CANNABIS QUESTIONS ANSWERED

After Obtaining Marijuana License, User Still Struggles With Stereotypes

The myths surrounding the process of obtaining medicinal marijuana
differ greatly. Some people will say it's extremely easy, while others
state how difficult it is. I have had to clear up ridiculous rumors
surrounding cannabis use in one class after another and have had to
speak openly about my own use and conditions.

Trying to keep my personal life out of the limelight of controversy
has been nearly impossible. I have decided to set the record straight
with many people out there, hoping to bring a better understanding of
cannabis patients.

Suffering from a variety of disorders - epilepsy, migraines, back
pain, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, insomnia, gastritis and
depression - I found myself flooded with pills that counteracted each
other along with very high hospital and prescription bills.

I decided to try a drug alternative that I was weary of: medicinal
marijuana.

I had heard of a local clinic that operates solely to help cannabis
users, NorCal Health Care. I made an appointment and was instructed to
have a California drivers license or ID card, a copy of my medical
records and $150 dollars for administration fees when I came in.

The license and medical records I had, but I had to call in a few
favors to cover the medical fee.

When I arrived, I had to be buzzed in through an electric gate after
my appointment had been confirmed by security. When I walked in, I had
to present my drivers license to prove who I was and was directed down
the hall to the doctor's office. I had to present my license again to
the receptionist and was asked to present my medical records and pay
the administration fee.

Once that was done, I was given medical forms to fill out explaining
my medical history, what my symptoms were and what other alternatives
I had tried to help with those symptoms. At this point, I thought that
I had to have cancer or a severe illness to be authorized or even
considered.

By the time the doctor called me in, I was sure that I had wasted my
time and money. I sat quietly as the doctor looked over my records,
marking which pages to make copies of. I was asked a series of
questions such as, "Do you think cannabis will help you with your
ailments?" and "Why didn't these other prescriptions work?"

After a 30-minute discussion, the doctor gave me authorization. I was
handed a temporary license to use medical cannabis in California only.
I was told about an overall set of rules that seems to be parallel to
the laws over alcohol. The responsibility of finding out state and
county laws are up to the patient.

Cannabis is still illegal under federal law and authorization for use
is only in the state. The federal government is still debating issues
about legalizing medicinal cannabis. Until a decision can be reached,
people are encouraged to keep use inside residential homes for sake of
having to deal with any kind of trouble with authorities.

With my temporary license in hand, I was directed to a small cannabis
store inside the health care facility. I was, once again, asked to
show my driver's license and my temporary cannabis license. My picture
was taken, and I was told to expect my cannabis card in the mail after
4-6 weeks.

The small store had a variety of over 30 different brands of cannabis
in prescription bottles behind a glass case. The staff helped me pick
out the types of marijuana that would best help me. The price ranged
similar to what you would pay on the street, only the product is
fresher and more potent.

After using the drug for over two weeks, I have experienced a
remarkable difference. I get better sleep at night, am more
productive, eat regularly and have even lost weight. I find myself not
moving around as much in class and have been able to relax easier
under stressful situations.

I still fight stereotypes and have to work against the conservative
belief that all people who want medicinal marijuana are all just a
bunch of potheads.

I'm an average person like anybody else who wants to lead a productive life
and cannabis helps me do that. With support and hard work, the federal
government will approve the drug. More people will have access to it and not
have to worry about being arrested just for taking a drug.