PRO Medical Marijuana
"This medicinal plant holds so much promise for this country, if they would just take their head out of the sand. I can vouch for its use for this purpose, because I have been a victim of severe joint pain since my teens... Having tried many, many other medications, it is the only answer to my problem. I am sure many billions of people feel as I do. The legalization and taxation of this one crop could bring our country out of financial ruin, clear out or prisons of it's offenders... I have never seen anyone high on pot do the horrible things I have seen drunks do..."
Kim, Jan. 10, 2010
"I'm a cancer patient in Louisiana. I have used marijuana to help with the side affects of chemotheropy. The benifit has outweighed the risk. I went from 88lbs (at lowest) to 135lbs. If not for that I would have died for sure. Thank you."
Melonie, Oct. 20, 2009
"I was diagnosed with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) at about the age of 21, I am 45 now and still wake up every morning as if I have a hang over; nausea, dizziness, and loose bowels. I know from personal experience that the use of marijuana subsides the cramps, eliminates the nausea, and settles my dizziness. After trying different medical prescriptions, all of which have given me no relief, I find I return to cannabis."
Ladson, Oct. 4, 2009
"I have been living with HIV for 22 years and if it was not for weed God knows I would not be here today. The meds that they give for the HIV is a killer by itself but using pot takes away the sick feeling that the HIV meds give. The meds take away your appetite and taking a few puffs relax your stomach making it easy to tolerate."
Diane, June 15, 2009
"Regarding the use of marijuana for medical use - I've always been for the legalization of marijuana, but had never realized the benefit it coud be to those in chronic pain. I was diagnosed seven years ago with ankylosing spondylitis, and have been in incredible pain for years... The other day I finally caved in and smoked some marijuana to see if it would help. I was blown away. Not only did I go from a sustainable 7/10 on the pain scale to a 0/10, I was able to move without any stiffness. It was the first time I hadn't felt pain in my body for over 10 years...
Thank you for posting such useful and interesting information. It was encouraging to read all of this information, and know there's a group who has a clear head in all of this! Thanks again!"
Michael, Feb. 6, 2009
"This is a very informative and well put together website. I have learned a lot from this website. As a sufferer of chronic pain and Dissociative identity disorder (multiple personalities) the only thing that works for me is marijuana so I definitely am for medical marijuana. As it is the only thing that seems to quiet the voices in my head and relieve my pain. It is good to know that other people are starting to agree with me. Thanks for the info and keep up the good work."
Victor, Feb. 3, 2009
"I am a graduate student from New Mexico writing a policy paper AND a legal research paper on the legalizing of marijuana for medical purposes in our state. I am beginning the process by broadly researching the issue and will turn my focus to the state soon. I knew nothing before I began my research.
It was a lucky day when I found your site and I just want to tell you that is one the most thorough, well organized, easy to read, well thought out, well referenced sites I've ever been on. I'm sure there are other accolades I could give you, but for now, I want to share how impressed I am with the caliber of material and presentation you have achieved. Thank you.
Thank you for your very good works....A very grateful student"
Anonymous, Oct. 13, 2008
"My 29 year old son just passed away in May after a courageous fight less than 8 months after he was diagnosed. Doctors prescribed all sorts of heavy pain medications, as well as anti-anxiety meds, but it was marijuana that helped alleviate his anxiety, nausea, and kept his humor up. I will now try to help with the fight to legalize marijuana at least medically. It is ridiculous that it is something that someone critically ill should have to risk being arrested for.... I would have purchased it for him & taken the risk myself to help him feel better.."
Lorraine, July 29, 2008
"I know of people who smoke because of the pain they suffer. I think they should make it legal for people who suffer from different issues who really need it. But if it becomes legal the government shouldn't use this as a way to change what it really is don't mess with how it's grown don't put additives in it don't mess with the real way it is."
Shannon, May 13, 2008
"A mac truck accident in 1981 left me in a coma for 1 month. When I awoke I had to learn again to talk, eat, move my extremities, they said I'd never walk again. I was suffering from seizures since the accident also, for this I was put on dilantin and phenobarbs, FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE my doctors all said. These meds left me like a vegetable, very slow, couldn't talk or drive etc. Being desperate for some quality of life, I tried cannabis. I have been medicating with cannabis since 1984 and have been seizure-free since then. The headaches, anxiety, sleeplessness, and my appetite have all improved greatly. For me it gave me 'A life" again. And by the way, they were wrong about not walking. I do. I may not dance or race with ya, but I can walk anywhere."
Gerry, Mar. 14, 2008
"We are facing exponential growth in both medical care (including prescription cost) and numbers of aging Americans who will consume increasing amounts of medicine. To say that other medicines are available and not consider 'at what cost' is sheer arrogance or self serving obfuscation. As far as harmful side effects and toxic components of marijuana smoke, compare that to chemotherapy drugs, true opioids, and myriad medical treatments that cause severe harm (while healing) patients. It is not logical to separate marijuana into a 'do not use ever' category when there are so many more 'dangerous' drugs being prescribed hourly."
