utopiate
Branching Out
My experience after 6 months.
Hi all, I thought I would put this together in the hope it would be useful for new patients. Please bare in mind this is subjective.
Researching and choosing a clinic:
I'm not gonna lie but my main criteria for choosing a clinic was cost pure and simple. MedBud was absolutely crucial as a resource.
I went with Alternaleaf who at the time had just began to offer a subscription option at £15pcm for all consultations, prescriptions, rewrites, travel letters etc. It has since been reduced to £10pcm.
The process involved completing an online 'triage' assessment which showed I was likely eligible. I had options as to my initial consultation appointment which was useful for me given I work full time. You need your 'GP's summary care record' which you can download on the NHS app. I prepared for the consultation by jotting some things down including questions of my own. The initial consultation took around 30 mins, the consultant was reassuring, pleasant and professional. My initial prescription was for 40g but was approved for up to 60g of flower per month. I was able to specify my strain choices which were agreed with no issues.
I have since had a review which lasted only 10-15 mins and without issue. Each prescription I have had so far has had differing strains as I seek what is effective for me. I have not had any issues from my clinic/pharmacy around this.
Pharmacy:
Alternaleaf uses it's own pharmacy Montu which is located within the same building. The pharmacy website lists medications which you can apply filters when browsing. However, it does not provide (as yet) any terpene info etc.
I have had to request rewrites due to stock and these have been performed within 24 hours. The pharmacy is responsive to communication. I am able to have prescriptions sent to alternative pharmacies but have not used this facility as yet.
Overall my experience of the clinic and pharmacy have been very good. I have found them to be professional, compassionate and responsive.
Flower:
I want to preface my comments here by stating that whilst I may have criticism, overall the fact I have choice in strains and I am now legally in possession counts for an awful lot given my career etc. Please also note I mainly choose strains in the lower end of pricing. I'm on about the national average salary so funds are limited.
Right, let's go! The flower is dry, no two ways about it. Whether this is a storage/age issue or indeed that the majority is irradiated I do not know. This can and does impact on my perception of the quality and certainly the terpenes. Humidity packs are not only advisable but essential really. Whilst they help to bring a little life into the bud the mileage of this can vary. I keep a record of my experiences with strains and most are scored averagely with regards to quality due to this dryness. I have had a couple of strains at the higher end of pricing and both of these were not so dry. I am really hoping this dryness is not mainly a feature of the lower end as this would piss me off lol. Maybe other members could chime in on this. That said, you are getting the strain you are paying for as opposed to being told by a BM dealer that it's one strain just to get home and be instantly able to tell it is definitely not the strain you were told and certainly not the 28% THC they claimed lol. Medical cannabis provides choice and removes the illegality of possession. It is a regulated market where you are getting the exact strain and THC content you pay for. Woot!
Strain hunting:
I've always been a believer that the efficacy of a strain is due to a delicate balance of cannabinoids and terpenes. I always questioned the desire of breeders to chase THC percentages. For instance, let's take Sativa Hybrid strains which can induce a little anxiety, I've always believed CBD and CBN to have an ameliorating effect on this. Also I used to believe that terpenes only informed the flavour/aroma of the strain. However, I now feel the 'entourage' hypothesis to be correct. The downside to this can be that it makes choosing effective strains more tricky. Overall, cannabis in general is effective for my conditions. Strain selection only serves in 'how effective' it is for me. I think what I'm saying here is that it is easy to fall down this rabbit hole and convince yourself that you have yet to find 'the' strain. I would also caution against only looking at high THC strains, much symptom relief can be found at all levels of THC content.
I know some clinics only prescribe certain strains 'they' believe could be beneficial for you. Whilst I understand why they may take this approach the industry simply cannot cater to this approach. Here is why. The clinic/pharmacy are subject to what is available. That one particular strain they have prescribed is likely to go out of stock and may even be discontinued. Additionally people's finances are likely to inform what strains they choose for e.g. the most effective strain I have had is £8.50g which I simply cannot afford regularly. If your clinic is taking this approach it may be prudent to point these factors out to them. This is a private health industry for which you are paying a lot of money for. You have rights including consumer rights.
I keep a record of my prescriptions in order to inform future preferences. I really advise this in order to drill down on what is effective for you. Additionally, MedBud and it's community are invaluable. Use the website, ask questions in the forums etc.
Overall, my experience has been very positive. My clinic and pharmacy so far treat me as an informed adult and I am able to explore strains finding what is most effective for me. I am now legal which counts for an awful lot after 35 years. Whilst the industry has it's issues I can still whole heartedly recommend medical cannabis in the UK. If you are anxious about applying I understand but please move forward as it is not as imposing or overwhelming as it may seem. If the clinics online triage assessment states you are eligible it is very likely you are so try not to worry.
I am prescribed for mood disorder and CPTSD my top five strains after 6 months:
Aurora®® Aurora® T26 Electric Honeydew - Mood - by far the most effective strain for me but pricey.
Curaleaf® T21 High Silver - Mood - old skool, reliable and cheap.
Pure Sunfarms™ T21 Pink Kush (Now 4C Labs) - Sleep - Effective for sleep disturbance despite the 21% THC
Grow® Pharma T25 Black Cherry Punch - Sleep - Effective for sleep disturbance and tasty too.
Canopy Growth®® T28 Kush Mints - Sleep - Very effective for sleep disturbance but can induce a little fogginess the next morning.
Whilst this feedback is subjective I hope it is of use to you. Continue to use MedBud. It is exceptional and I don't give credit easily lol.
