Valley Healing Group
2840 Highway 95
Suite 422
Bullhead City, AZ 86442
VALLEY HEALING GROUP
PATIENT HANDBOOK
PATIENT WELCOME
Welcome to our dispensary. Our goal is to provide you with a
holistic approach to your wellness. In this Patient Handbook, we
have included information about your visit, our guidelines, the
medical cannabis law, and how to use medical cannabis. Please feel
free to ask any staff member for clarification on handbook.
B. Patients’ Rights

You have the right to be treated with respect and
professionalism.

You have the right to accurate and easily understood
information about the laws and local regulations.
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A. Patient Guidelines to Stay Safe and Healthy
You have the right to have your medicine provided elsewhere
if needed.

You have the right to accurately labeled and weighed quality
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Be a courteous and respectful neighbor

You must be at least 18 years old with a valid registry
medication and accurate information about the medication
identification card to enter
being provided.

Your identification must be ready at the door when you check in

Do not use or consume cannabis in transportation or public

friendly environment.
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place
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No cell phone calls or cameras are allowed in the building

You may not sell or distribute your cannabis medication

Place your medicine out of sight in a safe place before leaving

Respect staff, other patients/caregivers, and neighbors

Report suspicious behavior to us
You have the right to safe and effective medicine handled in
appropriate and sanitary conditions.

You have the right to considerate, respectful, and nondiscriminatory care.

the facility
You have the right to obtain your medication in a safe and
You have the right to know if your referring physician has a
personal or professional relationship with us.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE GUIDELINES
WILL RESULT IN TERMINATION OF SERVICE
Valley Healing Group 2840 Highway 95, Suite 422, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
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ARIZONA MEDICAL CANNABIS LAW
OVERVIEW
In November 2010, voters passed the Arizona Medical Cannabis Act
(“the Act”). In 2011, the Arizona Department of Health filed rules
implementing the Arizona Medical Cannabis Act (the “Act”),
approved by the voters in 2010. Below is a brief overview of what
the law does, does not do, and what doctors may not do in
connection with the medical cannabis program in the State.
A. What the Law Does
1. Protects Patients and Caregivers
The Act says that anyone who follows the requirements can't
be penalized for the medical use of cannabis. The Act
prohibits certain discriminatory practices, including:

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A school or landlord can't refuse to enroll or lease to a
qualifying patient unless failing to do so would cause the
school or landlord to lose benefits under federal law;
An employer can't discriminate against a qualifying
patient in hiring, terminating, or imposing employment
conditions unless failing to do so would cause the
employer to lose benefits under federal law; and
An employer can't penalize a qualifying patient for a
positive drug test for cannabis, unless the patient used,
possessed, or was impaired by cannabis on the
employment premises or during hours of employment.
2. Protects Physicians
The Act states that, if a physician complies with the
procedures specified in the Act, she or he shall not be subject
to arrest, prosecution or penalty in any manner or denied any
right or privilege, including but not limited to civil penalty or
disciplinary action by the Arizona board of medical
examiners or by any other business, occupational or
professional licensing board or bureau, based solely on
providing written certifications or for otherwise stating that,
in the physician's professional opinion, a patient is likely to
receive therapeutic or palliative benefit from the medical use
of cannabis to treat or alleviate the patient's debilitating
medical condition or symptoms associated with the
debilitating medical condition, but nothing in this chapter
prevents a professional licensing board from sanctioning a
physician for failing to properly evaluate a patient's medical
condition or otherwise violating the standard of care for
evaluating medical conditions.
3. Limits Qualifying Medical Conditions
In order to use cannabis as medicine, a qualifying patient
must be diagnosed with one or more of the following
“debilitating” medical conditions:
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Cancer
Glaucoma
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
Hepatitis C
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Crohn's disease
Agitation of Alzheimer's disease
Valley Healing Group 2840 Highway 95, Suite 422, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
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
A chronic or debilitating disease or medical condition or
the treatment for a chronic or debilitating disease or
medical condition that causes:
–
Cachexia or wasting syndrome;
–
Severe and chronic pain;
–
Severe nausea;
–
Seizures, including those characteristic of epilepsy;
and
–
Severe or persistent muscle spasms, including those


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characteristic of multiple sclerosis
4. Requires a Doctor’s Certificate
The Act protects only patients whose physician has filled out
and submitted a written certification to the state Arizona
Department of Health Services (the “Department”). A
physician must diagnose one of the above conditions and
certify in writing that the potential benefits of medical
cannabis use would likely outweigh the health risks for the
particular patient. Simply having a qualifying disease or
symptoms does not automatically qualify anyone for
protection under the Act.
5. States What Doctors Should Do To Certify a Patient for
Medical Cannabis Use
To certify a patient for medical cannabis use, a physician
must do the following:

