I can only dream of being pain free for 8 hours.

sableincal, I can empathize. I would love to be able to put one foot in front of the other without thinking about it.

Interesting-I live in Florida and medical marijuana is on the ballot. Talking to a colleague yesterday, he mentioned he was voting no because 'once it's medical then you slide into non-medical, smoke shops, edibles...' and I told him I"m voting a hearty YES because 'once it's medical then you slide into non-medical etc" ;)

As a vibrant middle aged woman I find that now even one glass of wine or cocktail messes up my sleep and leaves me feeling yucky next day. So perhaps I'll get to revisit my flaming youth and find something that will be enjoyable without the side effects LOL.

I'm in FL and I have nothing against marijuana legalization, running, but I'm still voting against that amendment because I think it should be in the law, not the state constitution. If it fails, I suspect that will be the reason, because a lot of folks who don't mind seeing it legalized think a constitutional amendment is not the way.

I am totally out of this loop and it never occurred to me that this product could be made into a salve

Do you feel any side effects like being altered?

I wonder if this would show up on drug tests. Do the military and businesses still do random drug testing of employees? I"ve never worked for anyone who did, but I remember a relative being tested years ago.

My DH needs some of this magic cream. He had spinal decompression surgery a few weeks ago, and his neck is a wreck from top to bottom, so more surgery in the future (most likely). Not to mention his arthritic hands, bad knees and shoulders. Yes, he's falling apart but at least he finally realizes his limitations when it comes to working and working out. You can still stay in shape w/o hurting your already broken body.

Darn it, we were in Seattle this summer and I would have stocked up on the stuff for my gymnast daughter (and maybe her teammates!) if I'd known!

like mimi, I am also curious if there are other effects to the salve, except pain relief.

I just found this article that explains how the topicals work, you get none of the "euphoria" of inhaling.how topicals work

This is great news because the more cannabis is introduced in this type of application/product, the more it will become societally accepted as a viable healing product--rather than the typical images of joints and bong hits.

According to these sources, you won't get "high" using a topical application like a salve, and it will not, apparently, show up on drug tests.

http://www.drugpolicy.org/blog/i-use-medical-marijuana-topical-form-pain-will-i-test-positive-drug-test

https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-are-cannabis-topicals

https://www.coloradopotguide.com/colorado-marijuana-blog/2015/february/21/learn-how-topical-cannabis-can-help-you/

ETA, Mitchdesj, we must have had the same google results! I found that Leafly article quite interesting.

Like daisychain, I'd like to know if it is absorbed into the body/bloodstream so that it would show up in a urine test for example. A lot of people are subject to random testing at work so it would be nice to know if the salves are absorbed.

Sableincal--you shouldn't have long to wait in CA. There's an initiative to legalize marijuana on the ballot that looks likely to pass. I don't know if it goes into effect immediately, but probably before you get another chance to go to the Pacific NW.

I could use some of that in lieu of NSAIDS and all their long term side effects. We have medicinal in MN - wonder if we have topical products.

Sorry to come in off topic on this but as a Washingtonian and long term Seattlite, the public market is called Pike Place Market, not PikesPlace :-) It is a minor detail to be sure but drives the natives crazy when it is referred to incorrectly. A sure sign of an out-of-towner!!

Agree with mimou that acquiring and transporting legally purchased cannabis products across state lines is a major no-no. And possessing such a product in states where cannabis is not legalized puts you at risk. Just saying.........:-) The good news is that many states are now investigating the legalization of cannabis products - it's hard to ignore the major tax revenues generated by such enterprises. They are HUGE!!!

Does anyone know about cannabis and insomnia? I've read that it works but does anyone have any additional kinowledge? I wouldnt want to smoke it but a cookie would be good. A little cookie, oooooh and then sleep?

I remember people eating brownies to get high. The pain relief part or other medical purposes is good news and does not bother me for legalization as long as minds aren't altered where people are doing it on the roads or at work that affects others. DUI in particular is troubling especially since people believe their abilities aren't hampered. Other than that I hope relief is on the way for everyone. It makes sense to try it in a few states first. I guess when they see the tax dollars generated, then it will be full throttle.

mimiou, I believe even possession is still a federal crime, even in states where it's legal - IF the feds wanted to prosecute. Obama has not, but who knows what might happen in a more conservative administration.

Yes Olychick, you are correct. There is a pot tourism industry and they tend to remind folks not to cross state lines so I threw that out there.

Westsider, I was a regular pot smoker in my 20s & 30s. I frequently took a few tokes before going to bed, especially when I worked a job that required me to get up at 5 AM. I've never been a morning person, so getting a good night's sleep was important for me to be able to function.

