North San Diego Medical Marijuana Collective Dispensary
POT 101
RESOURCES
Obtaining Your Medicine
Now that you have your Doctor's Recommendation, you need to find a place to obtain your medicine. You basically have three options. Purchase it from a Medical Marijuana Delivery Service, a Medical Marijuana Dispensary, or grow your own.
Both the Delivery Service and the Dispensaries are legal organizations formed to help patients obtain medicine. They are formed as Cooperatives and as such, you, the patient must become a member of their group in order to obtain your medicine. This usually consists of signing membership documents. It is the responsibility of the Cooperative to verify that your Doctor's Recommendation is Valid and that you are indeed the person named on this Recommendation. This is done on your first visit and you must allow at least 15 minutes for this process to be completed.
After you join the cooperative, you are given a member card which makes subsequent visits much quicker and convenient. All cooperatives should keep your infomation private by using encryption on their computers and should store all electronic records in a secured offsite location.
If a Dispensary or Delivery Service is raided by the police, as sometimes happens in San Diego, and they have not secured your personal information in an offsite location, the police can confiscate computers and records. This is something to consider before joining a coorperative. Ask how they protect your privacy as a patient, if this is a concern.
Delivery Service:
A Delivery Service is cooperative that brings the medicine to you. Again, allow 15-30 minutes on your first meeting to complete the paperwork and verification process. The service will meet you at a place of your convenience. You can usually select your medicine from a website menu and your medicine should come in a medical container with labeling.
Dispensary:
A Dispensary is a store that sells medicine. You will not be allowed into the store and will have to wait in a lobby until your paperwork is verified and you have signed all pertinent documents. If there are already customers inside the store, you may also have to wait until they leave before you can enter. Some stores have security guards and elaborate security systems to prevent robbery, which at first can be a bit shocking the first time you enter. To find a dispensary in San Diego, you usually will have to go downtown as they are not allowed in most North County cities. There have been raids at dispensaries in San Diego and patients that were in the store at the time were arrested!
Growing Your Own:
You can also grow your own medicine at your home. The growing process, once you have your equipment set up takes about three months. You are allowed by law to grow up to six plants and typically, each plant will yield from 2-4 ounces of dried medicine. The advantage of growing your own is that you can control how you grow it, so you can insure that only the finest nutrients were used. You can even grow it completely organically!
Understanding Cannabis
The Cannabis Plant (Cannabis Sativa) is composed of two distinct strains, Sativa and Indica. Countless Hybrids of the two strains exist as well. Understanding the genetics behind your medicine is essential to proper treatment, as unique strains often have a profoundly different affect on the medical user.
Sativa strains
...are more of a stimulant, and are effective in appetite stimulation, relieving depression, migraines, chronic pain and nausea. Sativas have a higher level of THC than indicas, which results in a psychoactive and energetic mind-high. Because sativa strains may cause feelings of alertness and optimism, many patients prefer to medicate with this type of cannabis during the day.
Indica Strains
...are sedatives/relaxants and are effective for treating the symptoms of medical conditions such as anxiety, chronic pain, insomnia, muscle spasms and tremors. Indicas have a higher level of cannabinoids than sativas, which results in a sedated body-type high. Because indica strains may cause feelings of sleepiness and heaviness, many patients prefer to medicate with this type of cannabis at night.
Hybrids are just that, a plant which has been cross bred with another strain to combine beneficial effects of the two strains. Consult with your dispenser as to the genetic background of your medication in order to ascertain whether it is the best treatment for your condition.
How Much Medication Do I Need?
Larger possession limits are in place to allow you to grow and store your medicine legally, for personal use. Patients generally use smaller amounts, however some patients suffering from chronic pain can require as much as two ounces a week as a tolerance to your medication can develop.
Quanitites:
Grams (1g) / eighth (3.5g) / quarters (7g) / Ounce or Oz (28g)
Typical pricing:
One Gram (1g) will sell for $20-$25, an Eighth (3.5g) will sell for $50-$75, a Quarter (7g) will sell for $90-$140 and an Ounce (28g) will sell for $350-$450. Price generally depends on quality.
Dosages:
It is difficult to simply advise an amount as a dosage, as the potency can be so variable. A quarter of a gram is an excellent starting point in ascertaining proper levels for personal treatment. With time your tolerance will rise, so adjust use accordingly.