Make or confirm a diagnosis of a debilitating medical
condition, as defined in the Act;
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Establish a medical record for the qualifying patient and
am maintaining the qualifying patient's medical record as
required in the Act
Conduct an in-person physical examination of the
qualifying patient within the last 90 calendar days
appropriate to the qualifying patient's presenting
symptoms and the debilitating medical condition the
physician diagnosed or confirmed;
Review the qualifying patient's medical records,
including medical records from other treating physicians
from the previous 12 months, the qualifying patient's
responses to conventional medications and medical
therapies, and the qualifying patient's profile on the
Arizona Board of Pharmacy Controlled Substances
Prescription Monitoring Program database;
Explain the potential risks and benefits of the medical use
of cannabis to the qualifying patient, or if applicable, the
qualifying patient's custodial parent or legal guardian;
Attest that, in the physician's professional opinion, the
qualifying patient is likely to receive therapeutic or
palliative benefit from the qualifying patient's medical
use of cannabis to treat or alleviate the qualifying
patient's debilitating medical condition; and
For a patient who is under the age of 18, another
physician must conduct an comprehensive review of the
qualifying patient's medical records from other physicians
treating the qualifying patient.
6. States What Patients Should Do to Obtain a Medical
Cannabis Certificate
A qualifying patient, who has been diagnosed with one of the
debilitating medical conditions will need to get a written
Valley Healing Group 2840 Highway 95, Suite 422, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
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certification from a physician (medical doctor, osteopath,
naturopath, or homeopath licensed to practice in Arizona)
with whom he/she has a physician-patient relationship. The
written certification has to be on a form provided by the
Department within 90 days before submitting an application
for a registry identification card. After obtaining the written
certification from the physician, the qualifying patient can
apply online for a registry identification card, after April 14,
2011.

Prevent a nursing care or other residential or inpatient
healthcare facility from adopting reasonable restrictions on
the provision, storage and use of cannabis by residents or
patients.
C. What Doctors Can NOT Do:


Assist patients in obtaining cannabis by doing more than that
required by the Act.
Recommend cannabis without a justifiable medical cause.
B. What Arizona’s Law Does NOT Do
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Authorize a person to undertake any task under the influence
of cannabis that constitutes negligence or professional
malpractice. Authorize possessing or using medical cannabis
on a school bus, on the grounds of a preschool, primary
school, or high school, or in a correctional facility.
Authorize smoking cannabis on public transportation or in a
public place. See Appendix for definition of “public place”
Authorize operating, navigating, or being in actual physical
control of a motor vehicle, aircraft, or motorboat while under
the influence of cannabis. A registered qualifying patient will
not be considered to be under the influence of cannabis solely
because of the presence of cannabis in the person's system
that appears in a concentration insufficient to cause
impairment.
Require a government medical assistance program or private
health insurer to reimburse for costs associated with the
medical use of cannabis.
Require an owner of private property to allow the use of
cannabis on that property.
Require an employer to allow the ingestion of cannabis in the
workplace.
certification from a physician (medical doctor, osteopath,
naturopath, or homeopath licensed to practice in Arizona)
with whom he/she has a physician-patient relationship. The
written certification has to be on a form provided by the
Department within 90 days before submitting an application
for a registry identification card. After obtaining the written
certification from the physician, the qualifying patient can
apply online for a registry identification card, after April 14,
2011.
D. What Arizona’s Law Does NOT Do



Authorize a person to undertake any task under the influence
of cannabis that constitutes negligence or professional
malpractice. Authorize possessing or using medical cannabis
on a school bus, on the grounds of a preschool, primary
school, or high school, or in a correctional facility.
Authorize smoking cannabis on public transportation or in a
public place. See Appendix for definition of “public place”
Authorize operating, navigating, or being in actual physical
control of a motor vehicle, aircraft, or motorboat while under
the influence of cannabis. A registered qualifying patient will
Valley Healing Group 2840 Highway 95, Suite 422, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
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not be considered to be under the influence of cannabis solely
because of the presence of cannabis in the person's system
that appears in a concentration insufficient to cause
impairment.
Require a government medical assistance program or private
health insurer to reimburse for costs associated with the
medical use of cannabis.
Require an owner of private property to allow the use of
cannabis on that property.
Require an employer to allow the ingestion of cannabis in the
workplace.
Prevent a nursing care or other residential or inpatient
healthcare facility from adopting reasonable restrictions on
the provision, storage and use of cannabis by residents or
patients.
E. What Doctors Can NOT Do:


