with a little help from my friend

Alright, alright, alright. 

Quick back story: For so long I could not understand how anyone could properly function after smoking marijuana. Getting high before any type of social activity – especially work – seemed dangerous and unprofessional. I grew up being constantly told – by school, by commercials, by adults – that smoking pot automatically made you a stupid “stoner” who was killing their own brain cells…

Turns out it was Ataxia killing my brain cells, not weed.

Really though, it took me over a decade to discover the many different effects of marijuana. I thought every high was the same every time for everybody. Nope! That’s what makes the information in my last post so important; by becoming more familiar with all of your options, you’ll get better results.

For example: Depending on how I feel & what my daily plans are, I stir between 0.5-2.0mg of Dissolvable Power in my coffee almost every morning – 0.5 curbs the anxiety I feel whenever I talk to someone and keeps my tremors down, 2.0 means I’m not leaving my bed. Then, my nighttime activities depend on how the day actually went andddd what my recreational goals for the evening are.

But remember, what works for me might not work for you. We’re all different. It’s ok.

Anyway. As promised, here is some more specific information and recommendations regarding (medical) marijuana.

– First and foremost, you need to determine if it’s legal in your state and if your medical condition qualifies (find that out HERE). Remember, recreational marijuana is becoming increasingly available, sooo maybe that’s the route you take?

 

– I got my Medical Marijuana License without leaving my house through www.QuickMedCards.com. Much of the process – including the cost – depends on your location. As a New York state resident, I 1) filled out a questionnaire, 2) uploaded my Ataxia-related medical records (not a requirement, but helpful), 3) was approved for & scheduled an online appointment, 4) paid $143.00, 5) had a 5-min virtual meeting with one of their certified doctors, who then emailed me a temporary certification, 6) used that to complete a form on My.NY.gov, who then mailed me my license about a week later.

– I order my “medicine” through the Columbia Care Dispensary because they deliver (pretty essential since I don’t drive). And by that, I mean a worker brings my order to my house where I have to sign for it after they confirm my license on select Wednesdays at noon. It’s definitely different in your area; be sure to look into local dispensaries HERE before getting certified.

– Most vape pens require users to repeatedly push a small button to turn it on and heat it up. Since my fingers can’t do that, I bought this “buttonless” vape from Honey Stick instead:

– But I primarily use edibles! Like I said, Dissolvable Powder is currently my favorite thing. And I prefer the Sublingual Mints to the gummies. You can also add a few drops of “cannabis-infused liquid” or tincture into whatever you’re cooking. Lots of yummy options.

(For the record, I don’t question your parenting abilities when I hear you have alcohol/guns/uncovered outlets/sharp corners/cleaning supplies/medicine in your house, so please don’t question mine.)

– As for strains, I’ll be dedicating my book to Chem Dawg, weight gain to Girl Scout Cookies, and vivid dreams to Northern Lights. If you use TikTok, the dispensary worker @TessaDorito has some great recommendations. Anddddd if I had the fine motor skills to use these Pre-Rolled Papers I definitely would since they seem very cute & convenient. (Click the pic to buy them!)

Ok, so, basically, what I’m saying is that smoking weed really isn’t that bad. Please stop judging people who do.