Legal/Education

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Legal/Education

The Medicinal Marijuana movement is in constant progression. Finally it appears as if the current social and political climate is progressing toward an end to the baseless prohibition of this drug. Although the legal environment is much improved, we are still a ways away from have sensible Federal Marijuana Legislation. Therefore, continued education and activism is essential to this long-term goals. This is why we maintain longstanding memberships with organizations such as CANORML, ASA (Americans for Safe Access), Marijuana Policy Project (MPP) and more. We also support all Medical Marijuana Initiatives, and encourage our patients to continue to educate themselves as well as their neighbors on the medicinal benefits of Cannabis.

Listed below are links to important information relating to California Medicinal Marijuana Laws.

Medical cannabis may be legally used & cultivated by qualifed patients in California under Prop. 215, provided they have a recommendation from a licensed physician .
State law (SB 420) establishes voluntary state ID card program plus Prop. 215 guidelines for possession and cultivation effective Jan 1, 2004. State limit set at 6 mature or 12 immature plants and 8 ounces marijuana, except where physician declares more is needed, or where local governments authorize more.
State ID card program for medical marijuana patients starts up in certain counties. For current info about medical marijuana ID cards, contact state Dept of Health Medical Marijuana Program .
Certain cities and counties have their own local Prop 215 guidelines. Medical cannabis supporters are pressing for the adoption of higher guidelines (such as the Sonoma guidelines, advocated by Safe Access Now).
So you want to start a cannabis club? Facts you should be aware of.
Local ordinances regulate, ban, or license medical cannabis dispensaries in many cities or counties.
Cal NORML estimates over 300,000 medical marijuana patients in California (2007).
Medical uses of marijuana: California law allows use for any serious condition for which marijuana provides relief. Over 250 different illnesses reported.
Hashish is covered by Prop. 215 according to Attorney General ruling.
Cal state surveys show decline in student marijuana use since passage of Prop. 215.
US Supreme Court Conant decision protects physicians who recommend marijuana for medicine (Oct 15, 2003).
US Supreme Court overturns 9th Circuit Raich-Monson decision, upholds federal ban on personal use & cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes (Jun 2005).
State Supreme Court Mower decision protects medical marijuana patients (Jul 18, 2002).
Major medical marijuana cultivation cases in California include many acquittals for 100 plants and more.
Survey of Prop 215 patients shows chronic pain the top use for medical marijuana.
Human studies on medical marijuana

Future Events

Welcome! We are working to be your reliable recourse of information on upcoming events and happens in the ongoing Medicinal Marijuana Movement.

Orange County Norml

Links to Partners in the Movement

Project 420 - Project420.com is an ongoing community marijuana, hemp search engine and your gateway to 420 products, services and information from all over the world. Check them out!

California NORML -California NORML is a non-profit, membership organization dedicated to reforming California's marijuana laws. We are members. You should check them out!

Marijuana Policy Project Foundation - Founded in Jan. 1995, The Marijuana Policy Project (MPP's) strives for fair and ethical legal treatment for marijuana consumers and providers. Check Them Out!

ASA (Americans for Safe Access) - Americans for Safe Access is the nation’s largest organization of patients, medical professionals, scientists and concerned citizens promoting safe and legal access to cannabis for therapeutic use and research.
Guru Seeds - Guru Seeds sells high quality cannabis seeds from a few of the worlds most respected breeders!
Tardive Dyskinesia Center Tardive Dyskinesia is a movement disorder that is caused by Reglan, or by anti-psychotic drugs. Cannabis is one of the only known treatment options for TD. Help us spread the awareness on Tardive Dyskinesia.
Cannabisconsult.com 14 years of experienced expert witness and cannabis consultation service.

Education

Two Original Marijuana Strains
There are two original strains of marijuana: sativas and indicas. All other strains such as Purples Kush, White Widow...etc. are results of decades of cross breading these two original strains. Below is a brief description these strains.

SATIVAS - Tall, thin Christmas tree shaped plants with narrow leaves and lighter green colors with lighter fluffier buds. Originating in Southeast Asia and the South and Central Americas, this strain taste ranges from earthy to fruity. You will feel the effects of this strain in your head making it more favorable to patients suffering from depression and mental ills.

INDICAS - Short thick plants, with broad leaves and dark green dense pungent buds. Flavors are generally fruity sweet. The origins of this strain can be traced back to Afghanistan, Morocco and Tibet. You will feel the effects of the strain in your body and extremities making it more favorable to pain and nausea suffers.