Assist patients in obtaining cannabis by doing more than that
required by the Act.
Recommend cannabis without a justifiable medical cause.
Valley Healing Group 2840 Highway 95, Suite 422, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
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ASA'S GUIDE TO USING CANNABIS
Using Cannabis
Smoking
Smoking cannabis produces the most immediate effects and permits
the most refined control of your dosage. Smoking any material is not
good for the lungs, but the amount of cannabis you need to smoke is
so small that you need not be overly concerned. It is better to smoke
the flowers rather than the leaves as this also reduces the amount you
will need to smoke.
Vaporizing
Cannabis vaporizers are designed to let users inhale active
cannabinoids while avoiding harmful smoke toxins. They do so by
heating cannabis to a temperature that is just below the point of
combustion where smoke is produced. At this point, THC and other
medically active cannabinoids are emitted with little or none of the
carcinogenic tars and noxious gases found in smoke. Many medical
cannabis patients who find smoked cannabis highly irritating report
effective relief inhaling through vaporizers. Also, vaporizers are very
efficient so they can save money in the long term.
Eating
Cannabis can be eaten. When consumed this way, it is usually baked
in brownies or cookies, and sometimes made into a candy. It takes
longer to feel the effects when eaten, and may take longer for you to
learn to control your dosage. However, when you do feel the effects,
they may be stronger than those felt by smoking. You may also feel
certain heaviness in your body. This will not hurt you. Schedule your
time so that you can relax when you take it.
Tea
Like other herbs, cannabis may be made into a tea. Boil the water
first and pour it over the cannabis. Let it steep for longer than you
would for common black tea; approximately an hour and a half. Add
1 teaspoon of butter. The effects are similar to eating it.
Tincture
To prepare a tincture, use 5 parts fresh cannabis to 1 part vodka. If
you are using dried cannabis, as is usually the case, use 10 parts
cannabis to 1 part vodka. An easy way to do this if you don’t have
measuring equipment, is to fill whatever container you are using
(glass is preferable as you don’t want to leech any residues from
metal containers) to thirds full with cannabis, then fill the container
with vodka and let stand for a week or more. Afterward, strain the
solution. If you use a larger portion of cannabis, the resulting tincture
will be more potent.
Compress
Follow the recipe as for tea. Make as much as you need to
thoroughly soak the cloth you intend to use. Apply to pain and leave
on ½ hour.
Marinol
Marinol is a synthetic petrochemical analog of THC, one of the
active elements found in cannabis. Some patients find that it helps
relieve nausea yet takes a long time to work. Do not smoke this
product. It has the potential for overdose. Use only under the
supervision of a doctor.
Valley Healing Group 2840 Highway 95, Suite 422, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
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Side Effects
Cannabis is one of the safest medicines: it is impossible to consume
enough to produce a toxic effect in the body. However, if you are
unfamiliar with it, there are some effects which you should be aware
of so that you can use it more effectively.
Uneasiness
Cannabis usually has a soothing and comforting effect on the mind.
Sometimes, however, people do experience feelings of anxiety. If
this happens to you, there are several things you can do. Try to stay
in environments where you feel naturally comfortable. If you feel
anxious, sit or lay down, breathe deeply, and relax. If you have loved
ones with you, hold each other for a while. If you have a pet, hold or
stroke it. Eating will often quickly reduce the feeling of anxiety.
Then, the next time you use it, try reducing your dosage. Because of
our social training, you may have feelings of guilt. Know that you
have a right to your medicine.
Sleeplessness
If you find that you can’t sleep for a while after using cannabis, try
reducing your dosage and avoid using it for about two hours or so
before you want to sleep.
Short-term Memory Loss
Sometimes people find it difficult to carry on a complicated
conversation, keep track of details, or perform complex tasks. If this
happens to you, schedule your time so that you don’t have to do
these things when using your medicine.
Giddiness
Many people find that things which normally don’t seem funny
become quite amusing when they use cannabis. Most people enjoy
this effect. If you must deal with situations where humor would be
inappropriate in your judgment, schedule your time so that you don’t
have to deal with them when you are taking your medicine.1
Hunger & Thirst
Many patients use cannabis to stimulate appetite. If you are not using
cannabis for this purpose, drink water or juice. If you wish to eat, eat
good nourishing food rather than sweets.
Redness in the Eyes
This will not hurt you. If you must go out in public and are
concerned about others’ reaction to the redness, wear sunglasses or
use eye drops.
Drowsiness
If cannabis makes you sleepy, take a nap if you can and wish to. As
with all medicines that can produce drowsiness, don’t drive or
operate heavy machinery.
1
Excerpt from Americans for Safe Access
Valley Healing Group 2840 Highway 95, Suite 422, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
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SATIVA VS. INDICA
The efficacy of cannabis is directly related to strain selection,
therefore we recommend care be taken in selecting appropriate
strains to meet your needs. We are beginning to identify particular
varieties that are effective for sleep, pain, appetite, and energy; as
well as for specific conditions.
Cannabis potency varies with strains. In terms of medicinal dosage,
the idea is to smoke as little as possible in order to reduce respiratory
irritations from excessive inhalation of burnt plant matter. Patients
are highly encouraged to use vaporizers, or ingest cannabis medicine
to reduce any potential risks from smoking. Patients need less high
potency cannabis to reach desired effects. Any patients who find
they need increasingly larger doses to reach desired effects should
reduce, or stop intake for a time, or change the variety of cannabis
normally used. This helps patients return to a minimized effective
dosage level.
emotional results as well. These effects can be characterized as
relaxing, sedating, and pain
reducing. Indicas are generally best for later in the day and before
bed.
Strain crosses, or hybrids, are the result of cross-pollination of
various strains. The characteristics, and hence the effects, of one
strain will usually be dominant. For example, indica-dominant
crosses are good for pain relief, with the sativa component helping
with energy, and activity levels. Sativa-dominant crosses are good
for stimulating appetite, with the indica component helping to reduce
body pain and increase relaxation.2
Sativa
Reduces depression
Relieves headaches and migraines
Energizes and stimulates
Reduces awareness of pain
Increases focus and creativity
Reduces nausea
Stimulates appetite
Supports immune system
Generally, the sativa plant is the taller and lankier variety, reaching
heights of over 5-6 meters. It is characterized by narrow serrated
leaves and loose spear-like flower clusters that can be extremely
resinous. Primarily, the effects of sativas are on the mind and
emotions. In this regard, they tend to be more stimulating, uplifting,
energizing, and creativity enhancing. These benefits can be
particularly helpful for the psychological component of many
illnesses. Sativas are generally better for daytime use.
Indica
Reduces pain
Relaxes muscle spasms
Stimulates appetite
Reduces inflammation
Aids sleep
Relieves headaches and
migraines
Reduces intra‐ocular pressure
Anti‐convulsant
Indica plants are normally shorter and stockier plants, reaching 1-2
meters in height with wide, deeply serrated leaves and compact and
dense flower cluster. The effects of indicas are predominantly
physical, although the relief of certain physical symptoms can have
2
Highland Springs Wellness Center
Valley Healing Group 2840 Highway 95, Suite 422, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
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UNDERSTANDING EDIBLES
APPLICATIONS FOR CANNABIS AND
CANNABINOIDS
Edibles are foods cooked with butter or oil that has been infused
with cannabis (e.g. bars or cookies). Edible cannabis usually takes
longer to take effect (20 minutes to an hour or more) and the effects
generally last longer than smoking or vaporizing cannabis. All of
our edibles are carefully enhanced with a consistent strength. Below
we have provided safety tips for the consumption of our edible
cannabis products.

