Pubdate: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 Source: Livingston County Daily Press & Argus (MI) Copyright: 2011 Livingston Daily Press & Argus Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/Kk1qVKJf Website: http://www.livingstondaily.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4265 Author: Michelle Peoples WHY DISPENSARIES? Medical Marihuana is a hot topic, although covered from a media view we are not provided with any education on the subject. We know Michigan voters approved this law by 63%, we know a patient is able to possess 2.5 ounces and has the ability to cultivate up to 12 plants or appoint a caregiver to do so. We know that Michigan allows for patients from other medical states to use their card here. But where are the patents and caregivers to get seeds or starter plants? How and where do the patients obtain their medication while their plants grow? What happens if the crop fails to produce? Where do the patients go if their caregiver is on vacation? What if the crop grown doesn't treat the symptoms the patient has? How does the patient know what strain works best for them? The answer to all of these questions is Dispensaries. Dispensaries can provide patients with medication while their crops are being grown, they can provide starter plants or seeds and they have knowledge on the products they carry and can help patients to choose a medication more suited to their condition. Dispensaries also have the ability to provide out of state patients with their medication while they visit Michigan. When you discuss marihuana the first thing to know is that different strains provide for different degrees of relief. Patients who suffer from Crohn's Disease who have used cannabis noted large improvement with fewer flare-ups of less severity and weight gain. Cancer patients use marijuana to treat both nausea and increase appetite. Patients who suffer from severe muscles spasms may choose a topical ointment to ease their pain, yet others may choose to ingest the medication for relief of their symptoms. Many dispensaries offer several choices all of which serve to treat different aliments and provide different effects on the patient. Dispensaries provide the medical marijuana community with a much needed service. To ban dispensaries is a failure to the patients. This law was enacted to protect and service the patient. If you had an infection you would go to the doctor and get a prescription for an antibiotic. If the antibiotic didn't work you would be given a different one. In the case of patients who choose medical marijuana you must first see a doctor, submit an application to the state, waiting 21 days to make sure you are not denied. Then you can start your plants, you still must wait for them to grow, be flowered, dried and last cured. For a grand total of 4 to 5 months before you ever see any medication. Your only alternative in this lengthy process is to have the ability to go to a dispensary and legally obtain your medication. Concerned Citizen - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.