Unlike pharmaceutical chemicals, herbs are subtle and changeable, and requre careful monitoring of yourself to ascertain effects and proper doseages. Always start with a smaller amount before moving on to larger doses.
State Laws
Legal Medical Marijuana Use is defined by Senate Bill 420 and Prop. 215
Under these laws physicians are allowed to recommend the medical application of marijuana to treat approved medical conditions. These laws protect the patient from prosection on the State level.
Medical Marijuana Possession
A physician's recommendation allows a patient to legally possess up to 8 ounces (a half pound) of dried marijuana. In addition, a patient is allowed to grow their own medicine. Up to 6 adult plants or 12 immature plants. Do not grow more than the amount allowed by law. If you grow more than 99 plants, you open yourself up to Federal prosecution and a five year mandatory sentence!!!!!!
DUI, Driving Under the Influence
Bad News, unlike alcohol, using any amount of marijuana before driving a motor vehicle is prohibited. The Good News is that marijuana cannot be detected by a breathalyzer test. Although a blood test or urine test will detect the presence of marijuana in your system, there currently is no test that can be used to determine how much a patient smoked, nor how long it has been since a patient used their medication. Unless you tell the police officer that you are under the influence of marijuana, it will be up to the "professional experience" of a police officer to determine if you are. Do not tell a police officer anything about your use of marijuana, unless you wish to give up your 5th Amendment right to protect yourself against self-incrimination. No matter what he tells you, his job is to arrest and convict you of a crime! Best advise is, Don't Medicate and Drive!!!
You may smoke in your vehicle after you have arrived at your location. Remember to always take the key out of the ignition before medicating and keep it out afterwards. A key in the ignition implies to a police officer that you are intending to drive and could result in a DUI conviction.
Do not leave paraphernalia in plain site after using it. This can give a police officer the right to search your entire vehicle. It is best to put your medicine and paraphernalia in the trunk or a locking bag or box, as a police officer would need a search warrant to open a locked container.
Medical Marijuana and the Workplace
Your doctor's recommendation to use medical marijuana does not override an employer's right to maintain a drug free workplace. You should contact your H.R. department and ask for their policy regarding the use of Medical Marijuana by employees.
If you use medical marijuana and are asked to take a drug test by your employer, there are ways to hide or mask the marijuana in your blood stream. These usually consist of drinks that flush the marijuana markers from your urinary system.
Where Not to Medicate
In any place where smoking is prohibited by law
In or within 1,000 feet of the grounds of a school, recreation center, or youth center, unless the medical use occurs within a residence
While in a moving motor vehicle
Note: Always extend courtesy to those around you with your medical marijuana use. Just because you are allowed to smoke in public does not mean that you should be rude about it. Remember, your actions reflect on medical patients everywhere.
Doctor's Recommendation
In order to buy medical marijuana you must first obtain a doctor's recommendation. There are doctors that specialize in this service and the cost for this service is about $130 dollars. A doctor near you can be found by doing a Google search on the internet, or by clicking on this link.
S.B. 420 lists some of the conditions that are approved for medical marijuana. These include: (1) Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), Anorexia, Arthritis, Cachexia, Cancer, Chronic pain, Glaucoma, Migraine, Persistent muscle spasms, Seizures, Severe nausea, Any other chronic or persistent medical symptom that either: (A) Substantially limits the ability of the person to conduct one or more major life activities, If not alleviated, may cause serious harm to the patient's safety or physical or mental health. Additional conditions include menstral cramps, glaucoma, head aches, back pain, etc...
A doctor's recommendation is completely confidential and is protected by law from being shared with any third party, without your persmission. Your condition is not reported to any outside agencies, your work, the state, the Federal Governemnt, your employer, or even your private physician.
A doctor's recommendation is not a prescription. It does not tell you how much to buy or use, when to use it, how to ingest it, or where to buy it. It is up to YOU to take responsiblity for your own condition and determine what is the best medical regiment for your condition.
When you leave the doctor's office you will leave with a document that will give you the right to purchase your medical marijuana and it usually expires in one calender year. You will need this in order to purchase medicine from a Medical Marijuana Cooperative. Keep this with you at all times. This document also protects you from arrest and conviction if you are found by the police with legal amounts of medicine in your possession.
This Legal document has the doctor's contact information so that its validity can be checked either by phone or over the internet. Most doctors use a third party service to verify the validity of your recommendation. This is done so that you can buy your medicine at times when the doctor's office would be closed.
