Medical Mary Jane

Mild nausea set in on Saturday (day 9) and I found immediate relieve smoking a little bit of weed. 

There are several subtypes of Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The classifications of nausea and vomiting are:

• Acute: occurring within 24 hours of chemotherapy

• Delayed: occurring between 24 hours and 5 days after treatment

• Breakthrough: occurring despite prophylactic treatment

• Anticipatory: triggered by taste, odor, memories, visions, or anxiety related to chemotherapy

• Refractory: occurring during subsequent cycles when antiemetics have failed in earlier cycles

I would classify mine as delayed and/or anticipatory. 

I live in a state where medical marijuana is legal. I have been issued a prescription by my oncologist, along with a tongue in cheek warning that his brother is a federal judge. 

I experienced my first visit to a local medical marijuana dispensary and it was pleasant. Nick was kind, attentive, patient, and full of good vibes. I selected two products: Huckleberry (indica) & Snow (sativa). A gram of each. The perfect sample amount. I also chose a few edibles. 

• Indica use creates a “couch-lock”, I-don’t-want-to-move-a-muscle type high. Using indica is a great choice for those nights indoors watching TV, playing video games, or just chilling with close companions. The indica high numbs the body down and induces an overall sense of relaxation, which is ideal for a relaxing night’s sleep. 
• Sativa use produces more of a mental, cerebral high, which often results in a boost in energy and imagination. Sativa strains are perfect when working creatively in activities such as writing, painting, and brainstorming new ideas. Sativas are also a great choice for enhancing the experience at artistic events like movies and concerts.

Similarities:
One of the most well known similarities between the indica and sativa strains is their ability to relieve nausea. Medical marijuana is a popular choice in people who are afflicted with HIV/AIDS or are currently enduring chemotherapy. These 2 situations are notorious for causing severe episodes of nausea, which can be effectively eliminated with the introduction of THC into the system.

Increased appetite is another well-known benefit to people who have a difficult time eating and staying nourished. When an individual is recovering or weakened for long periods of time, it is especially important that their body receives proper nutrition. Possessing a strong appetite could be the biggest difference between positive well-being and persistent sickness.

Whether it is an indica or sativa, these two medicinal benefits will surely be available. 

Differences:
Noteworthy differences between indica and sativa are their abilities to relieve pain and insomnia. While both strains can achieve these effects to varying degrees, indicas tend to be more valuable in treating issues related to the body while sativas address problems of the mind.

Individuals suffering from chronic pain and afflictions such as Multiple Sclerosis or fibromyalgia will most likely find indicas are more potent for reducing pain levels. Indica serves as a great analgesic.

Insomniacs will most likely find that indica is an ideal solution. Under the effects of indica, users will definitely feel drowsy, tired, and have a strong urge to fall asleep. For someone who can’t bring themselves to rest, this effect could be nothing short of a blessing.

Sativas on the other hand are superb at addressing conditions like depression. Those who suffer from depression and take prescription drugs often suffer the unfavorable side effects. Cannabis sativa can put the user into the greatest of moods with virtually no negative effects (especially if vaporizing).

Some studies have also shown that sativas are capable of treating the symptoms of ADHD. At first glance it almost seems counterintuitive, but some ADHD sufferers say they can only focus when high on a sativa. 

Physical differences:
The best way to tell whether a marijuana plant is sativa vs indica is to look at the plant itself. Sativas will tend to grow taller and stalkier while indicas will tend to be shorter and bushier.

The plant’s leaves are also a very clear indication of which family it is a part of. Indicas have wide, fat leaves whereas sativas have narrower, finger-like leaves.

Delivery Method: 
Whether it is an indica or sativa, the most efficient and effective way to extract THC from marijuana is through the process of vaporization. Vaporization is an ingenious process that heats marijuana to an optimal temperature just below the point when it would start to burn. At this temperature, the THC will be released into the air through vapor rather than smoke. The result is hits that are 90% THC or more instead of the usual smoke which is often less than 20% THC, filled with carcinogens, and harsh to both the throat and lungs. 

Another key benefit of vaporization over smoking is the strength of smell. Smoking causes marijuana to burn releasing toxins and oils into the air. The fumigation of these chemicals and essential oils is what gives marijuana its strong and distinct smell.

Because the only goal of vaporization is to release THC, virtually all of the odor-causing agents inside marijuana remain within the plant and are never put into the air. THC by itself is odorless, it is the other components of marijuana that give off the powerful odor. If discretion is of major concern, vaporization is a convenient solution.

The iPod of Vaporizers:  
So what did I end up purchasing? The PAX, a pocket-sized, rechargeable vaporizer designed in San Francisco by Ploom and manufactured in China. 

Read the review in Wired magazine: http://www.wired.com/reviews/2012/08/ploom-pax