Medical marijuana (MMJ) needs to be addressed as far as legalization on a federal level. It’s offensive, not to mention dangerous on many levels, to have to hide the need for MMJ even when you live in a state where it’s legal. And while some states have legalized MMJ, there’s a lot to be said for educating the public (not to mention local authorities) on those laws. Without a law on a federal level, you also cannot travel with MMJ. States who have legalized it have no way of transferring authorizations, so to speak.
Progress has been made in some states, but medical marijuana is still seen as "shady". Why is a drug needed for relief of various symptoms still seen as a crime? Some may question people’s needs for alternative pain relief, but just like an able-bodied person has trouble fathoming the issues of people with disabilities, healthy people have no clue the stratospheric levels pain can reach. Not to mention some people could be allergic to most other "conventional" drugs available – I know, surprising to hear that even people with chronic pain can be allergic to narcotics.
Medical marijuana is not simply a way to get high, it’s another tool to get through the day. Some need it all the time, some only occasionally. Some smoke it, and others ingest it with various foods. But no matter the method or frequency, it’s a needed medicine. There’s no doubt some work the system and lie their way into an authorization, but that happens with anything.
I’m tired of feeling and acting like a felon when all I’m doing is relieving pain. I’m even hesitant to post this because of what people will think, not to mention constantly being afraid of the federal government.
To put a decidedly more amusing spin on the possibility of getting arrested, it would be a public relations nightmare to arrest someone in a power wheelchair with a service dog. That would be one of those situations when using your disability to an advantage would be perfectly acceptable, at least in my mind. Anything to bring this issue more attention.
* I do consider this a health care issue and a disability issue because of the discrimination factor, plus the accommodations those with chronic pain may need. I know some people with disabilities who, for them, this is one of the most important issues.