Carlos A. (52)
of Colorado, was left a quadriplegic after an
auto accident in 1973. Carlos also suffers from extremely
high blood pressure Doctors are aware of and support
his use of cannabis. “I am sure that without it,
I would not be alive to give this testimony.”
Jonathan A. (45) of Hawaii, has suffered from
severe asthma since he was ten. He had taken “a
steady schedule of twelve injections per day over production
of histamines.” From the age of seventeen
until present, Jon has used only cannabis for his health
problems.
Bill A. (40) of Michigan, suffers from severe
post-traumatic hedaches that are not relieved by conventional
medication. He has no memory of his life before the
accident, in which he was struck by a drunk driver After
seeing many specialists and trying countless medications,
Bill found that only cannabis effectively releases him
from his agony.
Lynn A. ( 49) of Vermont, has chronic
pain from sciatic nerve damage. After taking many prescribed
drugs, Lynn began using cannabis to avoid the addictive
and debilitating side effects of conventional medication.
Hans A. (29) of Ohio, is HIV-positive
and suffers from migraines due to an arachnoid cyst
in his brain. He has been employing cannabis to stimulate
his appetite and reduce the pain his headaches cause
without taking prescription drugs.
Daniel A. (41) of Ohio, is a quadriplegic.
Medication prescribed for his condition caused brain
seizures. He has removed himself from all the medication
and uses cannabis in reducing his spasticity.
Tim B. (34) of West Virginia, underwent
five operations following an automobile accident and
was in the hospital for two years. He lost over half
his body weight, received a new aorta made from
gortex, and had several cerebral strokes. He uses cannabis
because it is the only medicine that controls spasticity
and allows him to eat without nausea, and helps him
to sleep.
Robert B. (49) of Texas, was in a scooter
accident in 1984 in which his leg was severely injured.
After twenty-six operations, the leg had to be amputated.
He was prescribed morphine, and strong hallucinogenic
tranquilizers like Halcion. “Cannabis helps me
to sleep, the throbbing in my stump is lessened
and I can eat and maintain my weight.”
MJ B. (48) of Nebraska, is the victim
of a spinal cord injury and sufferer of epilepsy. She
has found cannabis to be more effective and safer than
other conventional medications. She began to self-medicate
with the herb after opiate-type medications caused traumatic
side effects.
William B. (46) of South Dakota, has AIDS.
His aggressive medication therapy causes extreme fatigue,
diarrhea, sporadic nausea, headaches, chronic by Coupon Companion">skin rashes,
nervousness, and loss of appetite. With the help of
cannabis, William is able to relieve his headaches,
reduce his nausea, and regain his appetite and energy
level. Although he has stopped using cannabis out of
fear of arrest, his doctor on the reservation has said
she would prescribe cannabis if she could. He hopes
it will be available before he dies.
Trent B. (36) of Utah, suffers from amyotrophic
lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease). He is
completely immobilized. He utilizes cannabis because
his esophagus is paralyzed. He cannot swallow without
it. “I also use cannabis for depression and to
reduce pain.”
Mark B. (45) of Connecticut, is a paraplegic
due to a fractured spine. Now without the use of his
lower body, and suffering from muscle spasms, he relies solely on a vegetable diet and cannabis to
rid himself of pain and control spasms.
Carey B. (37) of Georgia, is a quadriplegic
who has suffered multiple back and neck injuries. He
uses cannabis to control the muscle spasms that conventional
medication cannot relieve.
Frank B. (48) of Vermont, injured his
back in the military. Doctors prescribed huge amounts
of morphine, which left him in a “constant stupor.”
“Cannabis is my best medicine... It also reduces
my level of anxiety.”
Patricia C. of Florida, was diagnosed
with by Coupon Companion">bipolar disorder, arthritis, a neck injury, and
tardive dyslexia. Patricia utilizes cannabis to reduce
stress, to help her sleep, to reduce pain, and to stop
muscle spasms. Confined to a wheelchair, she must regularly
change her prescribed medications due to a liver dysfunction.
