One of the reasons I think I took so long before deciding to take the medical marijuana plunge is the stigma that remains attached to using this kind of medication in some circles. Why that exists astounds me, but I have to admit I worried that people might think differently of me. Then I decided that those who know me best wouldn’t give it a second thought, and that I could care less if any trolls emerged from the dung heap of closed-mindedness
Medical marijuana should never be confused with the stuff you can buy off the street. It is regulated, highly controlled, tailored to attend to a variety of symptoms, and most of what is available doesn’t involve getting high. So let’s please not confuse one with the other.
Not that it matters. I’ve always felt the stuff should be legalized. If people can legally drink themselves into oblivion and become potential lethal weapons should they get behind the wheel of a car or truck, or become so addicted to opioids that they have to turn to heroin when the supply is cut off, ruining their lives and the lives of their loved ones in the process, pot is harmless by comparison. So why the hell not? To me, the gateway drug paranoia is a crock perpetrated by the tobacco, alcohol and drug lobbies who don’t want to lose market share.
If you live in a state like Connecticut, whose state budget has been drowning in red ink for years, you can tax the shit out of it and solve your budget woes so fast it would make your head spin. Alas, nerve and guts seem to be a missing characteristic in politicians these days.
MSich Chronicles 
I couldn’t agree more! Great post!
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Totally agree Steve! The lack of common sense and compassion lawmakers in Tennessee have passed a law that went into effect on July 1st that regulates prescription opioids with the toughest regulations in the country. No real protections to people who need them for medical reasons like myself, and no viable pain controlling alternatives. We are not addicts. We don’t turn to herion. Give us medical marijuana then. Don’t make us turn to the streets!
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https://hightimes.com/news/tennessee-medical-marijuana-bill/
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Sad, but it sounds like it is only a matter of time
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I’m hoping.
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Agree completely Steve. There are proven benefits that THC manages pain, seizures and a variety of other chronic ailments and disease. There have been recent stories in the NC news about families who have moved to a state that allows medical marijuana because of their child being plaqued with epileptic seizures. I’m so glad you are exploring this as an option.
You are an excellent writer and I enjoy reading your posts (and do so on a regular basis). I appreciate how brave you are to share your struggles and bear your soul. It has really helped me to better understand the many challenges you and others with MS face. I’m amazed and in awe of your strength.
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Thanks Laurie. Good to hear from you. There is a person I know in NC who suffers from MS who has mulled the possibility of leaving the state for the same reason you mentioned. I think a lot of people and legislators are brainwashed about “reefer madness”.
Hope all is well
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I believe in it. Of course my issue is I could be denied a new transplant if I use it.
Live in pain it is I guess
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You could always wait until afterwards. But yeah, that sucks.
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Yes Yes Yes!!!!!!
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I agree with you 150%!!! People should not judge on what medications we may need to use. If medical marijuana helps, great and people do not need to give it a second thought. I have heard countless people say how incredibly beneficial it is and I unfortunately live in a state where I doubt it will ever be available. The south is so full of hypocritical people that feel they have the right to judge based on prejudices. The things some people think is acceptable in my eyes is anything but acceptable. For some reason many people think it is okay to lie, cheat and steal but oh goodness to take a medication that helps is completely off limits. I really look forward to hearing how this will help you. Please never worry what others may think, you are a great person that struggles with an illness that causes so many crazy things to occur. I hope you have a great weekend and you are feeling well!
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Couldn’t agree more. I’ve long lobbied for legalization (even when I was a staunch 90s conservative) and figured it’s only a matter of time. It should be a public health issue, not a legal one. Canada beat us to the social punch, once again, by recently legalizing recreational pot use nationally. We could learn a lot from our northern neighbor …
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I have a feeling our state will
Legalize within three years. There is too much money involved and Massachusetts beat us to the punch. It always boils down to money, doesn’t it?
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Well stated.
P.S. It IS all about money after all.
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The thing is there is SO much money to be made by states and the feds if they just stopped being so uptight and legalize, regulate and tax the product. I don’t get it
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Good point. Obviously, they don’t see it.
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