Tetrahydrocannabinol ( tet-r?-HYE-dr?-k?-NAB-?-nol), also known as THC is the main psychoactive substance found in the Cannabis plant.

Kine Buds - "Kine" is the hawaiian word for "excellent". Therefore, the term kine buds generally refers to a higher grade or strain marijuana like Jack Herer, OG Kush, AK-47. Since the term does not refer to specific strain of bud it only used when the specific strain is unknown....i.e. Northern Lights, Purple Kush, White Widow...etc.

The Best Methods to Smoke - The best method to smoke marijuana is via vaporizer. Studies show that method deliveries over 90% of the Cannabis’ THC. Water pipes (bongs) are next at 78% while joints/weed cigarettes or blunts deliver less than 25%.

Chronic Pain Management

What is chronic pain?
What causes chronic pain?
How is chronic pain diagnosed?
How is chronic pain treated?
What are the other ways to treat chronic pain?
What might happen if chronic pain is not treated?
Where can I find support and more information?

What is chronic pain?

Chronic pain is pain that persists or grows worse over a long period of time. Pain is an unpleasant feeling and emotional experience from injury or damage to your body. It may be a sign that there is a problem in an organ or tissue of the body. The body contains special cells that receive signals when there is damage or injury to the body. These cells send a message to the brain. When the brain receives the message, you feel pain.
Chronic pain may last for months or years due to a chronic (long term) condition. It may be pain that remains after the usual recovery time following injury or illness. Chronic pain may persist even if caregivers have given you medicines or treatments. It may not be constant (always present) but still may cause problems with your daily activities. With chronic pain, you may feel depressed or hopeless. You may lose your appetite, or have trouble sleeping. Diagnosing and treating chronic pain as soon as possible may help you enjoy your life more.

What causes chronic pain?
Chronic pain is often caused by more than one problem. These problems may include damage to the nerves or tissues, such as skin, muscles, and organs. There may be no clear or exact cause of chronic pain. Any of the following may cause or trigger chronic pain:

Long-term diseases, such as cancer, arthritis, migraines, and back problems.
Hormonal changes.
Physical injury, such as after surgery or accidents.
Problems with the chemicals in the body that send pain messages to and from the brain.

How is chronic pain diagnosed?
It may be easier to diagnose your chronic pain if you have a pain diary. A pain diary helps track pain cycles, and make you more aware of when and how the pain may start and end. No tests are available to diagnose chronic pain. Caregivers may first look for possible causes of your chronic pain. The diagnosis of chronic pain is based on low long and how often you have your symptoms. Your caregiver will look for painful areas during a physical exam. He may touch, press, or stroke different sites or points on your body. You may also need any of the following to check how much pain you have or find its cause:

Imaging tests: You may need imaging tests to look for the cause of your chronic pain. These may include x-rays, a computed tomography (CT) scan, and an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Pain scales: These are special tools that can help caregivers measure how much pain you feel. There are many pain scales that include numbers or cartoon faces. Your caregiver may ask you to rate the pain on a scale of 0 to 10.

Stimulation tests: Stimulation tests tell exactly which nerves or muscles are affected by pain. These tests may include electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies, and evoked potential (EP) studies.

How is chronic pain treated?
The aim of chronic pain management is to relieve pain and improve your quality of life. Controlling chronic pain may allow you to work, attend school, or do your usual activities. Caregivers may need to treat the cause of your pain. It is best to work together with your caregiver to decide the pain control treatments that are best for you. You may need one or more of the following:

Medicines:
- Pain medicines: You may be given one or more of the following pain medicines.
  - Analgesic: This is a group of medicines that includes most painkillers, such as acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen.
  - Anesthesia: Anesthesia is numbing medicine to control pain and make you comfortable. This works by blocking pain signals from the nerves.
  - Opioids or narcotics: These medicines, which include morphine, are used for moderate to severe (very bad) pain.
  - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine: This family of medicine is also called NSAIDs. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine may help decrease pain and inflammation (swelling). Some NSAIDs may also be used to decrease a high body temperature (fever). This medicine can be bought with or without a doctor's order. This medicine can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. Always read the medicine label and follow the directions on it before using this medicine.

