new to mmj, advice pls...

You sound like you could definitely benefit from cannabis.

Certainly, I've dealt with numerous migraine patients who have reduced their number of migraines by solid amounts- 50-90% less migraines per month. I don't experience migraines, but I do know those people have developed some specific techniques of using cannabis to avoid them.
They all seem to agree if you let a migraine start, there is little cannabis has to offer to stop the migraine. The key is prevention, and getting to know your "aura" pre-symptoms. Using a good sativa when you feel the first migraine symptoms is the best short term prevention.
Long term, these patients mostly use low-doses of edibles, morning and afternoon, which keeps the migraines at bay.

Anti-depression and mood elevation is tricky because everyone is different. Experimentation, and always keeping doses low to be "functional" is a must. You can't anti-depress yourself by smoking yourself into a stupor. For this you would want to get a knowledgeable provider who can guide you on how to best use cannabis for anti-depression.
Importantly, for depression, cannabis is best used in conjunction with other integrative medicines- exercise, entertainment, learning, eating healthy, basically things that make you live life and enjoy it more. These combined pull people out of depressive states.

Sound sensitivity and cannabis I have never heard of. It has piqued my curiosity however, i'd like to hear more about how cannabis relieved the sensitivity.
Was it an actual lowering of acute hearing-sensitivity? Was it a lowering of the pain associated with the sensitivity? Was it a distraction from the entire aspect of your hearing being sensitive?



To address some more specific points:

"i did find my sensitivity to sound was made better by mj, much to my surprise. but it has caused headaches when smoked... wonder if I could be better off doing something different here?"

Smoking too much, and smoking low-quality cannabis can cause headaches. Doses need to be kept low enough to feel, and thats it. Low-quality cannabis will be harsh and not have enough active ingredient to make it worth inhaling the burnt plant material.
Some strains will cause a drastic spike in blood pressure, than under certain circumstances cause a headache.

This question makes it sound like your hearing sensitivity and headaches might be related. You should see a doctor or neurologist about this.

"smoking may make migraines worse not better... (would eating be better)"

Eating is much better for long term prevention. Of course, you want doses low enough so that you're not a walking zombie, and dosing continuously throughout the day. Smoking the right strain can provide shot term migraine relief though, if done early on.

" would love some suggestions. where to start out? topical? hash vs. mj? edibles? how to get started? "

Smoking small amounts, and eating small amounts. Hash and topical wont provide adequate relief for your ailments.

"does it work differently for different people?"

Definite yes. Experimentation, if possible in conjunction with a knowledgeable provider is key. Everyone finds their own technique, preferences and schedule.



Lastly, what state do you live in?

 

Yea. With the headaches you should try a different strain. Maybe Blue Dream, because it gives a cerebral high. I think that would do the trick. You should do some research on different types of MMJ and figure out which ones suit your needs.

 

I definitely recommend smoking for the first few times if you're not experienced with MJ (which it sounds like you're not, but I may be wrong).

Edibles and hash are VERY potent, and you will likely get ridiculously high since your THC tolerance is low. But getting ridiculously high is fun, lol.

But like I said, if you're truly just looking to medicate, take a hit, put the pipe/bong/etc down and wait a few. Take hits until you feel good (if you're tolerance is low it shouldn't take more than ~5 hits).

 

To an extent though.
I've gotten so high before that I started to sweat, feel dizzy, and then I threw up.
I thought I had to go to the hospital.

The only way to alleviate my sickness was to go lay down in my car in 48 degree weather with the windows open.

On topic: Get a nice sweet sativa.

Anything named with a fruit name will probably be your best shot.

Some to name: Strawberry Cough, Maui, and Green Crack.

 

My migraines are due to a childhood head trauma, so I'm not the typical migraine sufferer. That being said, strains do matter- I get the best relief from indicas. Sativas sometimes will give me only partial relief, but everyone is different. If I use daily, I simply do not get migraines. When I stop using, I have at least a week or so "grace period" before I am "at risk" of migraines again.