You should pay attention to the packing and labeling to make
sure you are consuming the recommended strength, particularly
since edibles are made in various strengths.

If you are new to medical cannabis, you may want to start with a
half dose, gradually increasing to recommended strength. You
should “start low and go slow.”

When using edibles, it is important to no cross-medicate or use
alcohol or other drugs. The effect may be strengthened, causing
an overreaction, including unusual drowsiness or slow reflexes.

If you ever over-medicate, medical cannabis is non-toxic and not
lethal.

All products should be stored in a safe place, away from children
and pets.

When eating or drinking medical cannabis, it can take up to 1 to
1.5 hours to feel the effects, depending upon your body’s
chemistry. You should wait at least an hour before taking more.
Valley Healing Group 2840 Highway 95, Suite 422, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
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The Safety Profile of Medical Cannabis
Cannabinoids have a remarkable safety record, particularly when
compared to other therapeutically active substances. Most
significantly, the consumption of cannabis – regardless of quantity or
potency -- cannot induce a fatal overdose. According to a 1995
review prepared for the World Health Organization, “There are no
recorded cases of overdose fatalities attributed to cannabis, and the
estimated lethal dose for humans extrapolated from animal studies is
so high that it cannot be achieved by … users.”
In 2008, investigators at McGill University Health Centre and
McGill University in Montreal and the University of British
Columbia in Vancouver reviewed 23 clinical investigations of
medical cannabinoid drugs (typically oral THC or liquid cannabis
extracts) and eight observational studies conducted between 1966
and 2007. Investigators "did not find a higher incidence rate of
serious adverse events associated with medical cannabinoid use"
compared to non-using controls over these four decades.
That said, cannabis should not necessarily be viewed as a ‘harmless’
substance. Its active constituents may produce a variety of
physiological and euphoric effects. As a result, there may be some
populations that are susceptible to increased risks from the use of
cannabis, such as adolescents, pregnant or nursing mothers, and
patients who have a family history of mental illness.
Patients with hepatitis C, decreased lung function (such as chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease), or who have a history of heart
disease or stroke may also be at a greater risk of experiencing
adverse side effects from cannabis. As with any medication, patients
should consult thoroughly with their physician before deciding
whether the medical use of cannabis is safe and appropriate….
As states continue to approve legislation enabling the physiciansupervised use of medical cannabis, more patients with varying
disease types are exploring the use of therapeutic cannabis. Many of
these patients and their physicians are now discussing this issue for
the first time and are seeking guidance on whether the therapeutic
use of cannabis may or may not be advisable. This report seeks to
provide this guidance by summarizing the most recently published
scientific research (2000-2010) on the therapeutic use of cannabis
and cannabinoids for 19 clinical indications:
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Alzheimer's disease
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Chronic pain
Diabetes mellitus
Dystonia
Fibromyalgia
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gliomas/other cancers
Hepatitis C
Human Immunodeficiency
Virus
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
Hypertension
Incontinence
Methicillin-resistant
Staphyloccus aureus
(MRSA)
Multiple sclerosis
Osteoporosis
Pruritus
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sleep apnea
Tourette's syndrome
In some of these cases, modern science is now affirming longtime
anecdotal reports of medical cannabis users (e.g., the use of
cannabis to alleviate GI disorders). In other cases, this research is
highlighting entirely new potential clinical utilities for cannabinoids
(e.g., the use of cannabinoids to modify the progression of
diabetes.)3
3
The National Organization for Reform of Cannabis Laws, February 2011
(excerpt, pages 1-10).
Valley Healing Group 2840 Highway 95, Suite 422, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
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AILMENT SPECIFIC STRAINS
Below is information about the purported effectiveness of various
strains of cannabis for certain health effects.4 In order to use
cannabis as medicine in Arizona, a qualifying patient must be
diagnosed with a “debilitating” medical condition as defined in the
Act.
Afghanica
Afghanie x Haze
AK-47
Alien Train Wreck
Apollo 13
Auntie Em
Aurora B
Berry-Bolt
Big Bang
Big Kahuna
Black on Blue Widow
Black Vietnamese
Blue Fruit
Blue Moonshine
Blue Satellite x Jack Herer
Blue Satellite
Blueberry
Bog Sour Bubble
Bonzo Bud
Budacolumbia
Burmaberry
Burmese kush
4
Nausea, pain
PMS
Pain, nausea, depression, insomnia, headache
Asthma
Back pain
Crohn's Disease, MS
Nausea, joint pain, arthritis
Insomnia, joint pain
Used to sedate and relieve stress & anxiety
amongst sufferers of severe anxiety, etc.
Herniated disc pain, arthritis
HIV, back pain
Nausea, muscle spasms, pain
Crohn's Disease, muscle spasms
Anxiety, depression, insomnia
Depression, nausea
Pain, nausea, insomnia, anxiety, muscle
tension
Nausea, insomnia, pain
Pain, anxiety
Body pain, migraine
Nausea
Migraine, depression
Anxiety, depression
Michigan Medical Cannabis Association
C99 x Great White Shark
Cali-O
Catalyst
Cinderella 99
CIT
Citral
Cripple Creek
Deep Chunk
Dynamite
NYC Sour Diesel
El Nino
Fieldale Haze
Fig Widow
Firecracker
G13 x HP
G-13
Grapefruit
Green Queen
Green Spirit x Timewarp x
Herijuana
Green Spirit
Herijuana x Trainwreck
Herijuana
Ice Princess x Bubblegum
Jack Herer
Juicy Fruit
Kali Mist
Kal-X
Killer Queen
Krinkle x Kush x Freezeland
Leda Uno
Legends Ultimate Indica x
Herijuana
Legends Ultimate Indica
Anxiety
Nausea
PMS
Nausea
Pain, nausea, insomnia
Insomnia
Ankylosing Spondilitis, Hepatitis C,
Degenerative Disc Disease, IBS, Interstitial
Cystitis, Chronic Rotator Cuff Disease
Joint pain, insomnia
Asthma, Crohn's Disease, Hepatitis C
Edema, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, radiculopathy
Nausea, insomnia
Anxiety, back pain
Back pain, psychosis
Anxiety, depression, nausea
Nausea, joint pain, insomnia
Depression, pain, ADD, ADHD
Arthritis, Hepatitis C, pain, nausea
Epilepsy, neck/spine pain
RLS, insomnia, migraine, joint pain
Nausea, headache, body pain
Diabetic neuropathy, joint pain, insomnia, MS
Pain, nausea, insomnia
Migraine
Anxiety, fibromyalgia
Insomnia, joint pain, anxiety
Nausea, depression
Body pain