Georgia C. (50) of Vermont, suffers from
chronic pain and intestinal problems due to a gunshot
wound to her spine. Confined to a wheelchair, she began
smoking to alleviate the pain, to relax her muscle spasms,
and to reduce her depression. She can now walk with
a brace, and wants to be legally prescribed cannabis
so she can stop taking addictive prescription medication.
Dana C. (47) of Florida, suffers from
by Coupon Companion">chronic back pain, digestive problems, and insomnia.
She smokes cannabis to relieve these ailments, but prefers
to use a tincture when she can afford it.
Ashley C. (45) of Georgia, has bone spurs
which impinge on his spinal cord, as a result of a bone
disease he has had since birth. He smokes cannabis to
allow some movement in his arms and hands, both of which
are disabled. Though the cost of his medicine is high,
Ashley’s neurologist and psychologist agree that
cannabis is “the appropriate medicine” for
him.
Lonnie C. (33) of Georgia, has suffered
from glaucoma since he was a teenager. In 1995 he received
multiple injuries in a car accident. He was prescribed
numerous drugs, none of which relieved either condition.
He employs cannabis as often as he can afford, as it
grants him more relief than conventional medications,
without leaving him mentally inherent.
Kelly C. (26) of Arizona, is a hemophiliac
with AIDS. He contracted the virus at age nine through
a contaminated blood transfusion. “If I don’t
have cannabis I’m incapable of eating, my nausea
is so strong. Nothing else gives me any appetite at
all,” he says.
Denise D. (37) of Florida, struggles with
anorexia, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenic tendencies.
Smoking one joint a day prevents drastic mood swings
and stimulates her appetite. Without this medication,
she has what doctors describe as “psychotic breaks”
from reality.
James D. (43) of Florida, suffers from intractable
chronic pain stemming from a serious industrial accident
in 1985, in which he sustained three herniated discs.
An operation was attempted to fuse four lumbar vertebrae,
but it was unsuccessful. A morphine pump was implanted
in his stomach, causing debilitating physical side effects
and mental confusion. Cannabis relieves his muscle spasms
and pain with just a few puffs, and allows him to reduce
his morphine dosage by half.
Deborah F. (42) of Florida, lives with
the pain of by Coupon Companion">multiple sclerosis and keratoconus. When
she smokes, she is more alert, and she avoids the conventional
medications that seem to be killing her.
Daniel F. (37) of Ohio, was hit by a train
in 1987 and suffered injuries that left him paraplegic.
The wide range of drugs he was prescribed did little
to help him and had many harmful side effects, including
several bouts of addiction and withdrawal. Daniel uses
small amounts of cannabis to combat his pain, increase
his appetite, and help him be productive.
Christopher F.(18) of Kentucky, has been
diagnosed with Oppositional Defiant Disorder, manic
depressive disorder, and Attitudinal Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder (ADHD). He needs cannabis to control his violent
mood-swings and to treat his depression. Teachers, surprised
by his remarkable improvement, inquired into the cause.
When he admitted his use of medical cannabis he was
expelled; he is now forced to rely on home-schooling
from his mother.
Will Foster (38) of Oklahoma, is a U.S.
Veteran diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in his feet
and back. He is also the father of three children. He
is currently serving a 93-year sentence in prison for
cultivation of cannabis in his home for his personal
medical use.
Richard F.(35) of Arizona, is a victim
of fibromyalgia. He says that prescription pain-killers
don’t help and that “without cannabis the
pain is intolerable. ..I could not survive.”
Lanny G. (47) of North Carolina, is a
U.S. veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress
disorder and chronic pain from a shoulder/clavicle injury
.He uses cannabis for relief of pain and cramping without
the side effects of conventional medications, which
leave him unable to function normally.
