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 -Dr. Spotlight

Attorney General Reacts to Raich Decision

Comprised here are three letters written by

Attorney General Bill Lockyear explaining that the recent Supreme Court decision does not overturn state law.

 -Bulletin 1 (pdf)

 -Bulletin 2 (pdf)

 -Lockyer Issues Statement (word)

Click here to download a free conditioned-based booklet in PDF format. 

Compassionate Use Act of 1996 (Prop 215)

It is what started it all!  The Health and Safety code 1362.5 was created to provide safe access to patients and protection for doctors who recommend...Read More

SB 420 (pdf)

Created to explain the legal applications of Proposition 215 and the legitimacy of cooperates and collectives.   In addition...Read More

California Constitution Article 3

This article requires California sate officials to abide by state law, regardless of federal law...Read More

California Supreme Court Mower Decision

This decision protects patients and orders state officials to treat medical cannabis just like any other prescribed medication...Read More

US Supreme Court-Walters vs. Conant

This decision enables doctors to recommend medical marijuana without fear of Federal reprisal...Read More

Patient Spotlight:

Bill Britt

What is your Disability/illness/condition? When did you first realize
that you had this condition?

I have Epilepsy and Post-Polio Syndrome. I contracted Polio at only 10 months old. Epilepsy manifested later in life at 17 years. Post Polio causes chronic back pain, muscle spasms, degenerative arthritis, and depression.

What non-cannabis medications are you currently taking? What side
affects do you feel from taking them?

I take Dilantin to prevent seizures. Some of the side effects that I experience are nausea, sleeplessness, and muscle tremors. I also occasionally take Motrin. I've read that the long-term side affects of Motrin are liver damage.

What therapies, healing methods, or medications have you tried
unsuccessfully before discovering medical cannabis?

Because I have Epilepsy, I cannot take most prescription pain killers or muscle relaxers because they can trigger seizures. That condition limits the medications that I am able take. The few prescription pain killers that I have tried were either ineffective or I was unable to tolerate the side effects.

How long have you been using cannabis for your condition?

Since my early teens...legally since 1996 (he giggles). For over 20 years, I've had to use Dilantin. I have never had to increase the

dosage. Generally, Epilepsy patients have to increase their dosage or add extra medications to continue controlling their seizures, but I
have actually been able to decrease my dosage and seizures.

Do you think the decrease of dosage and seizures is from medicating
with cannabis in conjunction with your other medication?

Definitely. No question. It also decreases the negative side affects
of Dilantin (nausea, sleeplessness, and muscle tremors) for me. A lot
of times patients won't take their medication because of the side
effects.

Would your condition worsen if you did not have access to cannabis?

Absolutely. I would be in constant pain, depressed, and probably have
anger management problems. I would stay at home and not go out. I would become a hermit.

When and how do you medicate?

From the moment I wake up in the morning until I go to bed at night. I
smoke, eat, and vaporize. I use concentrates and tinctures both
internally and externally. I consume approximately six pounds a year.

What effect does Cannabis give you when you medicate by vaporization?

The overall feeling is not as intense, much like eating cannabis. The effects last a little longer. I wish that I vaporized more often. In
fact, recently got a volcano vaporizer. It's a pain in the ass to use,
but it is worth it for the flavor.

Do you have a preference for method of use?

Because it is most convenient, I smoke.

Is there is specific strain of cannabis that you prefer?

I like a hybrid sativa for the daytime, like Island Sweet Skunk (60%
Sativa, 40% Indica). I enjoy the high quality sativas during the day
and the heavy indicas at night. I like to eat my medicine before I go
to bed to help me sleep throughout the night. I normally wake up
throughout the night, but not when I eat cannabis before I go to bed.

What are you medicating with today?

Romulin. I am experiencing a bit more pain today than usual, so that
is when I medicate with a stronger indica. In my experience, sativas
are better for inflammation and depression and indicas are better for
chronic pain and insomnia.

What has your experience here at the Farmacy been like?

I really enjoy the atmosphere and the people. You guys make me feel
comfortable. As an advocate, I have been to other dispensaries and it
seems like most are interested in only providing medicine.

The Farmacy is one of few that are interested in providing other services and assistance to it's members. When my shoulder was hurting me the other day, I was able to utilize the complementary massage service. Peer counseling and advocacy services are available to patients and a research program studying the effects/benefits of cannabis on many different conditions and symptoms, is being developed. The staff is friendly and I love the live music and other performances. Also a website is being set up to inform, educate and coordinate patients, advocates and volunteers.

What services would you like to see provided?

Legal trainings and seminars. Also, a local health care information
database to access other services in California for cannabis and
non-cannabis related health care issues.

What types of medical cannabis issues are important to you?

Legal issues. So many people are still getting tickets for having
legal medicine. Administrating an ID program is of highest priority
right now.