Depression, back pain
MS muscle spasms
Insomnia
Muscle spasms, pain
Insomnia, IBS
Valley Healing Group 2840 Highway 95, Suite 422, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
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Lemon Chemo
Lemon Haze
Lifesaver
Lollipop
Lowryder
LSD
M-39
Magic Crystal
Mango x Northern Lights # 5
Mango
Masterkush
Medicine Woman
Misty
Motarebel Oguana Kush
Mountainberry
Northern Lights # 1
Northern Lights # 2
Northern Lights x Jamaican
Northern Lights x Cinderella
99
Northern Lights x Shiva
Northern Lights
Northernberry
Oregon 90
Original Mystic
OG kush purple
Phaght Betty
Queen Bee
Sensi Star
Insomnia, back pain, migraine
RLS, chronic fatigue
Nausea, headache, pain, insomnia
Cachexia, degenerative bone/disc disease,
edema, general pain, general seizures,
glaucoma, migraine, MS, nausea, PostTraumatic Stress Disorder
Nausea, pain, headache
Nausea, anxiety, depression, headache
Depression
Migraine, PMS, depression, SADS, mania,
nausea
Pain, nausea, insomnia, anxiety
Back pain, nausea
Nausea
Diabetic neuropathy, general pain, general
seizures, glaucoma, Hepatitis C, muscle
spasms, nausea, radiculopathy
Hepatitis C, back pain, insomnia, nausea
Nerve Pain, muscle spasms, back pain,
headache, insomnia
Insomnia, migraine, pain
Arthritis
Nausea, insomnia
Arthritis
Depression
Body pain, back pain, toothache
Anxiety, radiculopathy, insomnia
Pain
Insomnia, joint pain, RLS, pain, nausea
Epilepsy
Shiskaberry x Dutch Treat
Shiskaberry x Hash Plant
Skunk # 1
Snow White
Sour cream
Stardust 13
Strawberry Cough
Super Impact x AK-47
Super Impact
Super Silver Haze
Super Thai
Sweet Blu
Sweet Tooth # 3
Trainwreck x Herijuana
Trainwreck
TW x LUI
TX
Ultra Green
Wakeford
White Rhino - aka Medicine
Man
White Russian
White Widow x Big Bud
White Widow
Migraine, anxiety, insomnia, nausea
Anxiety, nausea
Nausea
PMS
Insomnia, joint pain, nausea
Pain, nausea, insomnia
Back pain, depression
Pain, insomnia
Nausea, insomnia, muscle pain, depression,
anxiety, SADS, mania
Nausea, depression
Depression
Degenerative bone/disc disease, diabetic
neuropathy, edema, fibromyalgia, muscle
spasms, nausea, neck/spine pain
Depression
Nausea
Anxiety, arthritis, diabetic neuropathy,
depression
Arthritis, nausea
Arthritis, asthma, general pain, general
seizures, glaucoma, MS
Insomnia
Anxiety, nausea, insomnia
Body pain, back pain, joint pain, insomnia
Pain, nausea
Depression
Cachexia, Hepatitis C, Post-Traumatic Stress
Disorder
Cachexia, degenerative bone/disc disease,
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Neck/spine pain
Migraine
Valley Healing Group 2840 Highway 95, Suite 422, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
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SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION
In 2009, approximately 28.5 million Americans age 12 and older had
abused cannabis at least once in the year prior to being surveyed.
Source: National Survey on Drug Use and Health (Substance Abuse
and Mental Health Administration Web Site). By the time they
graduate from high school, about 42 percent of teens will have tried
cannabis, according to the NIDA.
According to the federal government, long-term cannabis use can
lead to psychological addiction. It estimates that 9 percent of people
who use cannabis will become dependent on it. The number goes up
to about 1 in 6 in those who start using young (in their teens) and to
25-50 percent among daily users.
DRUG ABUSE AND ADDICTION
Some people are able to use recreational or prescription drugs
without ever experiencing negative consequences or addiction. For
many others, substance use can cause problems at work, home,
school, and in relationships, leaving you feeling isolated, helpless, or
ashamed. If you’re worried about your own or a friend or family
member’s drug use, it’s important to know that help is available.
Learning about the nature of drug abuse and addiction—how it
develops, what it looks like, and why it can have such a powerful
hold—will give you a better understanding of the problem and how
to best deal with it.
Understanding drug use, drug abuse, and addiction
doing it, or in an effort to improve athletic performance or ease
another problem, such as stress, anxiety, or depression. Use doesn’t
automatically lead to abuse, and there is no specific level at which
drug use moves from casual to problematic. It varies by individual.
Drug abuse and addiction is less about the amount of substance
consumed or the frequency, and more to do with the consequences of
drug use. No matter how often or how little you’re consuming, if
your drug use is causing problems in your life—at work, school,
home, or in your relationships—you likely have a drug abuse or
addiction problem.
Drug addiction and the brain
Addiction is a complex disorder characterized by compulsive drug
use. While each drug produces different physical effects, all abused
substances share one thing in common: repeated use can alter the
way the brain looks and functions. Taking a recreational drug causes
a surge in levels of dopamine in your brain, which trigger feelings of
pleasure. Your brain remembers these feelings and wants them
repeated. If you become addicted, the substance takes on the same
significance as other survival behaviors, such as eating and drinking.
Changes in your brain interfere with your ability to think clearly,
exercise good judgment, control your behavior, and feel normal
without drugs. Whether you’re addicted to inhalants, heroin, Xanax,
speed, or Vicodin, the uncontrollable craving to use grows more
important than anything else, including family, friends, career, and
even your own health and happiness. The urge to use is so strong
that your mind finds many ways to deny or rationalize the addiction.
You may drastically underestimate the quantity of drugs you’re
taking, how much it impacts your life, and the level of control you
have over your drug use.
People experiment with drugs for many different reasons. Many first
try drugs out of curiosity, to have a good time, because friends are
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5 Myths about Drug Abuse and Addiction
1. Overcoming addiction is a simply a matter of willpower. You
can stop using drugs if you really want to
Prolonged exposure to drugs alters the brain in ways that
result in powerful cravings and a compulsion to use. These
brain changes make it extremely difficult to quit by sheer
force of will.
2. Addiction is a disease; there’s nothing you can do about it
Most experts agree that addiction is a brain disease, but that
doesn’t mean you’re a helpless victim. The brain changes
associated with addiction can be treated and reversed through
therapy, medication, exercise, and other treatments.
3. Addicts have to hit rock bottom before they can get better
Recovery can begin at any point in the addiction process—