I'm all for legalization. Willie Nelson, still touring at 84 is a pretty good poster boy. It helps many people with pain etc. The pharmaceutical companies fight legalization because they can't make money off of it.

Westsider, DD uses it occasionally for sleep and says it helps (we live in a state where i is legal). I have sleep issues and she gave me one of those things you put cannabis oil (?) in and inhale. Can't remember what they're called. I've never gotten the inhaling thing down in the very few times I've ever tried so, needless to say, it didn't help me. Maybe there are other forms?

dsg2015, my mother took it in pill form when she was taking chemo. She, however, didn't have a good experience with it and discontinued use.

Neetsiepie, I am in awe of your stamina in having a good time! Great! As for the salve, I am glad it is so effective for you, and wondering if that is typical for most users. It would be so helpful to have another pain remedy for chronic sufferers.

We just did a drug education class for work and our instructor said that they do remove all of the properties (THC) of pot that give you the high and you're only left with the effective parts. She said because the drug tests test for THC levels, that salves and ointments that are legitimately made this way will not show up as a failed drug test. They are also non addictive psychologically like regular pot.

I'm glad it worked for you! I feel for anyone with chronic pain and to have less side effects than NSAIDS is a great benefit.

This is a fascinating thread - thanks, Neetsiepie! I wonder if I should ask my family doc/internist about it. He is a wise and compassionate man, but he might have to say that sorry, it's illegal, and he can't discuss it. Do docs in OR and WA talk about it with patients?

Ya...this IS interesting! Never thought about the salve-angle! I'll read up on the blood-test effects. My annual physical is this Thu. Have to "fast" for 12hrs now, to get the blood-panel done Wed am, so the #'s are avail at the physical. Wish I had some of the salve to try to tonight!!!!! ;-)

My Rx NSAID I need to use is "Diclofenac 75mg", 1-2x/day. Knees & shoulders are pretty sore if I don't take it. If home for a couple days, I sometimes don't take 1, but darn it.... things work easier if I do!

Faron

Faron, saw this the other day and thought of you. ;)

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2016/10/21/yoga-pants-outrage-rhode-island-parade/92509852/

LOL!

I don't wanna derail this thread.....

Faron

Sorry-was at work all day and unable to get back to the computer.

No, I did not get any 'effects' from the salve, just pain relief. Actually, on Sunday my DH put some on my back for me, and I put some behind my knee and I was able to get through the day pain free. Normally I have to take at least one Vicodin and rest every 15 mins. So yes, I am sold on this stuff.

I've not spoken with my PCP, primarily because my health insurance co doesn't support the medical marijauna program. But my son-in-law's oncologist told him to smoke it to get his appetite up after he had some abdominal cancer and the meds made him not want to eat. I was concerned about it showing up on a drug test, not because of my employment, but because I'm on an opiod therapy program. But the salve is almost making it to the point I don't need that any more! That would be my dream!

It hasn't helped with the bad, bad knee pain, I guess ingesting or smoking might, but as I noted, I can't ingest it-it literally makes me throw up. I did try the vapor-which is the oil you can inhale, but again, it was mainly THC and I got high and didn't like it. That is why I never really got in to it pre-children, never liked the high.

I'd tried some candies that I didn't get sick from, and they did help me sleep a little better, but the taste was pretty gross. They didn't help with my pain at all.

I guess it's a YMMV type of thing, but if it becomes de-listed by the Feds, I'd suggest anyone who can try it for pain relief definitely give it a go. I can't take Nsaids any more, so that is why they have me on the opiod therapy, but Nsaids are what works best for me...and now this salve!

Westsider, only anecdotal evidence but I found it extremely effective for insomnia. I had to stop smoking as it makes me too philosophical/paranoid and I started thinking wayyyy too much about mortality. But before that it was a dream for deep sleep.

Westsider. I believe you may be talking about Marinol, which is a man-made cannabis product in pill form. I have cancer, and due to the pain caused by 6 weeks of continuous radiation to my throat, have terrific pain swallowing, complete loss of taste and resulting weight problems because I can’t eat. Dr. prescribed Marinol, to help me to sleep at night and also as an appetite enhancer. Unfortunately, it works well toward helping with the sleep, but hasn’t made any significant progress with my appetite. Even my doctor admitted that it was a shame we were in a state that prohibited Cannabis or cannaboid products, since they’ve been known to cure cancer and reverse cancer in many patients, and is known for increasing appetite.

4Heidesign, I'm so sorry about your struggles. I had a friend who had cancer about 10 years ago and went rogue when it was illegal in our state. It did help her significantly. Not suggesting you do the same, but still...

