June of 2015 is when my pain started. My doctor told me I had bursitis in my foot, so they did their normal treatment. Fast-forward to September of 2015 and my pain is only getting worse. I lay in bed at night clutching the sheets in my fists and wincing until I fall asleep.
Fast-forward again to February of 2016 and I’m coming to terms with the realization that this is just how my life will be. I’ll always be in pain, walking will always pain me to the core, and I’ll never be able to be a normal person. Friends of mine suggest that I try smoking cannabis to take the edge off the pain.
This is the first relief I’ve gotten since the pain started about 8 months ago.
When you have chronic pain, so many aspects of your life change. I hardly got any sleep because the pain kept me awake. I would get up the next morning exhausted from not sleeping which would only make the pain worse. Cannabis helped break this cycle. I could finally sleep again which gave me at least some more energy throughout the day. Cannabis also helps me cope with the new struggles chronic pain brought about.
Cannabis has been a life-saver for me. But it isn’t always seen as medicine. Maryland law makers have been stalling the implementation of medical cannabis since Maryland voted for the law back in 2014. So while law makers stall in order to make more money, I’m left curled up on the couch crying in pain when my hookup is out.
Even writing this post is risky. Since medical cannabis is technically still illegal since dispensaries are not up and running, I had to create an account completely not linked to my identity. I could get my financial aid taken away and possibly kicked out of the university all because I chose to medicate with a natural plant rather than taking opioid medication that I would get addicted to.
So the next time you hear about some huge cannabis drug bust on the news, think about me and the thousands of people who just want relief from their shitty health status.
Unruly Bodies 
It has always been interesting to me how people can genuinely use cannabis for medical purposes. I find it amazing to now believe that it is more then just a plant that people use for personal use but actually something that is natural and can help many people. It is a shame that people aren’t allowed to do what they feel is most beneficial and natural without the social stigma that they are a “pot head.” I respect your position on medical marijuana and believe that you should be allowed to reserve your right for your usage. Really interesting points and personal reference.
Wow! This was a great read. My cousin deals with a lot of spinal issues and doesn’t particularly care for pain medication because of the many side effects. She is not able to use cannabis because she gets drug tested randomly and the stigma. I am glad you found something that works for you!
I also have spinal issues I was paralyzed three years ago it’s a shame that her job doesn’t recognize campus as a medicine I hope your cousin finds something that works
Cannabis*
A friend of mine who uses pot for chronic pain suggested I try to for my anxiety. In the past I have tried several prescribed medications that all gave me terrible side effects and made me feel so under the control of a series of doctors who didn’t listen and were overworked. I joke a lot about the medical industrial complex (a play on prison industrial complex) and how terrible and controlling it is over bodies and marginalized bodies especially. Being able to self medicate with pot has allowed me some control back over my body and its ability to function.
I couldn’t even function the doctors had me on so many pills since my friend recommended cannabis I’m pill for free and happy as can be LOL
Great post. Slowly and slowly people are starting to realize the true potential of cannabis and how it can help cure several illnesses. It’s also starting to be realized as the cure for cancer. There has been some amount of research done on how cannabis oil can kill bad cells without harming the good cells. Aside from cancer, in the future, it can be a vital source to finding cure other terminal diseases such as ALS.
Cannabis literally saved my life! I dropped five of my prescriptions I can think straight again and I’m happy follow my blog and I’ll show you why life is worth living!
I’m happy to hear you have found medication that works for you! I was in a local smoke shop recently and they were selling “CBD candies” at the counter, something I had never seen before. Apparently it’s legal but I’ve found conflicting information on the internet. It gives many of the medical benefits but has no psychoactive effect. Might be something worth looking into!
It’s interesting to think about pharmaceuticals and the ways we are permitted to heal our bodies. I hope that cannabis becomes more accessible for everyone, particularly those in pain. I think we are not too far off from that reality but it’s long overdue!
Great read!. Hoping things will be legal soon.You will have to worry about hookups. Good luck to you
Amen brother cannabis saved my life literally!! I was paralyzed three years ago the doctors had me on so many pills I couldn’t think straight!I tried taking my life on two separate occasions I’m currently off all prescriptions except cannabis my life has improved dramatically! Instead of being depressed im happy, instead of wasting away I’m eating, instead of being an insomniac I’m sleeping! This plant is a miracle given by God and everybody has the right to use it