MMJ: Knowledgeable Budtenders

Trying to convince my mother that some type of marijuana or cannabis oil would be helpful for her muscular dystrophy. What happens when you go into a medical marijuana facility the first time? How does that work? The idea of her even walking into a dispensary makes her uncomfortable. Are the people there always exceptionally knowledgeable? -Linda Saint-Queen

Go with her. That’s the easiest way. Take your mom to the doctor’s office and get her signed up as a patient, while you sign up as her caregiver. Find a good dispensary in your area (hopegrown.org has a good list), and I’m am sure you will find it to be very simple and easy.

This is what will happen: When you get to the dispensary, you will show the security person your ID and letter of recommendation. Once you get inside, you will be asked to fill out a form, and then you go talk to the nice budtender. Easy. Peasy. Most budtenders these days are very knowledgeable about the uses and effects of all the different strains and varieties. Visiting a cannabis dispensary is easier than going to the pharmacy.

I didn’t find any published studies about using cannabis to treat the symptoms of MD, but the web is full of anecdotal evidence. Apparently, people use cannabis to deal with associated pain and muscle spasms. I am sure there is a dispensary in your area that will be able to help your mom feel better.

My buddy is voting against Prop. 64 but I am voting for it. Should I end a friendship because this fool insists on helping the government perpetuate the drug war? -Holden A. Grujj

Let it go. If Prop. 64 passes, you can gloat a little bit. If it loses you will probably need your friend to help you when you start working on a new initiative. Voting for or against Prop. 64 is no reason to end a friendship. I mean, it’s not like your friend is voting for Donald Trump, right?

But if your friend is misguided about voting yes on Prop. 64 because “Monsanto” or “Big Tobacco” or “I don’t like change! I like being a criminal!” I would suggest you exercise patience and compassion and remain friends. No need for us to take someone else’s political stance as a personal affront – unless they support Trump.