and the earlier, the better. The longer drug abuse continues,
the stronger the addiction becomes and the harder it is to
treat. Don’t wait to intervene until the addict has lost it all.
4. You can’t force someone into treatment; they have to want
help
Treatment doesn’t have to be voluntary to be successful.
People who are pressured into treatment by their
family,employer, or the legal system are just as likely to
benefit as those who choose to enter treatment on their own.
As they sober up and their thinking clears, many formerly
resistant addicts decide they want to change.
5. Treatment didn’t work before, so there’s no point trying
again
Recovery from drug addiction is a long process that often
involves setbacks. Relapse doesn’t mean that treatment has
failed or that you’re a lost cause. Rather, it’s a signal to get
back on track, either by going back to treatment or adjusting
the treatment approach.
Signs and Symptoms of Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction
Although different drugs have different physical effects, the
symptoms of addiction are similar. See if you recognize yourself in
the following signs and symptoms of substance abuse and addiction.
If so, consider talking to someone about your drug use.
Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse
You’re neglecting your responsibilities at school, work, or home
(e.g. flunking classes, skipping work, neglecting your children)
because of your drug use.
You’re using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks
while high, such as driving while on drugs, using dirty needles, or
having unprotected sex.
Your drug use is getting you into legal trouble, such as arrests for
disorderly conduct, driving under the influence, or stealing to
support a drug habit.
Your drug use is causing problems in your relationships, such as
fights with your partner or family members, an unhappy boss, or the
loss of old friends.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Drug Addiction
You’ve built up a drug tolerance.
You need to use more of the drug to experience the same
effects you used to attain with smaller amounts.
You take drugs to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms.
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If you go too long without drugs, you experience symptoms
such as nausea, restlessness, insomnia, depression, sweating,
shaking, and anxiety.
You’ve lost control over your drug use and developed
dependency.
You often do drugs or use more than you planned, even
though you told yourself you wouldn’t. You may want to
stop using, but you feel powerless.
Your life revolves around drug use and is dependent on drugs.
You spend a lot of time using and thinking about drugs,
figuring out how to get them, and recovering from the drug’s
effects.
You’ve abandoned activities you used to enjoy.
You no longer participate in activities such as hobbies,
sports, and socializing, because of your drug use.
You continue to use drugs, despite knowing it’s hurting you.
It’s causing major problems in your life—blackouts,
infections, mood swings, depression, paranoia—but you use
anyway.
Warning Signs that a Friend or Family Member is Abusing
Drugs (Useful for Caregivers)
-
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns. Sudden weight loss or
weight gain.
Deterioration of physical appearance, personal grooming
habits.
Unusual smells on breath, body, or clothing.
Tremors, slurred speech, or impaired coordination.
Behavioral signs of drug abuse
- Drop in attendance and performance at work or school.
- Unexplained need for money or financial problems. May
borrow or steal to get it.
- Engaging in secretive or suspicious behaviors.
- Sudden change in friends, favorite hangouts, and hobbies.
- Frequently getting into trouble (fights, accidents, illegal
activities).
Psychological warning signs of drug abuse
- Unexplained change in personality or attitude.
- Sudden mood swings, irritability, or angry outbursts.
- Periods of unusual hyperactivity, agitation, or giddiness.
- Lack of motivation; appears lethargic or “spaced out.”
- Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid, with no reason.
Warning Signs of Commonly Abused
Drugs Cannabis:
Drug abusers often try to conceal their symptoms and downplay their
problem. If you’re worried that a friend or family member might be
abusing drugs, look for the following warning signs:
Glassy, red eyes; loud talking,
inappropriate laughter followed by
sleepiness; loss of interest,
motivation; weight gain or loss.
Physical warning signs of drug abuse
- Bloodshot eyes, pupils larger or smaller than usual.
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Depressants (including
Xanax, Valium):
Stimulants (including
amphetamines, cocaine,
crystal meth):
Inhalants (glues, aerosols,
vapors):
Hallucinogens (LSD,
PCP):
Heroin:
Contracted pupils; drunk-like;
difficulty
concentrating; clumsiness; poor
judgment; slurred speech; sleepiness.
Dilated pupils; hyperactivity;
euphoria; irritability; anxiety;
excessive talking followed by
depression hyperactivity; euphoria;
irritability; anxiety; excessive talking
followed by depression or excessive
sleeping at odd times; may go long
periods of time without eating or
sleeping; weight loss; dry mouth and
nose.
Watery eyes; impaired vision,
memory and
thought; secretions from the nose or
rashes around the nose and mouth;
headaches and nausea; appearance of
intoxication; drowsiness; poor
muscle control; changes in appetite;
anxiety; irritability; lots of
cans/aerosols in the trash.
Dilated pupils; bizarre and irrational
behavior including paranoia,
aggression, hallucinations; mood
swings; detachment from people;
absorption with self or other objects,
slurred speech; confusion.
Contracted pupils; no response of
pupils to light; needle marks;
sleeping at unusual times; sweating;
vomiting; coughing, sniffling.
Getting Help for Drug Abuse and Drug Addiction
Visit a Narcotics Anonymous meeting in your area. See below.
Call 1-800-662-HELP in the U.S. to reach a free referral
helpline from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration.
Recognizing that you have a problem is the first step on the road to
recovery, one that takes tremendous courage and strength. Facing
your addiction without minimizing the problem or making excuses
can feel frightening and overwhelming, but recovery is within reach.
If you’re ready to make a change and willing to seek help, you can
overcome your addiction and build a satisfying, drug-free life for
yourself.
Support is Essential to Addiction Recovery
Don’t try to go it alone; it’s all too easy to get discouraged and
rationalize “just one more” hit or pill. Whether you choose to go to
rehab, rely on self-help programs, get therapy, or take a self directed
treatment approach, support is essential. Recovering from drug
addiction is much easier when you have people you can lean on for
encouragement, comfort, and guidance.