Richard G. (40) of North Carolina, suffers
from degenerative bone disease, arthritis, diabetes,
fibromyalgia, manic depression, sleep disorders, and
heart disease. Conventional medications aggravate his
symptoms, while cannabis provides serenity, sleep and
emotional stability.
Tim H. ( 49) of Arizona, has had unexplained
seizures his entire life. In 1996, after a massive cerebral
hemorrhage, he was found to have a congenital arteriovascular
malformation. He continued to suffer seizures preceded
by dizziness, nervousness, and agitation. Anti-seizure
medication and caffeine-based drugs had adverse effects
on Tim’s digestive system so he switched to cannabis
to alleviate his pain. This medication has no side effects,
calms his nerves and stomach, and prevents seizures
from occurring.
Joseph H. (49) is a survivor of AIDS. He credits
his 10 year record of health to his use of cannabis
for appetite, digestion, and stress reduction. “Marijuana
kills stress and stress is very lethal for people with
AIDS.”
Dr. Andrew H. (39) of Massachusetts, is
a multiple sclerosis patient confined to a wheelchair.
Upon reaching the tolerance level of his steroid medication,
he began smoking cannabis every other day to relax his
muscles and to decrease his chronic pain.
Roy H. (4O) of Florida, is a U.S Veteran
and AIDS victim. Roy began using cannabis for the effects
of AZT and other AIDS inhibitors. He employs cannabis
to suppress his nausea, relax his cramps, alleviate
his depression, stimulate his appetite, and to restore
his energy.
Ladd H. (47) of Iowa, lives with the pain of
multiple sclerosis, has been approved to use cannabis
therapeutics under the government's compassionate IND
program, but the final forms were delayed and did not
get processed by the time the program was shut down.
He smokes cannabis to relieve constant pain and stop
his muscle spasms.
Jodi J. (29) of Florida, has chronic pain
from a back injury. After drug therapy that left
her constantly sedated and bedridden for fourteen months,
she quit her medication and switched to cannabis.
Now pregnant with her second child, she employs cannabis
to relieve her back pain and to suppress nausea without
feeling sedated.
Laura J. (41) of Tennessee, was diagnosed
with episodic ataxia, a rare form of spino-cerebellar
ataxia (SCA). Confined to a wheelchair, she also suffers
from imbalance, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, and
muscle spasms. After 20 years without a diagnosis and
trying almost every medicine available with no relief, Laura switched to a complete diet rich in vitamins and
cannabis. Since she had began self-medication with cannabis,
her pain and spasms have dissipated, her nausea
is suppressed, and she is beginning to be able
to walk again.
Robert K. (54) of Oregon, has a fractured
vertebra and severe digestive problems. He is able to
block the pain, increase his concentration, and induce
sleep with the aid of cannabis. When confined to prescribed
medications, he is constantly sedated and he suffers
additional health risks due to side effects.
Dean K. (35) has AIDS and has been using cannabis
therapeutically for ten years to avoid stress induced
HIV -related illnesses. Now using more aggressive AIDS
medications, Dean's cannabis intake allows him to suppress
nausea, regain his appetite, and combat his depression.
John K. (29) of Pennsylvania, suffers
from post-traumatic stress disorder and also is diagnosed
as a manic-depression. A former drug and alcohol addict,
he began to medicate himself with cannabis to control
his mood swings, and was able to quit alcohol as well.
Bryan K. (34) of New Mexico, is a psychiatric
nurse (R.N.) He is fighting severe depression, for which
cannabis increases his appetite and motivates him to
get up in the morning.
Robert Kundert (7S) is the founder and president
of the American Cannabis Society. Mr. Kundert, a former
cigarette smoker, employs cannabis to ease the
respiratory problems caused by Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease. “Cannabis is a natural bronchodilator.
It opens my lungs and gives me life.”
Kiyoshi K. (53) of Pennsylvania, is an
AIDS patient and activist. He uses cannabis to
combat weight loss, as well as to reduce the nausea
caused by HIV therapy.
