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Nearly three years ago I sat in a hospital emergency room with my husband who had broken multiple vertebrae in his thoracic spine. He was in excruciating pain and the doctors told him he was lucky he wasn't paralyzed.

For the next two years, we heard from doctors that the only way to combat the excruciating chronic pain my husband was suffering, and would continue to suffer, was to take the prescription narcotics (Oxycontin, etc) they were throwing at him...for the rest of his life. These legal drugs create a greater and greater dependence on them because the body requires more of the drug to manage the pain. This is no way to live!!

While I consider myself a progressive thinker in all facets of life, I admit that I was uneasy when my husband suggested getting a medical marijuana card (particularly because of the very stigma I'm seeing associated with it right here on this comment board). On the other hand, I had watched a whole host of symptoms crop up as a result of the painkiller narcotics doctors were throwing at him...the worst of it being that they were not helping his pain.

My husband terminated his use of synthetic painkillers and has been eating medicinal marijuana to manage his pain. We are also no longer paying hundreds of dollars a month for prescriptions, money that goes to pharmaceutical companies of whom I am exceptionally skeptical. I have watched my husband come from a state of utter depression, excruciating pain and frustration to a happier, healthier place. My husband will live the rest of his life in chronic pain. It brings both of us peace to know that we have found a medicine that is kinder to his body with very minimal side effects to provide him a quality of life. I'm frustrated by those who pass judgment on us for going this route.

As for these clubs?? I don't know. Part of me feels like it's people taking advantage of or celebrating their legal ability to use this otherwise illegal drug. However, there IS a stigma attached to this drug and there ARE people who are legitimately using it. Perhaps these clubs will create a support network for those who feel judged for choosing a medicine that they feel works best for them. I really don't feel it's my right to judge.

posted 3 years, 6 months ago
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