Is Medical Marijuana Safe?
Cannabis is one of the safest medicines available. Unlike alcohol and most perscription drugs, it is impossible to consume enough to overdose or produce a toxic affect in the body. However, if you are unfamiliar with it, there are some effects which you should be aware of so that you can use it safely and effectively.
Side Effects:
- Uneasiness: Cannabis usually has a soothing and comforting effect on the mind, however people sometime experience feelings of anxiety or guilt associated with cannabis use. Remember that you are safe, and that using your medicine is your right. Put yourself in a comfortable place. Often eating will reduce the anxiety.
- Hunger & Thirst: Cannabis has a stimulating effect on the appetite and many patients use it for that particular reason. If you are using cannabis for a different medical purpose, simply enjoy a healthy snack or beverage and the ‘munchies’ will go away.
- Red Eye: This is a natural effect of cannabis and is often exacerbated by smoke from cannabis use. It is not harmful and will go away on its own in a few hours. If you are worried about public perception, simply apply some eye drops with redness protection
- Drowsiness: If cannabis makes you sleepy, simply take a nap if time allows. As with all medicines that can cause drowsiness, never drive or operate heavy machinery while under the effects.
- Short-Term Memory Loss: Sometimes Heavy or extended use can cause a decrease in focus or short term memory. Simply reduce usage or take a short break and things will return to normal within a day or two.
The Active Ingredients Of Cannabis
Below are some of the naturally occurring cannabinoids found in cannabis products like marijuana, hashish, and hashish oil. In addition to natural cannabinoids, there are many synthetic cannabinoids which are not covered in this article. Synthetic cannabinoids are not found in marijuana, hashish, or hashish oil unless they have been intentionally added.
THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) gets a user high, a larger THC content will produce a stronger high. Without THC you don't get high.
CBD (Cannabidiol) increases some of the effects of THC and decreases other effects of THC. High levels of THC and low levels of CBD contribute to a strong, clear headed, more energetic high.
Cannabis that has a high level of both THC and CBD will produce a strong head-stone that feels almost dreamlike. Cannabis that has low levels of THC and high levels of CBD produces more of a stoned feeling. The mind feels dull and the body feels tired.
CBN (Cannabinol) is produced as THC ages and breaks down, this process is known as oxidization. High levels of CBN tend to make the user feel messed up rather than high.
CBN levels can be kept to a minimum by storing cannabis products in a dark, cool, airtight environment. Marijuana should be dry prior to storage, and may have to be dried again after being stored somewhere that is humid.
THCV (Tetrahydrocannabivarin) is found primarily in strains of African and Asian cannabis. THCV increases the speed and intensity of THC effects, but also causes the high to end sooner. Weed that smells strong (prior to smoking) might indicate a high level of THCV.
CBC (Cannabichromene) is probably not psychoactive in pure form but is thought to interact with THC to enhance the high.
CBL (Cannabicyclol) is a degradative product like CBN. Light converts CBC to CBL.
If you are a grower, you can experiment with different strains of cannabis to produce the various qualities you seek. A medical user looking for something with sleep inducing properties might want to produce a crop that has high levels of CBD.
Another user looking for a more energetic high will want to grow a strain that has high levels of THC and low levels of CBD. In general, Cannabis sativa has lower levels of CBD and higher levels of THC. Cannabis indica has higher amounts of CBD and lower amounts of THC than sativa. See marijuana strains.
This information comes to you from the Drug Information Handbook
A More Scientific Description
(an excerpt from marijuana growers guide by Mel Frank)
Cannabis is unique in many ways. Of all plants, it is the only genus known to produce chemical substances known as herbal cannabinoids. These cannabinoids are the psychoactive ingredients of marijuana; they are what get you high, buzzed, or stoned. By 1974, there were 37 naturally occurring cannabinoids that had been discovered.
There are 3 types of cannabinoids: --- Herbal: occur naturally only in the cannabis plant --- Endogenous: occur naturally in humans and other animals --- Synthetic: cannabinoids produced in a lab
Most of the cannabinoids appear in very small amounts (less than .01 percent of total cannabinoids) and are not considered psychoactive, or else not important to the high. Many are simply homologues or analogues (similar structure or function) to the few major cannabinoids which are listed.
