Missouri Medical Marijuana Program; My hat’s off to you!

Seriously, this is impressive; keep up the good work!

Around noon on June 28, 2019, I began the online process for requesting a Missouri Medical Marijuana Patient Card. The process was reasonably painless, though I do have a scanner at home for the Driver’s License, utility bill, and physician’s certification that I needed to upload as attachments. I uploaded a photo as well, taken with my smart phone. It took about 20 minutes from start to finish. Not bad.

Beyond that, my expectations were low. By law, those administrating the Missouri Medical Marijuana Program (MMMP) had 30 days to approve or deny my request. I assumed that it would take nearly that long – if for no other reason than MMMP is a government program.

I was very pleasantly surprised when I was proven dead wrong on this topic. Not only did it take less than 30 days, it took a mere two business days. Yes, folks. Just a bit more than 16 working hours. Just, wow!

I’m waiting for statistics on how many people are signing up at this stage and any other data that the state provides. However, I would forego any and all of that sort of information if the MMMP keeps up this pace. The speed at which this was done is a true benefit to the patients that need such a therapy.

It appears as if we have a cadre of topics for future posts – all regarding “how to grow your medicine.”

Green Health Docs; a first hand review

In my own quest to obtain a physician’s certification I’ve been met with disappointment on more than one occasion. Following my own advice about talking to a doctor about medical cannabis, I started a conversation with my family physician. I did so at a yearly appointment but quickly found that my doctor was mostly unprepared for the conversation. In fact, he couldn’t tell me if or when he would consider giving certifications. I also struck out with a specialist I see.

Not to be dissuaded, I set out to find a doctor that is friendly to medical cannabis. Nifty use of google quickly led me to Green Health Docs, who were opening a clinic near my home town of Columbia, Missouri. I scheduled my visit to ensure that my certification (if I got one) was no more than thirty days old prior to the date on which I could apply with the state (July 4, 2019). I at least wanted to discuss it with a knowledgeable doctor.

June 13, 2019 finally arrived and I was the first in the clinic doors that morning. I had with me the needed documents and, as I stepped of the elevator, was met immediately by a clean, friendly environment. The smiling staff welcomed me and soon thereafter I was filling out a rather standard form regarding my medical history and so forth.

Through the length of my visit, the physician and other support staff remained very friendly, non-judgmental, and full of helpful information. The experience met my expectations very well and, at the end of the visit, I walked out with the needed certification in hand. Although the office was opened to specialize in medical cannabis, I didn’t feel at all as though it were a rubber-stamp process.

I definitely recommend Green Health Docs. I feel like they truly cared about my well-being and will likely renew with them next year as well.

Have you found a doctor open to the idea of medical cannabis? Feel free to leave a comment below as I’m sure there are a lot of people who would like to know, but are hesitant to ask.

NOTE: Lit Naturals, LLC nor the author of this article is in any way affiliated with Green Health Docs except within the auspices of a personal patient-doctor relationship.

The potential benefits of CBD

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the best known cannabinoids. Therapeutic uses of CBD alone, which is derived from industrial hemp, have been legal for some time now. This compound stimulates the endocannabinoid system and can provide a long list of potential therapies. Many of those known effects can be found in the included infographic.

People sometimes comment that no drug can possibly have this many benefits. While that may be true in general terms, it is important to understand that the underlying mechanisms are a part of the endocannabinoid system itself. This native human system has a huge influence on nearly every other system in the human body. Healthy cannabinoid system function is essential for good health.

While I could easily produce an essay detailing these therapies and I could even crow about how CBD has little or no negative side effects, I’d rather refer you to a well-researched article on the topic of therapeutic benefits of CBD.

Although patients can source their CBD from a variety of legal sources, we plan on providing alternatives that are grown in clean, medical grade environments. This should provide a high quality option to the common, field grown industrial hemp varieties. We firmly believe that this should be a preferred alternative given that CBD ‘supplements’ offer far fewer guarantees regarding quality and purity.

