and state senator John f. Keenan, democrat norfolk county, has written a bill for the delay. Other than that all the news I have read is town specific and about zoning regulations, all the towns ar setting up their regulations.

 

[darkrom]

Realistically its sounding more like 2014 from what you said.

 

[fake name]

To get actual dispensaries, yes 2014 is seeming likley. But, the delay may not happen, so mid 2013 maybe.

Also, you can get you reccomendation as of January, not sure the exact date, so you can have medical at that point, just not get it. I have seen arguments based on the language of what was in the ballet that if dispensaries aren't open you have the right to grow your own. This is because what we voted on stated that people unable to access a medical center can obtain a hardship license to grow there own.

 

[darkrom]

So I'm confused by that.

Once Jan rolls around I can have my doctor give me a medical card? Does that mean I'm allowed to carry and use whatever amount they decide, just no dispensaries around? Essentially turning my street bud into medical marijuana? Because that'd be a nice start to hold me over until I can get more specific strains to suit my medical needs more effectively.

I'd love to be able to grow my own in the meantime waiting for dispensaries.

 

[fake name]

Yes, I do believe it would turn your street bud into medical for the time being. But only up to a sixty day amounts worth, which wont be defined until 120 days after the law is enacted. So, I think everyone is confused on this point. Seems likely that it will be figured out in court, a cop issues a ticket while the other party claims right and sues to have their cannabis returned.

 

[darkrom]

That's quite interesting. That would help with the anxiety a bit. Its already decriminalized, but I'd still prefer a little card that says its ok haha.

 

[fake name]

If anyone is interested, the six month delay I mentioned earlier did NOT go through.

 

[darkrom]

Of course we are interested. Thanks!