Continuing our Patient Voices series, today we’re hearing from Karen Aguilar, a 31 year old ACMPR patient.
We’re always interested in hearing from Canadians who have found medical marijuana useful, and are trying to navigate Canada’s often confusing system. As more begin to openly discuss medical marijuana, hopefully there will be more opportunity to bring the issue into the mainstream. This is one piece of a larger conversation we hope to help move forward here at Lift. If you are interested in sharing your story, please contact us.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, FIRST. WHERE DO YOU LIVE? WHAT DO YOU DO?
My name is Karen Aguilar. I’m a 31 year old woman. On June 28th, 2014 my whole life changed. I got into a terrible motor vehicle collision. I suffered severe injuries & fractures. I have been off work since. The rehabilitation process has been quite the uphill battle.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN USING MEDICAL CANNABIS?
I was prescribed medicinal marijuana back in July 2016. My prescription was for a three month term, but I was only able to get my prescription filled in August. Technically I have been using medicinal marijuana for three months now.
WHAT DO YOU USE MEDICAL CANNABIS FOR?
In the motor vehicle accident I sustained multiple fractures. I broke my right wrist, and both radius & ulna ripped through my skin. I had seat belt burns from the impact. I have chronic pain across a majority of the right hemisphere of my body, but especially in the legs, knees, lower back and wrist; all related to the motor vehicle accident. I suffer from headaches, and have sensitivity to light and noise related to a concussion from the motor vehicle accident. I had my right toe severed, got 25 stitches on it. Due to the toe injury I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis. My nose cartilage was broken from the air bag release for which I underwent a septoplasty back in February 2015. I suffer from vertigo, and have also been diagnosed with sleep apnea.
HOW DO YOU NORMALLY USE MEDICAL CANNABIS? SMOKING, VAPORIZING, EATING VIA PROCESSED OILS, ETC.
I usually vaporize but I have smoked it on occasion. I am looking into orally consuming it via processed oils.
HOW DID YOU DISCOVER CANNABIS WAS A USEFUL MEDICINE FOR MANAGING YOUR CONDITION?
I discovered that cannabis was an extremely useful medicine for managing my conditions because it helps reduce pain symptoms, it assists me in eating habits, it’s bettering my sleeping patterns, and it helps control my hyper sensitivity to light and noise. It provides focus and clarity for school and helps me on a day to day basis with energy and mood stability. It helps me feel awesome on an overall.
WHAT EXPERIENCE HAVE YOU HAD WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS? HOW HAS MEDICAL MARIJUANA BEEN DIFFERENT? OR HAS IT?
Due to the interaction of certain medications I experienced side effects that I had to take new medication for. I experienced nausea, hyperactivity, gastrointestinal side effects, and urinary enuresis. Medicinal marijuana allows me to cope with the symptoms without triggering alternative symptoms.
ARE THERE SPECIFIC STRAINS YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH THAT YOU ARE SEEKING OUT, OR ARE YOU STILL TRYING TO FIND ONE OR SEVERAL THAT WORK? HOW IS THIS PROCESS GOING?
I am currently testing out strains and seeing what works best for my conditions and symptoms. I am pretty content with the results of the following strains:
Sentinel (Cannatonic) 1.4% THC – 17.7% CBD
Sundance (Borealis Blend) 20% THC – 0.75% CBD
I use Cannatonic for daytime use & Borealis Blend for night time/bed time use.
ARE YOU HAPPY WITH YOUR CURRENT CANNABIS PROVIDER(S) (LPS, DISPENSARIES, ETC)?
I started off with Mettrum but I am extremely ecstatic with Aurora, which is the LP that I am through now. I love everything about them. Their customer service is high in quality, their welcome package is very welcoming and resourceful. They offer accommodations catered to your specific situation. I’m happy with them!
WHAT CHANGES WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MADE TO THE ACMPR TO MAKE IT WORK BETTER FOR PATIENTS LIKE YOURSELF?
I would like to see less stigma toward medicinal marijuana. More restaurants, libraries, book stores, businesses in general that are green-friendly.
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