Dennis L. (49) of Vermont, has Crohn’s
Disease. He uses cannabis to ease his digestive problems
and to relieve his chronic back pain.
Kay Lee (52) suffers from Season Affective Disorder,
arthritis, and manic depression. She smokes cannabis
to reduce pain, induce sleep, stimulate her appetite,
and to alleviate her depressive symptoms.
Jamie L. (27) of Florida, is an AIDS patient.
He smokes cannabis to fight dizziness, nausea, lethargy,
seizures, and depression. Arrested and beaten by police
at a local Cannabis Buyer’s Club in 1996, Jamie
was awarded the right to use cannabis therapeutically
from the Florida court. He intends to keep fighting
until all patients are equally protected.
Arthur L. (49) of Oregon, suffers from
bipolar affective disorder and uses cannabis to control
his mood swings. Arrested for growing cannabis for personal
medication, he is currently on probation because a defense
of “medical necessity” is not recognized in
the state of Oregon.
Marshall L. (43) of California, is a paraplegic
due to an automobile accident. “Conventional
drugs used for spasticity put me in a stupor. Cannabis
relieves the spasms and the pain, and I can function. Cannabis elevates my moods as well.”
Tylan M. (39) of Washington, is a recovering
alcoholic who suffered ruptured blood vessels in his
face and sustained permanent liver damage as a result
of his alcoholism. After being told he would die, if
he did not quit drinking, he moved to Belize where he
underwent a spiritual conversion to Rastafarianism,
and began smoking cannabis. Now back in the U.S., he
has been arrested twice for possession of the medicine
that saved his life. Through the use of cannabis he
quit drinking and is now able to induce his appetite
and suppress nausea in order to gain much needed weight.
James M. (39) of Nevada, employs cannabis
to stimulate his appetite, combat nausea, and counter
the wasting syndrome caused by the medication he is
given to fight AIDS.
John M. (38) of North Carolina, was diagnosed
with by Coupon Companion">rheumatoid arthritis, depression, and insomnia. He was given Valium, Naprosyn, and other medications.
“I would be very irritable, almost violent, when
the chemicals would build up in my system. The pills
made me want to be left completely alone, sometimes
for weeks at a time. I gave up all the pills, and now
I just use cannabis.”
Johanna M. of Washington, suffers from
by Coupon Companion">herniated discs and epilepsy. She smokes cannabis to
help divert her attention from the pain. She started
Green Cross Patient Co-op which is a cannabis distribution
center.
Peter M. (48) of California, is an author
and activist.He was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's
Lymphoma and HIV in 1996. He says, “I am alive
today total!y because of modern medical science and
one ancient herb.”
Robert M. (49) of Vermont, is a molecular
biology professor at the University of Vermont. He has
arthritis and a compressed fracture of the spine. He
takes no prescription drugs, employing only cannabis
and a chiropractor to relieve his pain.
Robert M. (64) of Arkansas, employs cannabis
to fight the imbalance, weakness, spasticity, and low
energy symptomatic of multiple sclerosis.
Debby M. (49) of Kansas, is an insomniac
who uses cannabis as a sleep agent, stress reducer,
and appetite stimulant. Arrested and placed on probation
in the state of Kansas, she is fighting cannabis related
felony charges that would result in life imprisonment
if she is convicted.
Johann M. (35) of N. Y., has Chronic Fatigue
Immune Dysfunction and chronic candidiasis. Because
of his multiple chemical sensitivity, he must avoid
conventional medication, for which he substitutes acupuncture,
herbs, and cannabis. With these medical treatments,
he subdues his gastrointestinal problems, eases pain,
and heightens his energy level. He also runs a Medical
Marijuana Buyer's Club in New York City.