Other medicine: Your caregiver may need to treat the cause of your pain if it is known. Chronic pain caused by infections may be treated with antibiotic or anti-viral medicine to kill the germs. Pain from cancer may be treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Your caregiver may suggest other medicines to help control your pain, or prevent the side (unwanted) effects of pain medicines.
- Anti-anxiety medicine: This medicine may be given to help you feel less nervous and more relaxed.
- Anticonvulsant medicine: Anticonvulsants are given to control seizures.
- Anti-depressants: These medicines may be used to help decrease or prevent the symptoms of severe depression. Anti-depressants improve your mood and treat certain kinds of chronic nerve pain.
- Muscle relaxers: This is medicine to help your muscles relax. When your muscles relax, you may move more easily and have less pain.
- Sedative: A sedative medicine may be given to help you stay calm and relaxed.
- Steroids: Steroid medicine may be given to decrease inflammation, which is redness, pain, and swelling.

Surgery and other procedures: Your caregiver may do surgery to help relieve your pain. He may cut nerves or remove some joints that may be causing your pain. He may use ultrasound, radio waves, thermal (heat), or laser therapy to relieve your pain. Ask your caregiver about these different treatment options for chronic pain.

What are the other ways to treat chronic pain?

Complementary and alternative therapies:

- Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a treatment based on a belief that our bodies have channels through which fluids flow. Caregivers will insert very thin needles just under your skin. This is believed to open the channels allowing fluids to flow better. This treatment may decrease pain and improve healing. Always see a caregiver for this treatment. Do not try to give this treatment to yourself.
- Chiropractic therapy: Pain is treated by caregivers who move body parts in certain ways. This may include parts such as the spine (backbone) and joints. Joints are places on the body where two bones meet, such as the elbow, or the knee.
- Dietary supplements: Vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other botanicals (plants) may be given to ease chronic pain.
- Mind-body therapies:
  - Biofeedback training: Biofeedback is a special way to control how your body reacts to things like stress or pain. The first step in this training is to use electrodes (wires) to monitor your body responses. These electrodes are placed on different parts of your body, such as your chest. The electrodes are attached to a TV-type monitor which gives a paper tracing of your heart beating. You will learn how to control body changes, such as slowing your heart rate, when you become upset.
  - Hypnosis: This is done by putting you in a trance (sleep-like) condition. Your caregiver then suggest ways that may help you to heal yourself.
  - Meditation: This therapy teaches you how to focus inside yourself. The goal of meditation is to help you feel more calm and peaceful.
  - Relaxation therapy: Relaxation therapy teaches you how to calm your body and mind. The goal is to feel less physical (body) stress and have less emotional (mind) stress.

Electrical stimulation: A special device is used that sends mild and safe electrical signals. These signals decrease your pain when used over a painful body part.
Heat and cold application: Some types of pain are decreased by using warm or heat packs while others improve with cold. Your caregiver will tell you if warm or cold packs, or both used alternately, will help your pain. Taking a warm bath may also help your muscles relax. A cool shower on a very hot summer day may also relax tense muscles.
Rehabilitation: This program may include physical and occupational therapy. In physical therapy (PT), special exercises are made to help your body get stronger and heal faster. Massage and physical therapy can work better if you also use guided imagery, breathing exercises, or music. Occupational therapy (OT) uses work, self-care, and play activities to help you in your daily life. These include special skills for bathing, dressing, cooking, eating, and driving.

What might happen if chronic pain is not treated?
Chronic pain may affect many areas of your life. It can affect your appetite (ability or desire to eat), how well you sleep, your energy and your ability to do things. It can also affect your mood (how you feel about things) and your relationships with others. It is sometimes hard to find the cause of chronic pain. You may feel that your pain will never go away. This can cause a cycle of suffering, sleeplessness, and sadness. If caregivers can help control your chronic pain, you may suffer less and enjoy your life more.

Where can I find support and more information?
Having chronic pain may be a life-changing condition for you and your family. Accepting that you have chronic pain may be hard. You and those around you may feel sad, frightened, and anxious. These feelings are normal. Talk to your caregiver, family, or friends about your feelings. Contact the following for more information about chronic pain:

American Academy of Family Physicians
PO Box 11210
Shawnee Mission, KS66207-1210
Phone: 1-913-906-6000
Web Address: http://www.aafp.org

National Chronic Pain Outreach Association
PO Box 274
Millboro, VA24460
Phone: 1-540-862-9437
Web Address: www.chronicpain.org

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers and work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. Remember you always have the right to refuse treatment.