I was browsing some blogs recently and found an interesting topic on a friends. A question was posed asking for peoples opinions on a controversial topic. I commented and offered my space here as a guest post. I am going to leave my opinion out right now, because I would love to hear from others what their thoughts are on this. Let's keep the comments nice. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and no one is right or wrong... It is a topic with a stigma, definitely...So, without further ado, here is Carrie:-)Hi I am Carrie and Ruth has been gracious enough to allow me to guest post on her blog. I have broached this topic on my blog, but more so in question form, not giving my opinion at all. I have to be honest, I am a chicken. There is a lot of judgment when dealing with a controversial topic. I guess I should actually mention what that topic is. It is medical marijuana. I have been doing a lot of research on this topic because I have epilepsy and I am so tired of the side effects of prescription medications.
Being a Christian and having prided myself on never getting involved with drugs, this has been a hard thing for me to look at. The more I research the topic, the more I am seeing this "taboo" plant as a gift from God. That is not to say that I use it, but I will say that I am strongly considering it. I got the courage up to ask my Dr. about it and unfortunately he doesn't support it, even though it is legal here in B.C. That in and of itself is frustrating.
Here are my thoughts, and as I mentioned earlier, I have done a lot of research. I think this could, when used for the right reasons be a very good thing. I can't believe how much this plant has helped so many people. It has given many their lives back. People who could barely function at all from things such as epilepsy, tourrettes, mental illness to name a few got their lives back and are fully functioning, healthy, people with jobs and children etc.
In most, if not all cases, it wasn't only their medical issue that was debilitating them, it is their prescription medications. The side effects are often worse than the ailment! The side effects are the reason that I started to research this topic. I am so tired of living with side effects...ironically enough one of the side effects being I am always tired...lol. I got excited when I found out just how much medical marijuana has helped people and cause no side effects at all! People were functioning way better in their lives on MM. than they ever had on prescription medication.
The way I see it, is how much worse can it be then many of the the medications prescribed by the Dr.? From what I am reading it is much better. Now some may be under the impression that you have to smoke it, which is one of the things that concerned me, but you don't. You can have it in a tea form, or a brownie form, or even through a vaporizer.
The other concern for people may be legal issues. It is not legal everywhere. It is legal where I am from in B.C. and it is legal in Ontario. Finding a Dr. to support it is a challenge, or even getting the courage to ask a Dr. is another complication. In order to get MM. you have to go through some red tape. It might be worth it to get your life back! The other concern is finding safe MM. Once medically allowed you can get MM from people (not on the street) who are licensed to grow it for people that use it medically.
I know this is long so I will add one more thing. There are different components of the plant that help different medical issues and that is something you can look into as well. I am still finding it hard to say but I am realizing that I support the use of medical marijuana. Why should that be so difficult?
I would love to hear opinions and feedback from anyone willing? If there are any of you who use it, I would love to hear from you too. One last note, my husband doesn't support it but will support whatever choice I make, as he knows he has no idea what a seizure feels like and what the medication for it does to me. We agree to disagree.
Until A Thousand Tomorrows...
Carrie
http://www.buckwheat38.blogspot.com/
For more information: (links I have added to Carries article)
Medical Marijuana Learning Centre
Mercola
The SETH Group
Recent Medical Story
I am a firm supporter of medical marijuana use! I am a pastor's wife and am not a user myself but I have SEEN what a difference it can make in others. I think it is just as legitimate (if not more so) than many of the other meds we all take. I have also done a lot of research on it and reading and I think it is a gift to be used wisely. I say go for it!!
ReplyDeleteI'm also a supporter of it for medicinal purposes. I don't think it's because I'm from BC... I'm sure that does play a bit of a roll in it. :) I was also raised by hippies, British Columbia hippies for that matter! LOL
ReplyDeleteI've seen it used for good - I've also seen it used for bad... but Carrie, in your case, I can't see you abusing it. If you have the emotional, spiritual and physical help, you don't have anything to fear by taking it.
After seeing the suffering firsthand, I offered it my eleven year old daughter in her last days of life.
ReplyDeleteAll I've got to say is never say never.
Thank you all for your comments! I am floored. I am so sorry to the lady who lost her daughter. I can't even imagine. Thank you Ruth for posting this! I am really grateful.