Sister Somyah (47) of California, has
had sickle cell anemia since birth. A U.S. Veteran,
she has constant flu like symptoms, severe pain in the
area of her spleen, nausea, and dehydration. Left sedated
and nonfunctional by prescribed narcotics, Sister Somyah
advocates the use of cannabis (both smoked and
hemp seed oil) through her Crescent Alliance Self-Help
for Sickle Cell Foundation. “I should be dead,
but I just keep getting stronger. The fact that cannabis
oxygenates the cells has helped to give me added, healthy
years. And the nutritional benefits of the oil from
hemp is likewise helping many people with sickle cell
anemia.”
Barbara M. (55) of Florida, was the victim of
a massive heart attack. Because of this heart condition,
she cannot take prescription medication for her chronic
back pain, instead she uses cannabis for pain
and stress relief.
Leonard M. (58) of Idaho, is a U.S. Verteran
and fights chronic pain and insomnia. He smokes cannabis
as a pain reliever and sleep aid. Having visited Holland’s
coffee shops, he has found cannabis to be well regulated
and the citizens indifferent to the herb’s presence.
He would like to see cannabis available by prescription
so that he need not break the law.
Myron M. (35) of California, is diagnosed
with diabetes that caused him to become legally blind.
He also suffers from a paralyzed stomach as well as
uncontrollable vomiting, Myron has tried many pain killers
that do nothing for his symptoms. Cannabis allows his
nervous stomach to settle, acts as an appetite inducer,
a nausea suppressant, and reduces the blood in his eyes
so that he can see. Prone to infections because of diabetes,
Myron must grow his own medicine to insure it is free
from contaminants. Recently, his cannabis garden was
raided by the police despite the passage of Proposition
215.
Mitchell M. (40) of North Carolina, has
herpes, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and severe neck
and lower spine deformities. Prescribed medication left
Mitchell incapacitated and feeling like he was on “speed.”
Cannabis soothes his violent emotional swings, and eases
his pain while relieving pulmonary constriction and
preventing asthma attacks.
Larry N. (47) of Florida, has an impacted vertebrae
and scoliosis of the spine. He also suffers from arthritis
and uses cannabis to reduce his pain. After having his
cannabis garden confiscated, he became clinically depressed.
Conventional medications helped neither his depression
nor his immobilizing arthritis. He is currently facing
jail time for his cultivation conviction.
Michael 0. of Washington, is a Viet Nam
Veteran who employs cannabis for the symptoms of Delayed
Stress Disorder.
Douglas P. (18) of Georgia,a student at
South Western University, suffers from astigmatism
and eating disorders. Cannabis has helped him maintain
his weight by stimulating his appetite and eliminating
the nausea he often feels. It eliminated all symptoms
of the astigmatism.
Daryl P. (26) of Minnesota, lives with
spasticity, nausea, and depression caused by cerebral
palsy. Wheelchair-bound, the conventional medications
only serve to aggravate his nausea and add to his stress.
With the use of cannabis, Daryl has gained weight, suppressed
his nausea, and calmed his anxiety and depression.
Robert P. (50) of Colorado, was diagnosed
with MS in 1990, and has had four colostomies. Taking
Prednisone caused extreme bloating and irritability
, so he discontinued its use. “The odor from the
external colostomy bag ruined my appetite. My physician
wrote a letter stating that I had MS , and that cannabis
helped my symptoms including my loss of appetite.”
John P. (33) of Ohio, uses cannabis to
fight the pain, dizziness, spasticity, weight loss,
and nausea associated with multiple sclerosis. To help
legalize cannabis therapeutics, he has testified before
the Ohio State Legislature.
Robin P. (40) of Montana, has a lupus-type
connective tissue disorder. She suffers from migraines,
fibramyalgia, degenerative disc damage, nausea, and
chronic pain. When prescribed medications had no effect
on her symptoms, she researched treatment options and
began smoking cannabis to combat her symptoms. Now able
to function, she fights for the right to obtain cannabis
legally.
Don R. (52) of New Jersey, has chronic fatigue
syndrome and takes cannabis to heighten his focus and
to reduce discomfort caused by muscle weakness and cramping.