May I suggest reading this article to help you understand WHY cannabis works-

Are You Cannabis Deficient? (news - 2010)
Are You Cannabis Deficient? « FOX News Health Blog « FOXNews.com


Then read Russo's "Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency". It explains it even better. There will be other stuff in my list (1st link in my sig) that should interest you, too. Just wander around and click on whatever looks good. Have fun educating yourself!

Edibles often give better pain relief than smoking (my hubby has difficult to treat neuropathic pain and edibles work far better). Under "Methods of Use - Edibles" there are some collections of recipes. Edibles can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 3 hours to "come on". Most people feel the effects within the first hour.

Tinctures can be made with alcohol (use the highest proof you can find), or with glycerin (from the local health food store). The "DIY"s are in "Methods of use- Tinctures" - VERY easy to make and cheaper than buying from a dispensary.

While you are in the "Methods", check out the section on vaporizers- vaporizing prevents the creation of those nasty combustion products that can cause health problems, or give you a headache. Vaporizing does not destroy the cannabis and the "left-overs" can be used to make mild "day use" edibles. (Yes, you can get medicated twice off the same cannabis! ) Vaporizers also use less cannabis to get same effect, so they pay for themselves in the long run.

Hope that helps-



Granny

 

Edibles are a fantastic way to medicate, but be very careful about dosing. Although you can not do any permanent harm from ingesting too much, it can be a terrible experience with feelings of paranoia, cold sweats, and nausea.
Your best bet is to low dose until you become familiar with dosing with edibles. And you can not go by the amount of pot that is in an edible because of the potency of the pot used.
It's best to try 1/8 of the edible and WAIT 2 hours, before deciding to eat more.
Once you have a bit of experience, you'll figure out what works best. And just like smoking, different strains have different effects and some strains will bring better relief than others.
Goodluck on your quest and I hope you find relief.

 

Very cool! I'm glad you found a good provider.

Good luck to you, and keep us updated!

 

Sweetie you sound like a very level headed young lady and I'm glad that you are getting the relief you need with MMJ.

Now that you know that Marijuana works for you and others and that it isn't harmful,
I'm hoping you now know which way to vote on Prop 19.

 

I recommend getting a vaporizer as an alternative to smoking. As soon as you notice your migraine symptoms you'll need to start puffing on something right away. I have read alot of reviews and I'd go with the Magic Flight Launch Box. you can find out more about vaporizers at fuckcombustion.com.

 

Prop 19 leaves most of the decisions up to local ordinance. Local municipalities can ban sales and production under it. They cannot ban possession, which is a non-criminal act.

So, it gives municipalities the choice- enable big biz, enable moderate regulated biz, prohibit all canna business... etc

The ordinance provides a framework on which municipalities CAN create cannabusiness, but they don't have to.


Depending on where they live, some growers may lose profits. Most growers across california will only have opportunities to expand though.

If municipalities allow local trading (ie farmer's markets), there should still be space for small scale home grows and such. Just be active in your local government.

 

While you are voting your conscience please take into consideration the 1,000's of people arrested and jailed, in Calif, for having or growing the samething you are using to help you.

Also the prices should come down and I'm sure that that is the reason your friend dosen't support Prop 19.

One more thing you might take into consideration is that I'm 65 years old and I sure would like to take, at least, one toke of legal Marijuana before I pass on.

 

If I smoke low quality Marijuana, I may get a headache. Also, Sativa tends to cause more headaches and Indica, which gives you more of a body high/pain relief/overall relaxed feeling.

Most street Marijuana is a form of Sativa, and while I rarely ever get headaches from smoking it, it has happened in the past.

I've only experimented with Indica a few times, as I use MJ more for anti-anxiety/depression.

Generally though, if I feel a headache coming on (I drink too much, and am somewhat prone to hangovers especially), a few puffs in the morning will stave off the headache. It's not full proof, but for me it gives complete relief maybe 40% of the time, with partial relief another 40% of the time. Again, I'm not using the type of MJ that is "suppose" to be used for headaches.

I'd say experiment with different types. There are plenty of lists on these forums where people recommend strains for different ailments. It's a HUGELY varied plant. For example, some strains will actually increase alertness and ability to function during the day, while others will have you sitting in a chair watching the wall for 3 hours, heh. It's all about finding the strain that works best for you.

Good luck!