POT BROUGHT RELIEF TO AN 84-YEAR-OLD

My dad was dying from prostate cancer. For five weeks he was unable
to eat and would vomit at the mention of food. He lost weight, energy
and the will to live.

For 84 years dad enjoyed wonderful foods and a 4 p.m. gin-and-tonic.
Now he was in a race to see what would take his life first, cancer or
malnutrition.

I went to New Jersey to be with him and fight the reality that he
could die from malnutrition. I called his three doctors to see if
marijuana would be OK. They thought yes.

Dad got his first taste of pot followed by half a hot dog. Next day
half a dog and half a hamburger. We progressed to ribs, coleslaw,
etc. Unfortunately, the cancer was catching the malnutrition.

My dad died, but not before being able to go to his favorite deli for
a pastrami sandwich, pickles and salad. The night before his death
the family had its daily gin and tonic. Dads eyes popped open, as he
had been unresponsive that whole day. My mom asked if he would like a
g-and-t. He faintly nodded, parted his lips, and she poured in a
little bit. His eyes twinkled. He closed his eyes and passed away.

Marijuana didn't save my dad, but it did let him die a little more on
his own terms, and with a little smile. When all you self-absorbed
sanctimonious people feel like telling us how to live, think of dad.

Scott Schulman, Chico