There are several numbering systems used for cannabinoids. The system used here is based on formal chemical rules for numbering pyran compounds (any of a class of organic compounds of the heterocyclic series in which five carbon atoms and one oxygen atom are present in a ring structure). Another common system is used more by Europeans and is based on a monoterpenoid system which is more useful considering the biogenesis of the compound.
Tetrahydrocannabinol - THC
Delta 9-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol - delta-9 THC is the main psychotomimetic (mindbending) ingredient of marijuana. Estimates state that 70 to 100 percent of the marijuana high results from the delta-9 THC present. It occurs in almost all cannabis in concentrations that vary from traces to about 95 percent of all the cannabinoids in the sample.
In very potent strains, carefully prepared marijuana can be 30 percent delta-9 THC by dry weight (seeds and stems removed from flowering buds). Buds are the popular name given to masses of female flowers that form distinct clusters.
Delta 8-trans-tetrahydrocannabinol - delta-8 THC is reported in low concentration, less than one percent of the delta-9 THC present. Its activity is slightly less than that of delta-9 THC. It may be an artefact of the extraction/analysis process. Almost everyone who uses the term THC, refers to delta-9 THC and delta-8 THC combined, as THC.
Cannabidiol - CBD
Cannabidiol - CBD also occurs in almost all strains. Concentration range from none, to about 95 percent of the total cannabinoids present. THC and CBD are the two most abundant naturally occurring cannabinoids. CBD is not psychotomimetic in the pure form, although it does have sedative, analgesic, and antibiotic properties.
In order for CBD to affect the high, THC must be present in quantities ordinarily psychoactive. CBD can contribute to the high by interacting with THC to potentiate (enhance) or antagonize (interfere or lessen) certain qualities of the high.
CBD appears to potentiate the depressant effects of THC and antagonize is excitatory effects. CBD also delays the onset of the high but can make it last considerably longer (as much as twice as long). The kind of grass that takes a while to come on but keeps coming on.
Opinions are conflicting as to whether it increases or decreases the intensity of the high, intensity and high being difficult to define. Terms such as knock-out or sleepy, dreamlike, or melancholic are often used to describe the high from grass with sizeable proportions of CBD and THC.
When only small amounts of THC are present with high proportions of CBD, the high is more of a buzz, and the mind feels dull and the body de-energized.
Cannabinol - CBN
Cannabinol - CBN is not produced by the plant per se. It is the degradation (oxidative) product of THC. Fresh samples of marijuana contain very little CBN but curing, poor storage, or processing such as when making hashish, can cause much of the THC to be oxidized to CBN. Pure forms of CBN have at most 10 percent of the psychoactivity of THC.
Like CBD, it is suspected of potentiating certain aspects of the high, although so far these effects appear to be slight. CBN seems to potentiate THC's disorienting qualities. One may feel more dizzy or drugged or generally messed up but not necessarily higher.
In fact, with a high proportion of CBN, the high may start well but feels as if it never quite reaches its peak, and when coming down one feels tired or sleepy. High CBN in homegrown grass is not desirable since it represents a loss of 90 percent of the psychoactivity of its precursor THC.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin - THCV
Tetrahydrocannabivarin - THCV or THV is the propyl homologue of THC. In the aromatic ring the usual five-carbon pentyl is replaced by a short three-carbon propyl chain. The propyl cannabinoids have so far been found in some strains originating from Southeast and Central Asia and parts of Africa.
In one study, THCV made up to 48.23 percent (Afghanistan strain) and 53.69 percent (South Africa) of the cannabinoids found. We've seen no reports on its activity in humans. From animal studies it appears to be much faster in onset and quicker to dissipate than THC. It may be the constituent of one or two toke grass, but its activity appears to be somewhat less than that of THC. Some people use the term THC to refer collectively to delta-9 THC, delta-8 THC, and THCV.
An interesting note is that people who have a prescription for Marinol (synthetic medical THC) may be tested for THCV. Marinol contains no THCV, if a person tests positive it means they have been using marijuana, or another cannabis product. This is usually sufficient grounds to terminate the prescription of a person who has signed a contract not to ingest any cannabis while taking Marinol.
Cannabichromene - CBC
Cannabichromene - CBC is another major cannabinoid, although it is found in smaller concentrations than CBD and THC. It was previously believed that is was a minor constituent, but more exacting analysis showed that the compound often reported as CBD may actually be CBC.
