Alaska newbie

I grew up in an arrow-straight and very devout family. I never even drank a beer till I was 20 and in a combat zone. The VC dried up local weed (as in, they killed people if they sold it to us) so they (the VC) could peddle us heroin (the commander of the 1st ARVN Div, with whom we teamed, was getting a cut for letting the enemy push smack in his zone--this is how war works, people), so I never got the habit (cannabis, heroin, or anything else) there. Got married when I got back, and getting high just wasn't part of our life. Raised two children in an alcohol-and-drug free home.

So why me, why now? Simple--three years of neck and back pain that (after endless medical consultation and attempts at treatment) gives me three choices: constant opiates (incapacitating), risky surgery (no way), or something else. My research suggests that "something else" is worth trying. I've gotten my medical recommendation and submitted my application for a medical user card, which I should have soon. In the meantime, I'm trying to learn something about (1) how one actually uses "something else" to relieve pain and spasms, and (2) how one actually obtains "something else," if one doesn't feel comfortable walking up to the shiftiest looking guy at the bus station and ask for it. Any advice/discussion, especially with fellow Alaskans, would be welcomed.

By the way, all these links that appear in this post--I didn't put them there and don't know how to get them out.

You're in Alaska? And you don't grow?? Why not?
O.K. i liked your post. Was 3rd MAW 1966-1970, and remember like yesterday when my previous Squadron returned and "many" of them were wired with "smack";
and i could not stand the thought of stickin that stupid needle into me, so i shined them on and stuck with my Cannabis Buddies; few and far between.
O.K.; You've a "Climate" up North so "probably" recommend an Indoor Grow! MUCHO information on Internet!
Find Seeds that are very specific to your "case"; probably the much higher CBD group's/strain's!
Best of Luck!

Thanks, Michael. I don't grow because I don't know shit about it. Where should I start? E.g., where can I get seeds (without getting arrested)? I probably would grow indoors. (Do you have any idea how much we pay for electricity here?) With the card I could legally grow it outside, but there are kids in my area. Don't want to help a good boy go bad, ya know.

O.K., have gotten a bigger picture, thanks.
Indoor Growing probably your best shot then. Check-out a website called; www.growace.com; they're L.A. based/ very competent/dependable;
"Consider" a 4X4X76" Grow tent. GrowAce has "packages" to simplify. Here's what you need within Tent; 400W Light system (higher wattage not needed).
An Electronic Energy Saving BALLAST (very important/controls Power and saves $$$$) Ballast only needed for Lamp. An MH and SPS Bulb; MH for Vegetative Stage;
Usually "12 weeks" (more/less depending upon Strain Joshua!) An "source" of CO2 (They love it and it impels growth) try "The Exhale"; simple/cheap/effective.
"Some" quality "Food" (to feed them=added to your Filtered H2O or not, you're in Alaska!) I feed about two times a day, that's my way, may not be yours.
Ordering Seeds from a reliable Mail-order group; wish i could help you there, put out Inquiry herein/this website!? My choice is "SOHUM" Seeds (Humboldt Collective);
Large Pot's NOT small, you'll limit growth from the get-go! DR. Earth or some Organic Soil, unless you go HYDRO, and i'm NOT the expert herein! Great Luck to You.
Oh, Your "cost" for above? "About" $5-600 max!

You should definitely grow your own because you never know what you'll get from a dealer.
If they're getting it second hand, they don't even know what they have most of the time.

For true medicinal use, you need to do a little research to see what strains are best for muscle spasms & pain. If you end up with a trippy head high, it might be fun (or not), but it won't help you feel any better.

We're only shipping seeds within the UK borders right now, but if you click on those little links that show up under your original post, you'll find a couple reputable places that will ship to the US. Most of the time, the seeds do slip past customs - but there's always the risk they won't. Look for a supplier who will reship if they don't.

Here are a few to check out -
CBD Crew - Very new seed bank that specializes in high-CBD to THC ratio seeds. This means that the "high" factor is tempered so that the physical powers are more intense. Supposed to result in a more medicinal weed.

Medical Seeds - This breeder is a little pricey, but they have some really great medicinal strains. Hammerhead looks awesome to me - but I haven't personally tried it.

Some say White Rhino is a great medicinal for physical pain, but there's some controversy over which breeder to go with.

Here are a few things to keep in mind while you're looking
1. A lot of strains are adverised as medicinal when they really aren't - it's because everyone wants to market them that way right now.
2. Medicinal strains can target physical or mental symptoms. For physical, you generally want to stick with Indica or Indica dominant strains - although a little mental lift from a Sativa isn't always a bad thing if you pick one that lifts the mood without getting you high as a kite or making you anxious.
3. A lot of medicinal patients go with edibles. Cannabutter sounds pretty great - and there's an awesome post about it on this site. Vaping is a good choice too. Lot's of options to pumping smoke through your body these days.

Thanks for all the information, esp. ideas about medical/other distinctions. I agree that some euphoric (technical sense) effect is usually a component of good pain medication, the question is how much. I'd want to emphasize relaxation and dulling of pain, without making me too spaced to read or write.

Thanks for all the info. groceace site either off the air or temporarily down, can't tell which. But I'm sure the equipment you describe is available elsewhere. I'm definitely looking for a starter kit sort of thing.