ReplyDeleteI've never considered it for one simple reason - marijuana (or maybe more specifically marijuana smoke?) gives me migraines. I've never used it myself, but every time I've been around it I've been very sick with a migraine lasting up to 2 days later. So I've not even considered ingesting or inhaling or 'taking' it in any other way. It seems risky to me for that reason. I don't know enough about it to make a call one way or the other. People use pharmaceuticals all the time, and I guess marijuana is just a 'natural' drug. I am concerned about abuse, and I have no idea about addiction issues, as compared to other drugs. I'm interested in more research, and in a properly regulated source of marijuana for medical use if it is indeed beneficial. Like any other 'natural' remedy, many of which are largely unregulated, there is probably merit and value. Ignorance and stigma keep people from even being able to look at the issue very closely, I'm afraid.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post. Not sure I'll ever consider it, but it's interesting to think about.
Thank you for your perspective! I will say that the medication that I am on for epilepsy is very addictive and I would likely go through width drawl coming off of it. I know I can't sleep with out it and I know that one of the width drawl symptoms is seizures...the very thing it is to control. From what I have researched, MM is way less addictive. It is such a tough issue! Thank you again for posting!
ReplyDeleteI have heard that it can cause some people headaches. It also isn't the best treatment option for everyone. If it caused me migraines, I would steer clear of it too!
ReplyDeleteWhat C said "If it caused me migraines, I would steer clear of it too!"
ReplyDeleteI worked with Dennis Peron on getting California Prop.215 , the first medical marijuana law passed in the US since prohibition began in the 1937. It is the vote heard around the world. Marijuana really does help some people. In fact many people would suffer needlessly without it.
Marijuana has been a natural remedy in the pharmacopia of most major cultures dating back to antiquity 4,000 BC and before recorded history. Its only been outlawed since 1937. That is significantly less then 1% of time man has been recorded using marijuana. Although its effects can be dramatic, it isn't very toxic at all. In order to overdose on the stuff one would have to smoke 1,500 1 gram joints in 15 to 20 minutes. It closely resembles a naturally produces substance in the brain called anandimide.
One also has to understand that dopism (i.e. the hatred of drug users) is closely tied to racism and monopolistic business practices. Harry Anslinger, the godfather of prohibition, was an avowed racist. Now days, if he tried the tactics he used to gain prohibition in the 30's, he would be charged with hate crimes and civil rights violations. The Duponts(synthetic, fibers, etc.), Hearsts (paper pulp forestry) and the cotton industry all were for banning hemp to eliminate competition for their products. They helped Anslinger with his campaign against "raping murdering crazed negroe jazz musicians" "violent, lazy mexicans" and "yellow heathens from asia"
Prohibition is an outrage and an insult to the masses. Just recently the top UN council on drugs declared the the whole "war on drugs" to be a massive failure. They declared it does far much more harm than good. We need to bring a rational drug policy into play and stop abusing the sick disabled and hurting kind.
If you want more info you can follow me on twitter
@legaizepot2012
I'm a mom, wife and have suffered from severe depression and anxiety since I can remember. I visited several psychiatrists and tried tons of medications, all with different types of side effects and withdrawal symptoms. My husband finally suggested I try marijuana, it's the best decision I've made. I've been medicating for 10 years. I can personally say it's not addicting. I don't get the "I need it" feeling. You might get a craving, like chocolate or junk food, but nothing horrible. Im a better parent, im more patient, i've become more productive and both my daughters are thriving in school. I believe that marijuana is a gift and can help so many people. I wish you the best of luck in any decision you make. :)
ReplyDeleteI am loving all the comments! It is great to hear about peoples experiences and thoughts surrounding a topic that has so much stigma attached.
ReplyDeleteI will now give my opinion here:-) I have never really researched this topic before, because I really have no medical need to use marijuana.
After some research for this post, I realize that cannabis, and its by-products could be medically useful in anyones life!! From clothing that is stronger then the materials we have now, to oils with amazing nutrients in them we could all benefit from, to the medical use for epilepsy, depression and cancer!!
I could not get over the one story I found last night about the father who snuck hemp oil into his 2 year old, dying sons, feeding tube and he had an amazing, miraculous recovery!!
I have a child who is on her third medication trial for seizures. The side effects of the first one were hell. She became more developmentally delayed then she was, she became violent, she could not cope properly at all...and she was only 1. This medication was an extremely addicting medication. Once she came off of it, her development progressed and the violence curbed a little. The second med hasn't worked as well as we would like so we are on number 3. It is still new, I am not happy with the violence we are seeing again...
Is this something she could benefit from one day? Maybe? Should we be doing trials on something that is natural and not chemically altered to "help" us?
I am Christian, I believe in God...but I think there is a horrible stigma attached to marijuana, but the people who are abusing it already are...how does legalizing it make that any worse?
I would love to learn more about this and am going to continue researching:-) I love research...LOL!!