Attitudes toward marijuana legalization continue to shift

As recently as 2016, reports have indicated that legal cannabis markets are eroding the Mexican cartel’s profits. Mexican growers complain about the reduced American demand and the lowering of prices that followed. Indeed, it seems that quality is one of the key factors that is leading people away from Mexican cannabis, despite the much lower price.

Meanwhile, legal American markets continue to thrive. Revenues in 2018 closed in on $10 billion, which is just shy of revenues reported by fast food giant, Taco Bell. Each year, more states come aboard with legal medical and adult-use markets and total legal revenues are expected to redouble by 2023. This projection would eclipse the NFL’s $15 billion annual earnings, and will still be only a third of the estimated $55 billion total demand (including criminal market demand) for cannabis.

It seems as though politicians are becoming increasingly educated on this topic as well. Pressure for marijuana reform is growing not only among American citizens, but also among policy makers themselves. In fact, Illinois became the first state to have it’s legislators push for legalizing adult-use. Safe banking would have huge positive impacts on this young industry and de-scheduling of THC rich cannabis would be a boon to the medical field. Such reform would allow much needed American medical research into the effective use of cannabinoids as a therapy.

This author is very convinced of the validity of legal medical access to cannabis. However, data such as that seen above also paints a picture that supports legalization in the broader sense. We know that regulated, legal sales are much safer for the public than dealing with the criminal market and it’s untested products. That fact alone is hard to ignore, not to mention the fact that criminal organizations are having their bottom line cut as well. Perhaps the author’s attitude is shifting as well.

What are your thoughts?

“Cannabis and You”

You are cordially invited to our first event. For those who prefer it, we have an Facebook event you can follow.

Where:
Commercial Trust Community Room
119 N. Main St, Fayette, Mo, 65248
When:
May 30th, 2019 ~ 7:00p – 8:30p
Who:
Discussion hosted by Eric McSwain, Owner, Lit Naturals, LLC.

We are offering only the facts (good and bad) about the coming of medical cannabis to Missouri. In this interactive discussion, we’ll discuss the topics listed below as a starting point. However, there are no sacred cows; you can ask any question you want!

Our philosophy includes a ‘patient first’ approach. In keeping with this, we’ll lead with information that patients will be interested in and continue from there as time permits.

  • History of medical cannabis (the short version)
  • Patients
    • risks and side effects of use
    • qualifying conditions
    • talking to your doctor or finding a doctor
    • applying for a medical marijuana card
    • when will medical cannabis be available, really?
  • Community
    • public health risks
    • public safety concerns
    • environmental risks
  • Open Q & A

Notes:
*This event is free to attend
*Adult topics will be covered, but minors will be allowed if accompanied by parent/guardian
*Facebook guest list is hidden

What could change a doctor’s mind about medical cannabis?

This first video has Dr. Sanjay Gupta giving you that answer for himself. The second video is a compilation of Dr. Gupta’s 4 part series entitled, “Weed.” For your viewing pleasure, we’re also providing a summary of times in the video for each part, as well as the topics covered. Caution is advised, there are some very compelling stories in this excellent documentary.

Science changed Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s mind. (Duration 3:22)
A three hour documentary about medical cannabis.

Weed (0:00:00)
-The story of Charlotte (severe epilepsy)
-How prohibition began
-Muscle apasticity
-Juvenile use
-Abuse and addiction
-Cannabis potency
-Cancer

Weed2: Cannabis Madness (0:43:30)
-The story of Vivian
-Medical cannabis refugees
-Challenges to research
-GW Pharmaceuticals & whole-plant extracts
-Muscle Spasticity (MS)
-Irony of US Federal stance on marijuana
-Pain Relief
-Patrick Kennedy

Weed3: The Marijuana Revolution (1:26:52)
-PTSD and cannabis
-Medical Marijuana Revolution
-Lowering of barriers to research
-Alzheimers and cannabis
-Brain protecting qualities of cannabis

Weed4: Pot -vs- Pills (2:08:51)
-Pain relief
-Opiod addiction
-Marijuana as an ‘exit’ drug

Fayette, Missouri encourages the development of medical marijuana facilities within the city

At the regularly scheduled Fayette Board of Aldermen (BoA) meeting on May 7th, 2019, medical cannabis once again dominated the agenda. Below I will catalog the relevant agenda items and action taken.