Hi all, I thought I would put this together in the hope it would be useful for new patients. Please bare in mind this is subjective.
Researching and choosing a clinic:
I'm not gonna lie but my main criteria for choosing a clinic was cost pure and simple. MedBud was absolutely crucial as a resource.
I went with Alternaleaf who at the time had just began to offer a subscription option at £15pcm for all consultations, prescriptions, rewrites, travel letters etc. It has since been reduced to £10pcm.
The process involved completing an online 'triage' assessment which showed I was likely eligible. I had options as to my initial consultation appointment which was useful for me given I work full time. You need your 'GP's summary care record' which you can download on the NHS app. I prepared for the consultation by jotting some things down including questions of my own. The initial consultation took around 30 mins, the consultant was reassuring, pleasant and professional. My initial prescription was for 40g but was approved for up to 60g of flower per month. I was able to specify my strain choices which were agreed with no issues.
I have since had a review which lasted only 10-15 mins and without issue. Each prescription I have had so far has had differing strains as I seek what is effective for me. I have not had any issues from my clinic/pharmacy around this.
Pharmacy:
Alternaleaf uses it's own pharmacy Montu which is located within the same building. The pharmacy website lists medications which you can apply filters when browsing. However, it does not provide (as yet) any terpene info etc.
I have had to request rewrites due to stock and these have been performed within 24 hours. The pharmacy is responsive to communication. I am able to have prescriptions sent to alternative pharmacies but have not used this facility as yet.
Overall my experience of the clinic and pharmacy have been very good. I have found them to be professional, compassionate and responsive.
Flower:
I want to preface my comments here by stating that whilst I may have criticism, overall the fact I have choice in strains and I am now legally in possession counts for an awful lot given my career etc. Please also note I mainly choose strains in the lower end of pricing. I'm on about the national average salary so funds are limited.
Right, let's go! The flower is dry, no two ways about it. Whether this is a storage/age issue or indeed that the majority is irradiated I do not know. This can and does impact on my perception of the quality and certainly the terpenes. Humidity packs are not only advisable but essential really. Whilst they help to bring a little life into the bud the mileage of this can vary. I keep a record of my experiences with strains and most are scored averagely with regards to quality due to this dryness. I have had a couple of strains at the higher end of pricing and both of these were not so dry. I am really hoping this dryness is not mainly a feature of the lower end as this would piss me off lol. Maybe other members could chime in on this. That said, you are getting the strain you are paying for as opposed to being told by a BM dealer that it's one strain just to get home and be instantly able to tell it is definitely not the strain you were told and certainly not the 28% THC they claimed lol. Medical cannabis provides choice and removes the illegality of possession. It is a regulated market where you are getting the exact strain and THC content you pay for. Woot!
Strain hunting:
I've always been a believer that the efficacy of a strain is due to a delicate balance of cannabinoids and terpenes. I always questioned the desire of breeders to chase THC percentages. For instance, let's take Sativa Hybrid strains which can induce a little anxiety, I've always believed CBD and CBN to have an ameliorating effect on this. Also I used to believe that terpenes only informed the flavour/aroma of the strain. However, I now feel the 'entourage' hypothesis to be correct. The downside to this can be that it makes choosing effective strains more tricky. Overall, cannabis in general is effective for my conditions. Strain selection only serves in 'how effective' it is for me. I think what I'm saying here is that it is easy to fall down this rabbit hole and convince yourself that you have yet to find 'the' strain. I would also caution against only looking at high THC strains, much symptom relief can be found at all levels of THC content.
I know some clinics only prescribe certain strains 'they' believe could be beneficial for you. Whilst I understand why they may take this approach the industry simply cannot cater to this approach. Here is why. The clinic/pharmacy are subject to what is available. That one particular strain they have prescribed is likely to go out of stock and may even be discontinued. Additionally people's finances are likely to inform what strains they choose for e.g. the most effective strain I have had is £8.50g which I simply cannot afford regularly. If your clinic is taking this approach it may be prudent to point these factors out to them. This is a private health industry for which you are paying a lot of money for. You have rights including consumer rights.
I keep a record of my prescriptions in order to inform future preferences. I really advise this in order to drill down on what is effective for you. Additionally, MedBud and it's community are invaluable. Use the website, ask questions in the forums etc.
Overall, my experience has been very positive. My clinic and pharmacy so far treat me as an informed adult and I am able to explore strains finding what is most effective for me. I am now legal which counts for an awful lot after 35 years. Whilst the industry has it's issues I can still whole heartedly recommend medical cannabis in the UK. If you are anxious about applying I understand but please move forward as it is not as imposing or overwhelming as it may seem. If the clinics online triage assessment states you are eligible it is very likely you are so try not to worry.
I am prescribed for mood disorder and CPTSD my top five strains after 6 months:
Aurora®® Aurora® T26 Electric Honeydew - Mood - by far the most effective strain for me but pricey.
Curaleaf® T21 High Silver - Mood - old skool, reliable and cheap.
Pure Sunfarms™ T21 Pink Kush (Now 4C Labs) - Sleep - Effective for sleep disturbance despite the 21% THC
Grow® Pharma T25 Black Cherry Punch - Sleep - Effective for sleep disturbance and tasty too.
Canopy Growth®® T28 Kush Mints - Sleep - Very effective for sleep disturbance but can induce a little fogginess the next morning.
Whilst this feedback is subjective I hope it is of use to you. Continue to use MedBud. It is exceptional and I don't give credit easily lol.
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