Cannabis, Cancer and Confusion Oh My 1

Once again this post is directed toward those of us just south of AARP and those northward.

In my progressive tree hugging state we have dispensaries that, for a "donation" will provide you with medical marijuana [Cannabis].   I'm not making that up it's true.  

Send our state $200.00 and eventually, well three to four months actually, you will receive two cards that allow you to legally purchase medical marijuana.  One for you and one for your caregiver.  Since our state thinks I.D. cards should be printed on the thinnest of Vellum plan on getting your card laminated so it will survive the first rainstorm.  

If you can't wait four months for a card, and I know you can't otherwise you wouldn't have applied for one, there is a trick.  Actually, sorry to say,  there are apparently tricks a' many when it comes to Medical Cannabis in this state. 

Here's the first trick. Mail your forms in via registered mail. You can download the forms from this state's website, which unlike this same state's insurance site actually works. Armed with the delivery receipt and a copy of the form you mailed, most dispensaries will allow you to use those for I.D. until the state gets around to sending your cards or denying you.  

This state starts your "year" [you have to renew annually] on the date the card was issued not when you applied.  So actually, and why the state is content to loose this easy money is a mystery, you have the four months of waiting and using your application then another 12 months once you get your cards for a total of sixteen months.  Confused yet?  We were.

Simple math tells me that instead of taxing Medical Marijuana collect what is due.  In this state there are over 58,000 registered along with over 29,000 care givers.  If the state gives up four months per applicant that is over a seven million dollars a year. They said there would be no math so you might want to check mine.

Sorry got off on a soap box there. 

Now armed with papers [poor pun intended, sorry Cheech] you are ready to head to the dispensary of your choice.

My following installment will be what to expect when you get to the dispensary.  Medical Cannabis marketing is still stuck in the sixties so if you are of an age it all might be a little daunting... ie; a strain that helps appetite is named "Durban Poison."  There's nothing poison about it and it helps.

Talk to you next time.

Once again this post is directed toward those of us just south of AARP and those northward.

Cancer, Looking Back With Regret

We are all born knowing ultimately we will move on from this life.  Conveniently we tuck that thought into our "it's a long way until tomorrow" drawer of denial.  Then we attack our futures armored in hope hoping we can mold the world into our own reality.

From our very get go we move into I can't wait mode.  I can't wait until I'm thirteen.  I can't wait until I can drive, get laid and graduate.  I can't wait until I'm twenty one.  I can't wait for that corner office.  I can't wait until I retire.  I can't wait.  I can't wait.

Suddenly, one day, we wake up from a nap only to discover we've ridden life to what we hope was the best of our ability. Looking less intently to the shortening days to come we look back over our memories with increasing frequency.  My diagnosis naturally started to make me wonder about past mistakes, opportunities missed, and regrets.  Let's not forget life decisions foolishly wasted and more regret.

Regret!  Geez there's a bucket of guilt.  I believe there are few regrets in a persons life time.  A regret isn't a "wish I wouldn't have."  Regret changes your life 180 degrees.  Flips life flip flop. Regret isn't "I wish I had of done that."  Or.  "I should have bet on blue."  Regret is shouldered when one makes a completely life altering decision and wishes otherwise.

Using the above thought or what some of you will call rationalization do you really, as you look backward, have as many regrets as you think?  I thought not.  Sure you should have said your sorry that time and you feel bad that you didn't.   You feel bad because on the Blackjack table you were hundreds ahead but when the sun looked West for the first time since you sat down you found yourself a thousand down.  Yep, you feel bad.  Wished you knew when to call it quits.  Should have, would have, could have.

Don't let the "should haves" in your life be regrets.  They are just "should haves" that nudged you one way or the other on your life's path.  Examine the "should haves" and if one or two of them weren't totally life altering I bet you come up with damn few regrets.  I should have had a V8 is not a regret!

I myself thought I had a ton of regrets. I have a whole bunch of "should haves" but only one regret.  

Talk to you later.

Applaud For That Last Chemo Treatment

This afternoon, I along with my wife went to my oncologist.  It was time for the monthly "I'm starting to wonder why I go to these" check ups.  

Really, at this point a visit now is do you need a refill for prescriptions since the U.S. Government insists I drive across town to pick up a hard copy of the prescription because they are a controlled substance [yes there is mail but who can plan that far ahead?]. I'm amazed to no end how our elderly can navigate this morass of governmental bullshit. None the less rules are rules and this afternoon found us sitting in the lobby of my Onc.

My wife, after running all the way back downstairs to grab some paperwork I forgot, ran into the restroom.  It had been a long drive.  About this time a woman quickly walks in to the lobby and heads for the restroom.  I explain she's been beat to the restroom.  She, with a gracious smile, said I'm sure I can wait.

As I sit in the lobby I hear the receptionist ask waiting bathroom lady "So and So are you ready for your last treatment?"

Wow last treatment!  No matter what Effing Evil Empire [cancer for those whom have forgotten] room I find myself in if I hear someone is having their last treatment I applaud, and smile.  After having my share of that "poison" [that's what it is folks]  I know better than to say "You should celebrate tonight."  It may be the last treatment but as many of you know it will be at least a day or two before he or she is ready to celebrate to hardily.  Like I said, it's poison and it doesn't wear off in minutes.

But all the same it got me to thinking as I sat waiting for Patty [the Nurse] to call my name.  I know of and I know a ton of people who have stared the Effing Evil Empire in the eye, said screw you and beat the Empire.  Makes me think two things. 

The first.  Evil yes.  Empire no.  Empires generally don't get beat on the battle field.

The second.  I sincerely enjoyed talking to the woman who today has finished being poisoned. More importantly.  I think we should all applaud those that have had there last Chemo.

I'm applauding now.

Talk to you later