Kris became the first NYU Women's Oncology patient to get a prescription to medical marijuana. She was prescribed marijuana to combat nausea, vomiting, headaches, anxiety and depression; as an anti-inflammatory (for arthritis swelling and pain); and for its anti-cancer/anti-tumor properties. Medical Marijuana was approved by New York State in 2013 and the first dispensaries opened up in January 2016. (See http://www.compassionatecareny.org/medical-marijuana/ and https://www.health.ny.gov/regulations/medical_marijuana/faq.htm). There are only TWO dispensaries in NYC. One is on 14th Street in Manhattan and the other is in Elmhurst, Queens. Our visit to the slick 14th Street dispensary was a bit strange and somewhat disappointing.
First off, New York State does not allow edibles or buds. Under the law, smoking is not permitted. The only approved types are liquids (a greenish tincture with a dropper for sublingual administration) as an oil for vaporization via a special inhaler, and as capsules to take orally. They sell it in three strength formulations: 1 part THC & 1 part CBD: 1 part THC and 2 parts CBD; and 1 part THC and 20 parts CBD. CBD is the ingredient that has the most medicinal properties and cannot get one high. (For more about CBDs see http://www.leafscience.com/2014/02/23/5-must-know-facts-cannabidiol-cbd/).
After making an appointment and consulting with a woman in a white lab coat, Kris started with the liquid (shown in photo). The cost was $53 for a 14 dose bottle of tincture. At only two doses a day, one could easily spend over $200 a month - none of which is not covered by medical insurance. Hopefully it will help Kris.
One good thing is: A family member or friend (me) can sign up as a Caregiver, who with their own MM ID card can go to the dispensary and pick up prescriptions for Kris. But remember, it does not get one high.
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