Robo, the first time I smoked it in college, I left the party, came back to my dorm room, and wrote in a notebook all night long what I thought were coherent thoughts. I realized the next day they were not at all. I tried it a few more times after that, but it didn't do anything for me so it was never recreational for me. If I had medical issues though for which it was found to be helpful, I'd certainly use it again.

I read a good update on a medical site recently about research into cannabis as medical therapy. It has been touted as a wonder cure for so many things which cannot be true, but I wanted to know what the real evidence was.

It seems that there is a compound that has been isolated that shows real promise as an effective treatment for some things, but the unfortunately thing is that the plant, as cultivated today, has been selected for high levels of intoxicant, and the levels of the potentially beneficial compound are much lower than were seen a few decades ago.

It sounds like this salve is the sort of application that people are hoping for when they vote to legalize.

My cousin used medicinal marijuana for pain until about 8 months before she died of cervical cancer - a 4+ year battle that included metastastic cancer in her bones and lungs, and 3 separate episodes of chemo. For a long time she used the marijuana only, and later on she used it in conjunction with other medication. I'm a believer. It helped her hugely with her appetite and she looked remarkabe (considering her circumstances of course) right up till very near the end. She had a documents and identification authorizing her to have it in her possession and it was administered though an office approved by our health authority. She tried the pill mentioned above, but had better results just smoking it. It absolutely improved her quality of life for a significant period of time.... on high doses of narcotics she was a zombie that could hardly get out of bed. Using marijuana she was able to avoid much of that, and spent much of her last 4 years outdoors with her kids.

Thanks to all of you who responded to my inquiry re pot for insomnia. I just wish. I live in Illinois, not a pot state, and Arizona in the winter, yes for pot. Maybe my Arizona sleep doctor, hmmmmm. I appreciate your input.

We frequently visit Colorado where we had second home and where we are currently building our retirement home, planning to retire at the end of next year. Since marijuana was legalized we've been experimenting. As a former smoker, I don't want anything I have to inhale, so I've been experimenting with edibles and tinctures. Even half of the recommended "serving" of a THC rich product is too much for me and I just don't like the high feeling. I've learned that I prefer sublingual tinctures either all CBD or 50/50 THC/CBD. The CBD seems to give a "body high" and helps with nagging aches and pains without affecting your mind. See the link below. The problem with edibles is that there is a long lag time before it hits your system. Of course, inhalation would be quicker, but I've found that the lag is much less with tinctures.

DH tried the salve after knee replacement and didn't feel it helped much. It does help his back a bit more.

We do not try to bring anything home with us. Our very conservative current home state has medical marijuana on the ballet this year. It narrowly went down 4 years ago, but is expected to pass this time. However, I expect that by the time it is fully implemented we will be in Colorado full time. My brother will benefit though.

CBD

Can someone give some brand names?

I haven't used it, but the women in my water therapy class who have severe arthritis and some with fibromyalgia type illnesses all swear by this:

FLOW CBD Deep Tissue and Joint Gel

I guess it's expensive but you don't need a lot to relieve pain, according to them. If I can remember to stop by the "head shop" (hahaha) I'm going to try it. I've never been a pot smoker, but I understand there are no pot side effects from the topicals. I'll post back if I try it.

Thanks, Olychick.

Just wanted to throw this out....

A local radio talk show host while in CA was given some marijuana lube for use during sexy time.

She said it did nicely enhance the experience w/hubby, BTW, she didn't tell him she was using it.

She described it like having the munchies... but 'down there' ;-)

Oh my! ;-)

My friend has been using a lotion type product on his feet due to his type 1 diabetes and nerve pain. He says it helps him

I have neuropathy in my feet. I'm thinking about heading over to my local pot store for some relief!

Thanks Oly! I'm going to be up in the Portland area next weekend, just a trip over the river to Vancouver. i'll see about picking up some there and report back.

Have to keep an eye on likely AG Jeff Sessions. He thinks marijuana is evil. It will make for an interesting battle between the states and the feds if he decides to prosecute the states who have legalization or medicinal use.

Edited to add link:

https://www.yahoo.com/news/pot-train-could-still-off-tracks-heres-072040790.html

neetsie, isn't it legal in Oregon now, too?

eta: I just checked and it is legal there.

For those who mentioned insomnia, I recently tried this product from TJ.

I don't have insomnia per se, but if I need to get to sleep earlier than usual, sometimes I would take half a Unisom. A friend suggested this from TJ. I only took 1. Worked well, and no side effects at all.

Oly, yes, it's legal here but they can't ship it from WA state. So far I've not found a good topical locally, so that is why I want to pop in to Vancouver to see if I can find that there.