by Donna Swagerty Shreve
After hearing of aches and pains from my 99 year old friend, I thought I might be able to help. I was quite a novice at my possible solution but I knew people who could advise. My youngest son said to go to a dispensary and be clear about what was needed. My brother warned me that I had to get past the tattoos, piercings and spiked hair. The clerks knew their product and I should ask for their help. My cousin told me he found what he needed at Sprouts Grocery store that has recently opened in Stockton.
Mel was certain he was not interested in getting high. He just wanted some relief from his pains in his worn out 99 year old body. I was told there was CBD products and THC products. THC has the properties to make one high and CBD does not. I also learned there was a wonderful clerk at Sprouts named Karen who worked the pot section.
Sprouts sounded much more promising to both of us. We would not have to contend with tattoos, piercings, spiked hair or smoke from the product. It would not be quite the adventure but doable.
As we entered Sprouts, I asked a very friendly clerk where the gummies were located. She pointed us to the opposite side of the store. She mentioned that Karen would be there to help us if we wanted help. We did.
Off we went to the other side of the vast store. I suggested that Mel stay put while I looked for Karen. I found her quickly and brought her to Mel. Mel made it clear he was interested in relaxing but not getting high. Karen had a great sense of humor and she picked up Mel’s humor right away. She asked Mel why he was concerned about getting high and he replied he was afraid he might react by removing all of his clothes and running down the middle of the street naked. Karen assured him she did not want to think she had contributed to him being on the evening news.
Karen showed some packages of gummies that she uses and recommends. She also pointed out that they were on sale. Then she showed us some specially infused drinks. Drinking a can or half a can before bed helps to relax your body so one can sleep. Mel bought a drink but I resisted. I did not want any more ammunition for my bladder to wake me up one more time during the night.
Mel happened to have a bit of a list of other groceries to pick up while we were there. We got to learn where certain items were by going on a scavenger hunt thanks to the grocery list. I was very impressed by the store. They have a wide variety of products which just happen to include pot products.
Now it was time to go the the check out stands. Our checker was a young woman probably in her 20s. Mel went first and of course he was very friendly. He was quite a hit with the checker, bagger and the other customers in line. Then the checker got to the pot products and asked for Mel’s identification. I was astonished and told her he was 99! She apologized and then asked for Mel’s birthday year. He replied January 12. 1924. She then punched in the birth date so the register would accept the products scanned. The customer behind me asked if she could adopt Mel as her grandfather. Then she asked what was his secret for a long life after mentioning that he was in great shape. I answered for him by replying that he was pleasant to everyone and found humor in situations. This customer decided she was doomed as she did not feel up to those standards of living.
Before we left, everyone had had a good laugh and felt better even without use of our newly bought product. Mel even mentioned that he had felt tired before our trip but had come anyway. After our exchange, he was now energized due to such positive interchange with others. Mel and I agreed to try our product and compare notes the next time we got together.
I told this story to my youngest son and he said CBD did not do much to relax you. In his opinion one needed to use the THC. Of course this is a 46 year old who is in excellent shape advising a 78 and 99 year old. Mel and I need to be fair when we try to describe our reactions. If it works for us and is actually a placebo, so what. We both just want some relief.
794 words
D. Shreve
11/12/23
Swagerty-Aldrich Family Web Site 