Medical marijuana – a patient speaks out 1

Medical marijuana or cannabis is one of the more controversial issues being discussed by patients, caregivers, healthcare professionals and, of course, governments.
Medical cannabis has also been found to relieve certain symptoms of multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries by exhibiting antispasmodic and muscle-relaxant properties as well as stimulating appetite.
Some studies have shown cannabis could be useful in treating alcohol abuse, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, collagen-induced arthritis, asthma, atherosclerosis, bipolar disorder, colorectal cancer, HIV-Associated Sensory Neuropathy, depression, dystopia, epilepsy, digestive diseases, hepatitis C, Huntington’s disease, leukaemia, skin tumours, MRSA, Parkinson’s disease, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sickle-cell disease, sleep apnoea, and anorexia nervosa.
While we take no sides in the augment we feel that this topic needs fuller discussion and so we are offering this guest blog by a UK MS patient to explain why she has chosen to use cannabis and the benefits she feels it offers to people suffering from various chronic medical conditions.
It would be great if you could add your thoughts about medical cannabis in the comments section below.

Medical marijuana – a patient speaks out

I was asked to share my medical use of cannabis through this site a while ago. Unfortunately, I’ve been letting my illness take a backseat and ended up deep in relapse as a result. If you plan to campaign then deal with your illness first. You were once able to do several things at once but now you can’t. My name is Sarah Martin and it seems that I did everything the hard way but I’m still here. Whatever your challenges, please allow me to share my anecdotal and scientific research with you.

Herbal cannabis offers an alternative way to medicate from a variety of symptoms caused by the whole array of human illnesses. It’s not for everyone but what medicine ever has been? What about Sativex? Well, there’s a blanket ban on prescribing it now in the West Midlands. If politicians are going to keep the laws as they are and the price of Sativex as it is, it’s a moot point for now. We are all different and that’s one of the most incredible of human qualities. You’d think we’d be more tolerant of each other by now.

I’ve never explained how it feels to be accepted, how the health improves knowing you are not a criminal. Walking out of your hotel or hostel and being able to get everything you need is just an hour’s flight away, but it may as well be on another planet. I’m referring to Amsterdam of course and living five minutes from Birmingham airport, full medication and social acceptance are so very close. I am lucky as, compared to most, the battle for good cannabis is made easier for me. Travel without pain relief can be a nightmare for some.

I have a good supply of cannabis in Britain so don’t go to Amsterdam as often as I used to. I go to research and try a few new herbal strains and resins but, these days, It’s mostly about two or three days of ‘acceptance’. I mostly travel there for this now and the feeling is quite medicinal. Being able to dump the paranoia of arrest and miss information makes a world of difference to even a healthy person’s state of mind and body. Having experienced Amsterdam, I know that system is a more economical and humane method of tackling the problem of Prohibition. A parallel existence allowed only by a more empathic and tolerant population.

Having a good supply of cannabis in Britain is fantastic but with prohibition comes paranoia and isolation. Paranoia from possible arrest and isolation from the lack of any place to socialise while I medicate. I need my medicine throughout the day and while I’m at home that’s OK but I’m alone too. There’s nobody around me to hang out with and any social medicating is done over Skype. Fantastic and lifesaving social networking to share the sheer escapism that cannabis provides, along with its many other beneficial compounds. It would be so nice to order a coffee or tea from a well tended bar. Maybe a slice of cake while I take advice on what strain is best for that day and its symptoms? Knowledgeable and helpful staff on hand? How much safer and sociable would I feel? Just how much would my health benefit from that?

Travel would be made infinitely easier as, at the moment, I take my chances with ever present police and their dogs at rail stations. Driving requires health that is frequently not around these days so I’m stuck with the train. It’s more than MS that keeps me indoors and together with the law it’s a formidable ball and chain. I got very high while upset the other day and cried at the realisation that I would never be able to walk around Paris in the sun again. An elaborate fantasy but at least it’s in my control. In my fantasy I’d have the occasional cannabis coffee shop along route. I’m a realist so I don’t see this as a reality in my lifetime.

It’s hard to present my issue as important with tsunamis and revolutions, horror and atrocities coming through the television set each day. It keeps things in perspective and suddenly you realise that fighting for the law to be changed is actually a big thing. £Billions are spent every year on a war that cannot be won. Cannabis has become a part of mainstream society. I consider fighting cannabis prohibition to be one of the most patriotic acts any person can do. Too many lives are being ruined today and for many days to come.