..... we can talk for HOURS.

But first things first. I am not well versed in the medical marijuana world. But recently I was talking to my gardener, and I was telling him about making tinctures from herbs (VERY easy to do), and he told me that in Mexico a common folk remedy is to put pot leaves in alcohol and let it sit. Just like you would a tincture. Then people use it to rub on sore muscles. I found that FASCINATING!!! AN actual folk remedy based on pot!

Having said that, I am an advocate for the medicinal uses of plants. I hate this whole illegality of plants. The plants did nothing wrong, but since people are misusing them.... Hmmm... come to think about it, that is the same argument of the gun lobby... LOL.

Anyway, I believe that there always is an alternative for any plant. I have no scientific research to back this up, but I believe that all habitats provide the cures needed for all diseases (OK, maybe the Amazon is likely to have more healing plants than the desert.... but please don't let that minor fact detract from my flawless logic). Therefore, I would encourage you to look for natural alternatives in your region and advocate for native plants, rather than sticking to one plant or the other.

One book I use is Indian Herbalogy of North America, among others (yes, it's Herbalogy.... I am not making a typo Mr. Crusty). I even used this book to help me select the Native California plants I planted in the backyard.

Then, look for what you are after. For example, got nausea? Try ginger. Got pain? Try California poppy (just be careful. Like all poppies, its properties are opiates and if you need to get a drug test you will test positive. Not unlike eating a poppyseed muffin... which by the way, it's a great thing to do if you are stressed. Having a bad day? Go to the local coffee shop and gobble up a poppy seed muffin!). Got glaucoma? Try gumweed.

This is where alcohol comes in very handy.... HIC!

If you have an herb you like, most likely you can make a tincture out of it. Simply place the herb in a jar, and add vodka. I've read people say that the strongest the vodka the better, and other don't really care. So I figured that way back in the day these things were not as scientific, so I try to fill the jar with as much of the herb as possible. Then I just pour vodka over it and let it sit for a couple of weeks (shake twice a day). This is for fresh leaves...

If you are using dry leaves -- say medicinal marijuana for your sore muscles -- use less. That is, about half a jar of herb to a jar-full of vodka. Never tried it... so if you do let me know how it works for you.

Maybe this was more than you were bargaining for. So sorry if I overwhelmed you with info. :)