Medical Marijuana

BHO butane hash oil cannabis, Source: Diablo Dabs Seattle

This is a true story…

When I moved to a MMJ state, I found myself in an interesting situation. I was already a heavy recreational smoker, but still experiencing chronic back pain. I decided to find out what medical marijuana could offer to ease my suffering.

I’d long since been diagnosed with, and treated for sciatica. Sciatica is fancy word for a slipped disc in your lower back that squeezes on a body long nerve. It’s a common ailment for both men and women, with degrees of pain varying from mild throbbing to HOLY CRAP. My case was severe, having slipped two of my lower discs attempting to lift a 200lb. television about four years ago. Treatment consisted of anesthesia-assisted spinal cortisone injections. The shots were effective, but could not guarantee pain wouldn’t return down the line. If athletes have taught us anything, it’s that cortisone is a band aid at best. Fast forward to today- my work week is 50hrs long spent on my feet in a busy downtown hotel. Most days are good, but some days the pain returns with a vengeance.

I made an appointment with a licensed practitioner specializing in pain management via cannabis. We discussed how alternatives like prescription hydrocodone or Tylenol PM were more habit forming than effective. After a thorough examination, he qualified me for MMJ, issued me an authorization, and advised me to consider concentrated cannabis. Some quick web research and a great bud-tender pointed me in the direction of Butane Hash Oil, more commonly listed in dispensaries as BHO/Wax/Shatter etc.

This writer won’t risk tempting trolls by trying to explain BHO. Suffice to say BHO is a single strong hit of highly concentrated cannabis. On average, THC intake is tripled and I contend that medicinal relief is amplified as well. Minimal research anywhere within MMJ will reveal many types and dosing methods. Ask your local bud-tender about BHO.

My first experience with BHO was after a brutal day on my feet. Dosage was as directed, one “dab” of N-Tane Grand Daddy Purple Shatter, out of a scientific grade glass water pipe. Now, it goes without saying that a delightful “rush” of all sorts follows the use of BHO. At mildest description, I would liken it to the cramming of a heavy Indica session into one little dot- a vacation for the lungs- one hit, and a modest hit at that. 4ft. bong rips are forgotten in the world of hash oil concentrates. Smaller is actually better (imagine that!) because small air spaces and tight bubbles do the best job.

As for the relief, well all I can say is- what a relief. With the same pain, a dose of flowers would still leave my back barkin’ just a bit. However, a dab of BHO took that nice FAT face feeling and spread it all over my body, right down to where it hurt most. If you’ve smoked Head Band or some classic Master Kush, you know exactly what I mean. All the purest high at one time, but not too much to be paranoid or uncomfy- it’s just right.

Heck, I didn’t even cough; we’re not talking a lot of smoke here. This was and is a strong high that delivers above average relief rapidly. The sustained, comfortable buzz and gradual descent are ideal for before bed use. It is also worth noting that I for one don’t get munchies from hash oil. Personally, there is zero anxiety, hunger or discomfort left behind.

So this story ends with a stoner totally converted. I was already smoking grass habitually, but medicinally I needed something a little more potent and a little more directly focused. It is certainly not an everyday thing for most users and that’s what makes it such a nice option. The problem with pain is that it is so subjective. You find me two people that can agree on precisely what pain is, and I’ll show you 50 states that get along. As a seasoned smoker, it’s nice to know that there is a higher plateau…

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