Rick, Feb. 25, 2008
"In my opinion, marijuana should be legalized period, and tobacco should be the illegal one. I have never heard of anyone dying from smoking marijuana. But, people die every day from smoking tobacco."
Keola, Jan. 31, 2008
"I read this in a recent quote on the website: 'I think that it is ridiculous to use marijuana. Everything has something that can go right but that doesn't mean we should use it. The consequences are way too serious.'
I have schizophrenia, and Marijuana significantly treats my illness. Look up schizo-affective in Wikipedia, then click on 'treatment'. What side effects are there that are more serious than me ending my life because I cannot function properly without it? I would literally have no reason to live if I felt like I did without it. After 3 suicide attempts (all while I was 'sober'). If there are 'side effects' of this herb - not DRUG... they are minimal.
Notice I said herb because it is a natural substance that is non-toxic. That means it is not a drug, and should therefore not be controlled by the government at all. If you're going to control that, you might as well control St. John's Wort and Ginseng."
Mike, Jan. 12, 2008
"'Should marijuana be a medical option?' Yes! In some cases, it helps people who have problems eating to eat. It helps people deal with pain when they can't take pills or get shots from doctors because they're allergic to those types of drugs. And I really believe it does help people deal with dying when they know they are. Some of it also helps lower blood pressure. I honestly feel it should be legal in every state."
Deborah, Jan. 7, 2008
"I believe there are plenty of others out there, like my family, that have used THC with success with their Alzheimer's patients. My family has definitely noticed clear and favorable improvements in my father - he appears in a better mood. He has a better appetite (this is very important because a decrease in body weight is very correlated with getting worse for Alzheimer's patients). He has improved recall of past events at times. He also engages in conversation more. There is the hope that the brain is so plastic that over time he could improve more but this may be overly optimistic. For now, the THC has resulted in some improvement and will hopefully prevent him from getting worse. We really need scientific trials."
Jay, webmaster of marijuanaforalzheimers.blogspot.com, Nov. 6, 2007
"I believe marijuana should be legalized, period. If for no other reason, it is less harmful than alcohol or tobacco, both of which are legal. The illegalization and demonization of marijuana is based on an archaic outdated view of pot as harmful, linking it with truly harmful drugs like heroine, cocaine, LSD, and others. Is there any record of anyone ever having gone on a killing spree while stoned? Probably not. The most harmful thing anyone ever did under the influence of pot was to gorge themselves to the point of nausea, then go to sleep. Enough said."
D.R., Oct. 8, 2007
"I cannot understand why Doctors have a problem prescribing marijuana to patients that would benefit from its use. Surgeons use cocaine during some surgical procedures, and they have to keep a strict record on how much they use, but they do use it.
I was diagnosed with MS about 2 and a half years ago and all the medication they had me on made it impossible to speak,or keep a rational thought in my head. I believed I was dying. After taking prescription medicines for 7 months, and suffering every conceivable side effect they could cause, I quit taking them all and started smoking marijuana before bed. I have felt better, I can walk, talk, think, and play now. I believe in following the law, but I believe in this instance the law is wrong."
Lucinda, Sep. 6, 2007
"I am not a pothead and I really don't like the high, but it's the only thing that takes away the sickness enough to allow me to eat. I went a whole month without food before I found marijuana helped me. My wife and I live in an RV fulltime and travel the country looking for a place where we won't get in trouble for smoking. Like many other disabled people, we will do what we have to do to have some quality of life. Looks like we'll have to go west."
Dan, Aug. 24, 2007
"I'm very pro for medical purposes. I have watched my father die with cancer. And myself, I’m going through major problems with end stage renal failure. Doctors try to understand, but can't feel the pain you go through. A friend on dialysis tells me smoking is what gets him through the rough times."
Philip, July 30, 2007
"[Medical Marijuana] helped my deceased brother-in-law. He had blisters on and in his mouth, also nausea. He died a terrible death."
Patricia, July 10, 2007
"I was shot thru the right sub and supra orbital sections of the right side of my head exiting over my right ear. They rebuilt 1/4 of my skull. Epilepsy, PTSD, and other issues such as severe anxiety, constant pain and depression... I am still alive because I smoke [marijuana] every day. Empirical evidence has proven to me that failure to utilize generally causes a seizure and at minimum I get really aggressive...
I will not live on narcotics. Ibuprophine, or aspirin all have side effects worse than any temporary pain. Replacement liver from the damage of man made drugs? No thanks."
Joseph from Pennsylvania, July 20, 2007
"After surviving my coma-inducing traumatic brain-injury, I have found THC, from marijuana, very beneficial in my ongoing recovery. For example, only after the post-coma re-introduction of THC into me, was I able to remember day-to-day events in life..."