Support can come from:
- family members
- close friends
- therapists or counselors
- other recovering addicts
- healthcare providers
- people from your faith community
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GUIDELINES FOR NOTIFYIN THE PHYSICIAN WHO
PROVIDED THE WRITTEN CERTIFICATION FOR MEDICAL
CANNABIS IF SIDE EFFECTS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS
OCCUR
It is strongly advised for you to notify your physicians who provided
the written certification for medical cannabis use if side effects or
contraindications occur. If left undiagnosed or untreated, the adverse
reactions related to cannabis side effects and contraindications may
alter your lifestyle and your ability to function on a day-to-day basis.
The following information explains what are contraindications and
side effects of medical cannabis. Please make sure your physician is
aware of these contraindications and side effects for prompt
intervention and treatment.
Contraindications
There are certain conditions that increase the risk of using cannabis.
Patients with a history of psychotic disorders, particularly
schizophrenia and bi-polar disorder, should be under careful
psychiatric monitoring when using cannabis. Cannabinoids are
contraindicated for patients with a history of active cardiac
ischemias. Those receiving digitalis or other cardiac medications
should use cannabis under careful supervision by a medical doctor.
Cannabis use should be avoided where the immune system is needed
to fight off infections, particularly intracellular pathogens, such as
those that cause Legionnaire’s disease, Leishmania and tuberculosis.
Using cannabis has the potential to be problematic when a person is:
Drinking alcohol
or using other
drugs:
Cannabis mixed with alcohol may cause
vomiting and nausea and can amplify the
effects of some other substances
Using tobacco at
the same time:
Mixing tobacco with cannabis increases
a person’s risk of developing serious
physical health problems
Suffering from
mental health
problems:
Using large
amount:
In some cases, cannabis can make existing
health issues worse
Suffering from a
heart condition:
Cannabis may increase a person’s heart rate
and reduce blood pressure
Driving:
Cannabis use may lead to impairment which
can negatively affect driving ability
Long-term heavy use can lead to health
problems
Drug interactions
Because of the way cannabis is metabolized, it has been suggested
that there is a potential for it to interact with other drugs. These
drugs can include prescription, over the counter (non-prescription)
drugs and herbal supplements. Clinically significant interactions
have not been detected; however some study results and case reports
indicate that there is the possibility that cannabis may increase or
decrease the effectiveness of other medication. While inconclusive,
these results suggest that patients should be monitored for a change
in dosing requirements if they are taking other drugs.
Reports from patients indicate that negative drug interactions are not
common. Patients report that they are able to reduce the doses of
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some of their pharmaceutical drugs (particularly opiate-based
painkillers) when using cannabis. Cannabis has also been shown to
mitigate the negative side effects of pharmaceutical drugs and other
therapies. This helps patients stick to their treatment schedules.
Side-effects and risks of using cannabis to treat medical
conditions or symptoms
All drugs have side-effects and potential harms. The important
question to consider when using any medicine is whether the
benefits outweigh the potential harms. Many studies document the
therapeutic effectiveness of cannabis. Beyond the scientific
evidence, many people believe, based on personal experience, that
cannabis has a direct impact in terms of improving their well-being
with minimal adverse effects.
The side effects associated with cannabis are typically mild,
particularly when compared to many of the pharmaceutical drugs
used for the same conditions and symptoms. Serious complications
are very rare and there is no known case of a lethal overdose. The
ratio of lethal to effective dose is estimated at more than 1,000 to
one.
While over-consumption does not kill or seriously harm the user, it
can be unpleasant. Someone who has consumed too much may
become dizzy, agitated, nauseous, nervous, or paranoid. The most
intense feelings will last about an hour and the effects should wear
off in four to five hours. Some acute effects of too high a dose,
particularly in new users, include tachycardia (accelerated heart rate)
and hypotension (lowered blood pressure). Several studies have
documented impairments in motor-coordination, attention span and
memory.
Euphoric mood changes are among the most frequent side effects of
cannabis. While some people find the ‘high’ that can accompany
cannabis use to be a therapeutic benefit, others do not like the
feeling. Heavy cannabis use may make symptoms worse for mood
and personality disorders and can exacerbate existing schizophrenic
psychosis or increase the risk for developing psychosis in
predisposed persons.
Inhaling cannabis smoke can lead to some respiratory problems such
as bronchitis and phlegm production. Studies do show that smoking
cannabis and tobacco together increases the risks of COPD and lung
cancer.
Long-term, frequent use of large amounts can lead to psychological
dependence. Chronic, heavy use of cannabis may lead to the
development of tolerance so that more cannabis must be used to
achieve the desired effects. Using a different strain of cannabis, or
stopping use for a short time can reduce tolerance levels. Some users
may find it difficult to stop. Some users experience minor
withdrawal symptoms when they stop using cannabis, such as
irritability, anxiety, upset stomach, loss of appetite, and disturbed
sleep. These symptoms generally last for a few days at most.
We at Valley Healing Group strongly encourage you to seek
assistance at any of the facilities listed below if you have substance
addiction.
Some facilities may require a referral from your primary care
physician for insurance purposes. You will need to speak to the
facility whose program you are interested in using to find out what
type of referrals they require and what insurance companies they
accept.
Valley Healing Group 2840 Highway 95, Suite 422, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
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Westcare Arizona
821 Hancock Road #2
Bullhead City, Arizona
928-763-1945
REFERENCES AND RESOURCES
A. Cannabis Medical Research
ABC Therapy Centers Inc.
1748 Arizona 95
Bullhead City, Arizona
928-763-4600
Mohave Mental Health Clinic
1145 Marina Boulevard
Bullhead City, Arizona
928-855-3432
Community Medical Services, LLC
809 Hancock Road
Bullhead City, Arizona
928-763-7111