Agenda item: “Discussion and/or approval of support for proposal made by Eric McSwain regarding the cannabis industry”
Action taken: BoA unanimously approved a resolution clearly indicating that “…the policy of the City shall be to encourage the development of medical marijuana facilities within this City provided that such development is properly regulated and carried out in a manner which benefits, our citizens but does not undermine our quality of life or property values.” (full Resolution)

Agenda item: “Bill No. 2019-06: Final reading of an ordinance of the City of Fayette amending the City code by adopting one new chapter regarding medical marijuana”
Action taken: BoA unanimously approved this ordinance with a slight modification mandating that a dispensary shall be closed to patients between the hours of 8:00 pm and 8:00 am.

Agenda item: “Bill No. 2019-17: Final reading of an ordinance of the City of Fayette amending chapter 210, by repealing section 210.960 and enacting in lieu thereof four new sections regarding and repealing section 342.020 and enacting in lieu thereof one new section, all regarding marijuana and medical marijuana”
Action taken: BoA unanimously approved these ordinances as written.

Further, Counsel for the City of Fayette rightly commented that the regulations surrounding medical marijuana in Missouri will evolve over time. While the process for building a road is well established, the regulations surrounding this topic is certainly not.

Apart from the remaining topic of zoning and permitted use, the City of Fayette is well on its way to thoughtfully setting the stage for bringing this new industry to our town. I’m impressed with the knowledge of the City’s Counsel and impressed that our Board of Aldermen are able and willing to meet this topic head on.

Legalizing medical marijuana is a foregone conclusion for almost everyone, except Congress

I’ll be fair, even congress is changing. Ideology will eventually fall to science on this issue. It is just a matter of time at this point. While I’m also certain about legalization of “adult-use” (“recreational-use”), the science behind medical cannabis seems abundantly clear.

The evidence, scientific and anecdotal, is so clear that 94% of Americans are in favor of federal legalization of medical marijuana. But again, it is only a matter of time. Lobbyists suggest that legislation lags behind public opinion by an average of five years. If that’s the case, we may see federal medical marijuana legalization as early as 2022.

Yet, we continue to lag in this country, particularly our legislators. What’s the problem? Where is the boogyman? There isn’t one. Federal legislators, particularly in the Senate, refuse to take up these issues. I think they’re just plain scared and we should all write them and tell them how we feel. I wrote my congressman (state and federal) recently, have you?

In the mean time, I could continue to ramble philosophically on the topic. Perhaps even fire out some scientific data, but I’d have a hard time explaining the situation better than this article from The Motley Fool.

Further reading:
RollCall.com

What to expect at a medical marijuana examination

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has published guidelines to set expectations for medical marijuana examinations. These rules are currently in draft form, but will become official on June 4th, 2019. Now that you have found a doctor willing to prescribe medicinal cannabis, what should you expect during your exam?

The most surprising request you will probably hear is for your social security number. Some people are hesitant to give out this information, but it is required in order for your physician to submit a certification on your behalf. Your doctor will also need to recommend an amount you may purchase in a 30-day period. Don’t fret about this; the minimum is four ounces per month which should be sufficient for most. If you believe you will need more, you’ll need two doctor certifications that recommend a higher limit.

The remainder of the appointment will be more typical. You may get a physical examination along with a review of your medical history. You should be asked about your current symptoms and how you are attempting to control them. This will lead into a review of your current medication(s) and allergies to medications.

Finally, assuming your physician wishes to move forward with the certification, you will have a discussion about the potential risks of cannabis use. Your doctor will explain symptoms or side effects that should be a signal to stop use. If the patient is a female, a warning will also be issued concerning the use of marijuana while pregnant or breastfeeding.

What you probably won’t receive is guidance on dosage or product selection. Common protocols for this have not been established uniformly. This is also precisely what makes doctors the most uneasy about certifying a patient for medical marijuana. However, your local dispensary should be able to get your started on your journey.

Further reading:
19 CSR 30-95.110 Physicians (DHSS draft rule)