Kenneth R. ( 42) of Ohio, has multiple sclerosis.
A U.S. Veteran, he uses cannabis to combat severe spasticity
and to restore his balance. Although he has had limited
success with conventional medication, Cannnabis makes
him feel “normal.”
Jackie Rickert (46) of Wisconsin, suffers
from Ehler’s Danlos syndrome, a degenerative disease
of elastic connective tissue. She uses cannabis to reduce
chronic joint pain and as an appetite stimulant. After
being approved for the government’s Compassionate
IND program, the program was shut down and she never
received her first shipment of medication.
Ralph R. of Ohio, was the victim of an
accident causing severe cartilage tearing in his knees,
a fractured shoulder, and a bulging vertebral disc in
his neck. He also suffers from PTSD. When his prescribed
medicine caused organ damage, Ralph substituted cannabis
to overcome his nausea-vomiting, depression, and anxiety
attacks. He also uses it as a pain remedy. Though his
doctors in both the U.S. and Columbia have recommended
cannabis to Ralph, he must keep his medicinal use a
secret to avoid losing his social security and medical
benefits.
John R. (51) of Alaska, is diagnosed with
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, a result of exposure to Agent
Orange while a Marine in Vietnam. Arrested by the federal
agents for growing cannabis in his home, John was given
home detention because of his disease. “I fought
for the ideal of liberty and I think that all Americans
should still value their right to decide what goes into
their own body.”
Scott R. (50) of Maryland, is a Veteran
and suffers from post traumatic stress disorder, a fractured
skull, severe knee injuries, and exposure to Agent Orange
while in the military. “For years, I was prescribed
every anti-depressant on the market. Nothing helps like
cannabis. It relieves pain, helps me get to sleep and
relieves my depression.”
Donna R. (44) of Florida, has been diagnosed
with epilepsy, stroke, migraines, arthritis, and a detached
retina caused by inner-ocular pressure. Cannabis allows
her to breathe normally, control seizures and migraines,
reduce arthritic pain and to lower the pressure in her
eyes.
Richard S. (46) of Delaware, has glaucoma, bone
spurs on his feet and spine, chronic back pain, and
muscle spasms. Suffering adverse reactions to prescribed
steroid-based pills, Richard acted on a doctor's suggestion
that cannabis might relieve his symptoms, “which
it does.”
Elise S. (46) of Pennsylvania, was diagnosed
with a pre-ulcer condition, and asthma 30 years ago.
Using cannabis to prevent asthma attacks and to ease
bouts of diarrhea and constipation, her health improved
miraculously. She became a nurse and an accountant.
Without cannabis, her ulcers reappeared, and so did
feelings of depression. Leg pains also manifested. Since
the time of this interview, Elise has been diagnosed
with multiple sclerosis after a 6 day stay in the hospital
without cannabis. This was actually the first time in
30 years that she did not have cannabis on a daily basis.
“It looks pretty definite that as a child I had
multiple sclerosis. The symptoms and even the progression
of the disease were arrested for the past 31 years.
I always said marijuana saved my life now I know exactly
how it did that.”
Lynette S. (44) of California, suffers
from toxic pollution exposure, depression, and nervous
breakdowns. She finds that using cannabis is a much
safer and more effective alternative to the many medications
her doctors have given her.
Ron S. (49) of Michigan, suffers from
Post-Polio Syndrome and spinal cord atrophy. His doctors
have recommended having a morphine pump implanted in
his stomach. He would prefer to smoke cannabis to control
intense muscle spasms and pain rather than undergo unnecessary
surgery and endure the side effects of morphine
Kim S. (39) of North Carolina, has herpes
with associated “breakouts,” consisting of
rashes, sores, and nervousness coupled with agitation.
While other medications were ineffective, cannabis has
successfully decreased her episodes by reducing her
stress level without side effects. Though her doctors
cannot prescribe cannabis, they have told her “do
it if it works.”
