In my previous post I told you that I would return with information on how to find the right Cannabis Dispensary so you can be more informed about the services offered. I have since visited four different dispensaries and here is what I found:

Some dispensaries present a little flashier than others but all offer a variety of medical cannabis in many forms. 
Smoke it, vape it, eat it, apply it.
You can purchase in quantity and quality.
Some offer call ahead ordering.
Some have delivery.
All of them have an ATM on site.
All of them had security. 

The average age of those behind the counter were in their mid 20's to 30's.
All of the 'Bud Tenders, Florists, Concierges,- Employees behind the counter (there was only one male behind the counter at the dispensaries I visited) were friendly and helpful. 
I didn't glean any new information on efficacy or dosage that I didn't already know doing my own reading and research. Unfortunately, in all of the dispensaries, I felt that I knew more than the person behind the counter.
note: customer service is not the same as being knowledgeable.

I have been searching for a topical application product as it relates to arthritis. ( I had taken ibuprofen for years) I do get relief from smoking an Indica strain high in CBD but I was hoping for a product with less THC and in a topical application. Indica has a reputation for being couch potato weed and I need something that relieves the pain and not my energy, so I can create my art. There were a few application products, including time release patches, but the only information shared regarding them was to point out that, we sell a lot of this one. Selling a lot of a product doesn't necessarily mean it works. Do you sell a lot because the ratio is such that I need to use a lot? Or do you sell a lot because patients say it works? I expect someone to be able to speak to me about more than just the 'mood lifting antidepressant' strains.-  Which I should add they have always been spot on about!

However at each dispensary I was met with less than stellar advice regarding dosage and efficacy.

For example, and without fail, here is how my conversation concerning the use of Cannabis for my migraine headaches unfolded in all the dispensaries.

Me: Hi, I suffer from migraines. What do you recommend for migraines?
YW: Well, (pointing to the name of a strain(s) on the menu) some people say this one helped them. And, you know, it works best if you take it before the migraine starts. 
Ugh.
That's it. That is the length of the conversation.
Every.Single.Time.
*sigh* 
If you suffer from migraines you understand the sigh.

Migraines are not just a bad headache. Chronic Migraine is a debilitating disease who's symptoms can be crippling. There are different types of migraines. Having people knowledgeable to some of the symptoms people may experience PRIOR to the often times debilitating pain of the migraine itself would greatly help in recommending a certain strain of cannabis as well as how to consume it. If one of the patients symptoms prior to onset is nausea it has been my experience that the taste of a lingual spray (under the tongue) is most likely going to cause vomiting. Therefore I expect to be given this information and steered away from the the lingual applications. On the upside if you do suffer from migraines I recommend the the App MigraineBuddy. It is a personal application App that gives you notice about barometer fluctuations, (if you have weather related migraines) allows you to track your migraines as well as medications and other relief methods. It also has on line forums to connect with other suffers and doctors. The people who designed this really understand this disease. I am not paid to endorse this App I am just passing on the knowledge.

As with any type of pain medication or sleep aid everyone gets different results and Cannabis is no exception. I have a friend who experiences paranoia with the smallest amount of THC but can take 1000mg of CBD oil for relief of their pain. As with any disease that causes pain having options in your arsenal means more active days and less down days.

Unfortunately my results of 'shopping around' conclude that Cannabis Dispensaries are pretty much all the same in regards to product, people, and cost. The only thing that set apart the four dispensaries I visited were the aesthetics and the price. So, upload the Weed Maps App or Leafly (not paid for these endorsements either) find the dispensary closest to you and visit.
​One last thing, if you are sensitive to the smell of weed you may want to have yours delivered.

As a bonus, please enjoy some of my current artwork brought to you by some very effective anti-depressant Cannabis. All made from flowers- seriously.

Saw this in my inbox before I was going to post and thought I would share.

According to the United Nations, 158.8 million people around the world use marijuana—more than 3.8% of the planet’s population.

'Good people don't smoke marijuana'.

​This is a quote by the new Attorney General Jeff Sessions; a racist, homophobe who "joked" about how he thought the Ku Klux Klan was "okay, until he learned that they smoked marijuana."

Actually, he's missing a word.
'Good people' don't just smoke marijuana. 

Sometimes we cook with it, bake with it, use it as an anti-depressant, a pain reliever, an anti-seizure, anti-migraine.... you get the idea. 

If his statement is to be believed. I am one of the 158.8 million 'bad' people in the world. 

If you enbibed when you were younger and are thinking of coming back to the magical medicinal marijuana you should know that today's weed is not the weed of your youth- it's better. 

If you are a Foodie who though Getting Baked With Mom was just another baking competition. Stick around. I bake cake!

Yes it really is a cake. (check out the adipose tissue)

Ya still with me? 
Just scroll up. 
I'll wait.

Because I use a cannibidol (CBD) spray for arthritis pain I hike too. I may not hike it in record time but my 57 year-old body can still take me up the mountain; without my knee brace, and without joint or back pain.

​

If you have been wondering if you could benefit from medical marijuana and how it can change your life join me on Elevate The Conversation on Thursday February 23rd at 9:00pm. 

​Or if you have a group of people who you think would benefit from hearing my story you can contact me.

Also, if you are in the Southern California area and want to join me in being 'bad' on one of my baked, half-baked and on the rare occasion no-baked adventures drop me a line.

I guarantee to make you laugh harder, think deeper and become a believer about the healing power of the flower.

Say goodnight Gracie