Anonymous, July 3, 2007
"I use [marijuana] because of the side-affects and after-affects of the 'legal' drugs. All the others either make me sick or put me out. I don't see how that is beneficial. Because my medical problem is chronic, I have been dealing with pain for a long time. I have tried to get by with Tylenol and Ibuprophine, but long-term use of either has some serious consequences. I now have a sick liver because Tylenol is so hard on the liver, and Ibuprophine has torn up my stomach. When I try something stronger, it renders me unable to perform the simplest of tasks. Or I end up with one terrible hangover! Who wants that?"
Carole, June 14, 2007
"Three years ago I was diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder after returning from a year long tour in Iraq. I was a mess. I couldn't sleep, felt anxious all the time, was depressed and suicidal. I cried EVERY day for a year. ... I was prescribed an antidepressant and a sleep medication. I gained 40 pounds and still had the same symptoms. All of this affected my marriage, my family relationships and my professional life. I became progressively agoraphobic and only left my house when I absolutely had to. My children did all my outside errands. ... I felt so suicidal that I wanted to kill myself. ...
I had severe reservations about 'smoking pot.' It is illegal and I am a health care professional ... Still, I wanted to feel better, to be myself again, and to be the person I was before the PTSD. I smoked the pot. Immediately I felt relaxed and calm. I smiled and laughed. I finally felt at peace for the first time in 2 years. I slept my first night in 3 years without the sleep medication. The next day I felt refreshed and renewed. I had hope again. My son told me that he was so happy to see the old me again."
"Anonymous for Obvious Reasons," June 20, 2007
"You could never understand medical marijuana until you witness the sick .. actually talk to them, CANCER & AIDS patient's half dead already, always in pain.... you could see it in their eyes... the pain. Tell them that marijuana isn't medicine. I myself am a patient and have seen the good first hand that this plant can do. To those who think that marijuana is a drug... I guess that I have to be the one to tell you that it is not a drug, but a true MEDICINE!"
Adam, Apr. 17, 2007
"In spite of grandma's sage advice that alcohol is good for what ailes ya, a multitude of people have had their lives abruptly ended because of alcohol. I firmly believe that marijuana is a herb with medicinal properties. It, like alcohol, effects people differently and is not for everyone. It is my right to choose what is best for me."
Leah, Apr. 14, 2007
"Although it is more than a year later, if you would like to use my name/email, you are welcome to. My name is Jessica, and I am currently a college student. When I get out of college/then graduate school, I plan on speaking out about the medicinal marijuana benefits. It is a shame that speaking out at this point could prevent me from getting into certain schools/jobs, but a few years down the road, you and hopefully the entire nation will be hearing more from me."
Jessica Kuykendall, Feb. 9, 2007
Note: Jessica originally wrote to us in Oct. 13, 2005:
"Hi. I am a young female living in Alabama with a rare type of Muscular Dystrophy. Unfortunately, I am allergic to codeine. I get very sick and start vomiting when I take anything with codeine in it. I started smoking marijuana to relieve my pain about 3 years ago, and it definately is the best possible thing for me.... When I smoke, my muscles relax, and sometimes my joints just 'slide' back into place. My doctor also knows that I use marijuana for pain, and says that she knows it helps. I have tried Ultram, which made me have convulsions. Neurontin made me suicidal. My legal options at this point are none. Hopefully, one day all of the patients that benefit from medicinal marijuana can be pain-free without prosecution."
"I have Crohn's disease and I agree marijuana gives me temporary relief of pain and it helps with the nausea I experience when the disease comes out of remission. I don't recommend it as your only alternative of medication for Crohn's disease. I'm currently on doctor prescribed medications for Crohn's desease, and when the meds don't work I'm forced to go out in the streets looking for sellers of marijuana. That's something I don't enjoy doing because I could easily end up getting hurt or end up with marijuana that's been treated with PCP or some other very harmful chemical. I feel it [marijuana] should be legal in every state for medicinal purpose (of course under the supervision of a medical professional)."
Leslie, Jan. 29, 2007
"One would not believe we are now in the 21st century with a government that still uses antiquated, pathetic excuses to rob the dispensaries of their money & medicine under the guise of a 'raid' -- no different than a bank robbery. Just the government doing it calling it 'confiscation.' If the government is for the people, then who is DEA working for since they are against the people?"
Frances, Jan. 17, 2007
"I have been a medical Marijuana user for 33 years to control nausea, spasms and depression associated with a catastrophic disability due to spinal cord injury, quadriplegia, associated triweekly chemo, violent muscle spasms and occasional blues big time. I have, over the years, tried all available methods of consumption. I like [mixing] it [ground marijuana, pre-cooked] with some raspberry yogurt just before I finish up with chemotherapy. It takes from a half hour to an hour to take affect. Best on an empty stomach. Spasms stop, nausea turns miraculously to hunger and my situation isn't so bad after all with all the beauty that surrounds us in life."
Laurence, Nov. 10, 2006
News 
Market Data 
Discover 