Dr. Richard S. (46) of Florida, had Attention
Deficit Disorder. Previously given Ritalin and other
medications to counter his lack of concentration, Richard
switched to cannabis because of the ineffectiveness
of the conventional drugs. Although he has found Marinol
to be helpful, the cost of the synthetic drug forces
him to buy cannabis off the street, making him a criminal.
Greta S. (30 )of Louisiana, uses cannabis
for Wilson’s Disease, which is when the body cannot
eliminate copper. “My larynx was completely paralyzed.
I couldn’t speak for over 2 years. I tried cannabis
on a regular and intensive basis for 7 days. That’s
when I began to use my voice again. Without cannabis,
it would be hard for me to function.”
Denise S. (35) of Pennsylvania, is an
AIDS patient and utilizes cannabis to fight the nausea
and dizziness that accompany her treatment.
Katrina S. (39) of Texas, had a gastric
bypass in 1986 to control her obesity and the implant
has eroded. During surgery to remove the faulty device,
the remnants became lodged in her abdomen, causing severe
problems. She suffers pain from violent intestinal contractions,
headaches, hernia, ulcers, and vomiting of blood. Confined
to a wheelchair and hospital bed, Katrina uses cannabis
to battle all her symptoms for which prescribed medication
is ineffective.
C.T. (20) of Vermont, has endured at least
one grand mal epileptic seizure every day since he was
13 years old. Dilantin and other anti-seizure drugs
have been ineffective. His seizures are so violent that
his mother must stay home and take care of him. Since
she cannot work they receive welfare. Ms. T says her
son never has a seizure if he has access to cannabis.
Joe T. (44) of Florida, was diagnosed
with chronic pain from a fractured back. He treats his
pain with cannabis instead of conventional drugs which
left him with severe gastrointestinal problems.
Pebbles T. (54) of Californian, suffers from
severe migraines and smokes cannabis to reduce both
the frequency and severity of her headaches. She has
been arrested four times on cannabis related charges
and is currently appealing her transportation conviction
based on the newly created Proposition 215.
Lori V. (46) of Vermont, as a result of
a car accident she suffered a back injury and developed
severe migraine headaches. Lori also has arthritis and
a sleep disorder. She finds medicating with cannabis
to be much more effective than other medications she
has been prescribed, without addicting and debilitating
side effects.
Susan V. (35) of California, after having
her silicone breast implants rupture, she developed
breast cancer and needed a double mastectomy. Susan
developed chronic muscle pain, nausea, and weight loss.
“Cannabis relieves me of all these symptoms.”
Dan W. (36) of North Carolina, is an activist
and uses cannabis to ease the chronic pain in his edemic
leg and ankle. His is challenging the current laws to
see cannabis recognized as a medicine.
Lennice W. (46) of Virginia, has suffered
from mood disorders for her entire life. Fits of manic
rage, depression, nervousness, and skin rashes are but
a few symptoms. Lennice has tried lithium and other
prescription medicines to no avail. Although she deplores
breaking the law, she uses cannabis, because it is the
only medicine that is effective.
Casey W. (34) of Washington, is an AIDS
patient. Casey also has a fragile liver from recurring
hepatitis, and is unable to take the powerful AIDS inhibitor
medications. After being told he only had a few months
to live, Casey began smoking cannabis, as well as employing
vitamins and other homeopathic remedies, to fight his
nausea, weakness, depression, and insomnia. Six years
later, Casey feels healthy and says his medical choice
of cannabis set him on the path to health.
Jess W. (50) of Washington State uses cannabis
to combat depression and heart disease.
John W. (42) of Texas, suffers from severe
bipolar syndrome. Prescribed many anti-depressants and
tranquilizers to combat his mood swings, these drugs
either elevated his mania to rage, or subdued him to
a near-catatonic state. John now keeps himself under
control by eating two grams of coated cannabis every
morning and smoking a few puffs in the afternoon. “I
don’t feel high, just normal.”
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