Need Some Information Guys

[dankstagof]

I've finally come to the decision that it's time for me to start researching the possibility of obtaining a MM card.

For as long as I can remember, I have suffered from migraine headaches. As a preteen, my parents finally realized that my constant complaints of headaches had to be dealt with. We went to my doctor, we had CAT scans done, my doctor prescribed migraine medications, but the medication never helped. I've tried every over-the-counter pain reliever out there, and I have found that the only cure for my migraines has been waiting out the excruciating pain, which sometimes takes 2-3 days to recover completely from.

I also suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. I often find myself awake in the wee hours of the morning, unable to sleep, unable to relax, and unable to concentrate on anything but what is troubling my mind. Another condition I have been diagnosed with is ADHD, which as we all know can, and has been a huge hindrance in my life.

As many people will agree, marijuana helps relax me when I am feeling anxious, and it definitely helps put me to sleep when my mind is racing, worrying about a million things at once. It also helps relieve the pain and nausea caused by my migraines.

So here I am, asking for your help. Why you? Because you guys and gals also use marijuana to help relieve your ailments. Another reason is because most of you have already gone through what I am currently going through, which is my struggle to get straight answers and help from people who are experienced with the inner-workings of the medical marijuana world.

I need information on the following topics:

- Obtaining an actual card.
I have no idea who to talk to about finding out if I qualify for a card, which I'm almost 100% sure that I do. Most of my friends are casual smokers who don't know anything about MM, so I need a bit of guidance in this area.

- Finding a MM club, after obtaining a card, around my area.
I live in the Santa Monica/Venice area of Southern California, and I have absolutely no clue where a single MM club is located. Obviously someone who is familiar with these areas would be best qualified to help me in this area.

I have been doing more and more research on the topic, and prior, recent medical records are usually required. Is this true? I haven't been to my doctor for quite a while. Will this be a problem?

I want to thank you guys in advance for any information you can offer. It is most definitely very appreciated.

[Weedhound]

California NORML (http://www.canorml.org/)

Good luck to you. :)

[Storm Crow]

Hopefully by now you've gone over to NORML and gotten the list of doctors. It is easier to get a recommendation if you have your records. All they do is show the cannabis specialist that you DO have a valid medical condition- that you aren't just making it up. The fact that your records are old could be a plus- you didn't just go into a doctor, make a bogus complaint, get the records and immediately head over to a "pot doc" for a rec.

You just need to ask your old doctor for your records- if you feel you must give an explanation, just say you are going to a specialist about your continuing migraines. Mine arrived in the mail in about a week.

What to expect when you go- It is like a regular doctor's office. A P.A. will take your blood pressure and all that jazz. The doctor will give you a quick check up, and talk to you about use and your condition. You pay the receptionist, she hands you a piece of paper and you walk out legal. That piece of paper is ALL you need. You can now grow 6 mature plants and possess 8 ounces of bud.

The county card can save you hassle with the cops, but I live in an area that (a) hasn't seen fit to offer them just yet, and (b) is rather corrupt - I trust the locals about as far as I can throw the county courthouse! and (c) I like to keep a very low profile.

I have no experience with the dispensaries- our only one was shut down long ago. Sometimes, they have their own cards, too, but i really know nothing about them. However, did you notice that there is a "Cannabis Club Directory" in to tool bar above? LOL ;) That might be a good spot to start. Also, ask the receptionist- she'll know.

My rec is for migraines due to a severe childhood head trauma. I've been using cannabis for 40 years- love it! And for some good reading on migraines (and other conditions) and cannabis, click the link in my sig! - Granny:hippy:

ps- Get a vaporizer! I love my little Vapor Brothers! SO much easier on the lungs!

[dankstagof]

Thank you very much everyone, especially Storm Crow.

Another question, how much does the evaluation usually cost? I have heard it costs around 150 dollars, but as I said before, I don't really know anyone who can verify that information.

[Storm Crow]

I've seen as low as $80 and as high as $250. The initial consultation will usually run about $50 more than a renewal. Call around on the NORML list and ask how much each place is. "Doctor shopping" isn't a bad thing any more with our tightening economy! It just is common sense! Mine is $150 for renewal- but I'm in the boonies, so I don't have much choice about who to see. - Granny:hippy:

[luvfriday]

I went last month, it was a once in a lifetime trip. I guess the doctor I saw was sort of a quack, Im sure he could clear out that suite with an hours notice and vanish. I happened to mention to him that day I felt pretty shitty, he tried to sell me some $500 shock thing that clipped to your earlobe and it was cool then some vitamins for $80 bucks that were so covered in dust I think he really just had them for show. He would have given anyone a recomendation thats what you pay for, I think to cover his but he spends 20 minutes talking shop then says ok here is note that will be $250 cash please.