A LIFE WITHOUT PAIN

Re "Puff piece" by Nick Miller (SN&R Feature, January 20):

I just read your article and I only wanted to comment on one thing: I
was raised by Mr. Mackey's motto: "Drugs are bad!"

I was hit by a car at age 13 and afterward suffered from terrible
headaches, nausea that ruined my ability to hold down a job or spend
time with my children. I missed out on so much because of my head
injury. Finally, after feeling like a guinea pig for years on drugs
that were "legal" but did no good, I tried marijuana. Not only did
the pain become tolerable, but the nausea was relieved, and I found
not only could I spend time with my family but I could also hold down
a job (part time). The gratitude I felt was enormous. Finally, I
could live a real life!

I hope someday people who don't need marijuana will understand that
there are people out there who do. We are law-abiding, regular people
who just hope for a life without pain and discomfort. We pay our
taxes, we stop at red lights, we don't rob liquor stores. We just
want to feel like everyone else does: Fine.

Kristi Caye

via e-mail