Challenges of cannabis research, Brain 2006 129(5):10811083.
http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/full/129/5/1081

A Collection of Articles That Address Research on Cannabis
– National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
http://www.drugabuse.gov/NIDA_Notes/NN0058.html

Cannabis and Medicine: Assessing the Science Base (1999) –
Institute of Medicine
http://www.nap.edu/catalog.php?record_id=6376

Cannabis Research and Dissemination Update - March 2004
– NIDA
http://www.nida.nih.gov/PDF/MJProgressRep04.pdf
B. Cannabis Fact Sheets

Cannabis myths: how harmful is cannabis? – UK DrugScope
http://www.drugscope.org.uk/resources/mediaguide/cannabis
myths.htm

Cannabis: Facts for Teens – National Institute on Drug Abuse
(NIDA)
http://www.drugabuse.gov/MarijBroch/Marijteens.html

Cannabis: Facts Parents Need to Know – NIDA
http://www.drugabuse.gov/MarijBroch/MarijparentsN.html
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
NIDA Research Report: Cannabis Abuse
http://www.drugabuse.gov/ResearchReports/Cannabis/defaul
t.html
diagnosis and symptoms, treatment, related issues, clinical
trials, research, dictionaries/glossaries, directories,
organizations and statistics.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cannabis.html
Opposing Viewpoints

(CON) Cannabis Myths & Facts: The Truth Behind 10
Popular Misperceptions – ONDCP
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/cannabis
_myths_facts/index.html

(PRO) Myths and Facts About Cannabis – Drug Policy
Alliance Network
http://www.drugpolicy.org/cannabis/factsmyths/

Medical Cannabis – ProCon.org
http://medicalcannabis.procon.org/

Cannabis : NIDA for Teens Web : The Science Behind Drug
Abuse. Factual information for teens on the use and
consequences of cannabis.
http://teens.drugabuse.gov/facts/facts_mj1.asp

Cannabis: Parents. The Anti-Drug – The National Youth
Anti-Drug Media Campaign. Site for parents with
information relating to teen use, talking to your teen,
academic success, mental health, and more.
http://www.theantidrug.com/drug_info/drug-info-truth-aboutcannabis.asp
C. Information on the Web

Arizona Department of Health: Arizona Medical Cannabis
Program
www.azdhs.gov/medicalcannabis/

Americans for Safe Access www.safeaccessnow.org

Science-based information about the effects of cannabis on
your brain and body.
http://www.cannabis-info.org/

Medline Plus : Cannabis – National Library of Medicine
(NLM) & National Institutes of Health (NIH). Authoritative
information, including: news, NIH resources, overviews,
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