Relative to THC and CBD, its concentration in the plants is low, probably not exceeding 20 percent of total cannabinoids. CBC is believed not to be psychotomimetic in humans; however, its presence in plants is purportedly very potent has led to the suspicion that it may be interacting with THC to enhance the high.
Cannabicyclol - CBL
Cannabicyclol (CBL) is a degradative product like CBN. During extraction, light converts CBC to CBL. There are no reports on its activity in humans, and it is found in small amounts, if at all, in fresh plant material.
Cannabinoids & The High
The marijuana high is a complex experience. It involves a wide range of psychical, physical, and emotional responses. The high is a subjective experience based in the individual and one's personality, mood, disposition, and experience with the drug.
Given the person, the intensity of the high depends primarily on the amount of THC present in the marijuana. Delta-9 THC is the main ingredient of marijuana and must be present in sufficient quantities for a good marijuana high.
People who smoke grass that has very little cannabinoids other than delta-9 THC usually report that the high is very intense. Most people that don't smoke daily will feel something from a joint having delta-9 THC of 3 percent concentration to material.
Cannabis products having a THC concentration of 5-10 percent would be considered good, 10-25 percent would be considered very good, and over 25 percent would be excellent quality by daily users standards. In general, we use potency to mean the sum effects of the cannabinoids and the overall high induced.
Marijuana is sometimes rated more potent than the content of delta-9 THC alone would suggest. It also elicits qualitatively different highs. The reasons for this have not been sorted out. Few clinical studies with known combinations of several cannabinoids have been undertaken with human subjects.
So far, different highs and possibly higher potency seem to be due to the interaction of delta-9 THC and other cannabinoids (THCV,CBD,CBN, and possibly CBC). Except for THCV, in the pure form, these other cannabinoids do not have much psychoactivity.
Another possibility for higher potency is that homologues of delta-9 THC with longer side chains at C-3 (and higher activity) might be found in certain marijuana strains.
Compounds with longer side chains have been made in laboratories and their activity is sometimes much higher, with estimates over 500 times that of natural delta-9 THC.
The possibility that there are non-cannabinoids that are psychoactive or interacting with the cannabinoids has not been investigated in detail. Non-cannabinoids with biological activity have been isolated from the plants, but only in very small quantities.
None are known to be psychotomimetic. However, they may contribute to the overall experience in non-mental ways, such as the stimulation of the appetite.
Different blends of cannabinoids account for the different qualities of intoxication produced by different strains of cannabis. The intensity of the high depends primarily on the amount of delta-9 THC present and on the method of ingestion.
A complex drug such as marijuana affects the mind and body in many ways. Sorting out what accounts for what response can become quite complex.
Helpful Books About Marijuana
Cannabis and Cannabinoids: Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Potential
Researchers from Europe, the US, Australia, and Brazil focus on the health aspects of cannabis and cannabinoids, mentioning social and political dimensions only when required within the medicinal discussion.
They consider botany, taxonomy, chemistry, and history; pharmacology and pharmacokinetics; indications for cannabis and THC; risks and side effects; other cannabinoids; and other constituents of cannabis.
Cannabis and Cannabinoids (paperback)
Marijuana Botany
Very good book about breeding marijuana and improving the quality and quantity of your crop. This has information from doctors, scientists, horticulturists, and other professionals. Collected from 50 years of laboratory and field research.
Not for the small time grower, this is more for commercial operations and advanced growers. Understanding this book requires that you have a some knowledge of horticultural and scientific terminology.
Marijuana Chemistry: Genetics, Processing And Potency
Explains the various cannabinoids that marijuana is made up of and how things like growing conditions, harvesting, processing, affect the potency of the final product.
Lots of tables, graphs, and other info. Recommended for the intermediate and expert marijuana grower, this is heavy on chemistry. If you do not have a very good grasp of science and chemistry this book is not for you.
The Cannabis Breeder's Bible: The Definitive Guide to Marijuana Genetics, Cannabis Botany and Creating Strains for the Seed Market
Very good book for the marijuana grower that would like to produce their own premium seed variety for personal use, or to market and sell worldwide. Contains photographs, illustrations, and interviews with breeders and seed bank professionals.
Covers such topics as genetics and breeding, the science of cannabis (DNA, evolution, etc), developing your own strain, international seed law issues, protecting your new breeds or strains from being produced and sold by others, shipping seeds and clones, breeding lab designs, product testing, common