Thank you "legalizepot" for the info.! Thank you Ruth for posting you're ideas! I am trying to get up the nerve to be blunt on my blog...I just fear the judgement! Here's to health for everyone whether that is with or without MM!
ReplyDeletePOSTING THIS FROM MY FACEBOOK PAGE to keep discussions here:-)
ReplyDeleteI'm still against, and I stand by the Word of God and personal conviction. I've found a very interesting article that supports my opinion. Take a look (notice that even though marijuana is a plant, and God created certain plants for healing, it doesn't mean we want to take poison ivy, which is also God-created):
Does the Bible APPROVE
of smoking POT (marijuana)?
Q. What does the Bible say about smoking marijuana or pot?
...A. The specific subject of marijuana is not mentioned in the Bible. However, we can draw certain conclusions based on principles found in the Bible. Let's first read the 12th chapter of Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament, and then notice the last three verses:
"But, my son, be warned: there is no end of opinions ready to be expressed. Studying them can go on forever and become very exhausting! Here is my final conclusion: fear God and obey his commandments, for this is the entire duty of man. For God will judge us for everything we do, including every hidden thing, good or bad." (Ecclesiastes 12:12-14, The Living Bible)
The answer to this question is really more of a principle and not really a black and white answer. In Exodus 20 of the Old Testament the commandments are stated. The principles needed to determine if marijuana or pot is acceptable are found in the first and sixth commandments:
"You shall have no other gods before Me."
and
"You shall not murder." (Exodus 20:3, 13, NKJV)
God has given us life. He has created certain herbs and plants for eating and healing.
"Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs." (Genesis 9:3, NKJV).
Also, Revelation 22:2:
"In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. " (Revelation 22:2, NKJV)
Not every leaf is for eating or healing though. We certainly wouldn't want to eat poison ivy for instance.
Which leads to another point. Our bodies are to be the temple of God. We usually think of a temple being a building. However, humans are God's temple. If someone has submitted their life to God, He will live in them. He will be their God and they will in turn be His people. The New Covenant spoken of in the Bible is a contract between a person and God to promise to live His way of life. God looks into the temple as it were, the flat part of the face in a human, and welcomes those who by their conscience and actions have been keeping themselves separate from idols, darkness, the ways of the world and Satan the devil, the god of this world (Ephesians 2:2).
"If any one destroys [or abuses] God's temple, God will destroy him. For God's temple is holy, and that temple you are." (1Corinthians 3:17, RSV).
Also, 2Corinthians 6:16-18 :
"And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will dwell in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they shall be My people. Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.'" (2Corinthians 6:16-18, NKJV)
The conscience is the key. Here we have seen what the whole duty of man is to the One God who will judge even the hidden things, good or bad, done by all humanity. In addition, there is much scientific and medical evidence concerning the negative short and long-term effects to the human body of using marijuana. A good explanation of this can be found at the following web site: www.drugabuse.gov/DrugPages/Marijuana.html
Written by: Rick / Eileen Beltz
FROM MY FACEBOOK PAGE
ReplyDeleteI think it depends on a few things. The person, the disease they have and how they have coped with other treatments. God created that plant for a purpose. Possibly it was for that.
I'm not one to comment my opinions very much (just frustrations on FB, lol), but I feel strongly about this.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who was depressed, severely overweight, didn't want to do anything, on 6 different medications during the day, and 2 at night (which had horrible side effects).
She recently started smoking MM and has totally changed, for the better. She is happy, lost weight (50lbs since December), off all of her medications (and is being monitored, and so far the levels are back to normal - or close to, since she is still over weight). She is more active, willing to get out of the house, loves being around people, joking, and just all around happy and back to her normal self, before all the other problems happened.
Seeing the way she is, and how she turned around, really shows to me that it can be an amazing thing.
I have also used it for when I have a headache or stomach ache or PMS cramps, and after smoking it, I feel more relaxed, headache goes away, stomach cramps are gone, and PMS cramps aren't as bad (I have used other medications for it, and it doesn't work).
It is naturally grown, not addictive (the only addictive thing is the smile you can't get off your face when you are off the medications and feeling better), and it has no side effects (it effects people differently, I understand that, but it isn't as bad as some of the medications out there today and the effects they have).
So all-in-all I support it, only for the right reasons.
AJ:
ReplyDeleteOK, because I LOVE research...and I like to stand firm on what I believe... I found out that Poison Ivy HAS and IS used regularly in the medical field...mainly with homeopathy.
"It is not official in the British Pharmacopoeia, but was formerly official in the United States Pharmacopceia. It is in extensive use by homoeopathists for rheumatism, ringworm and other skin disorders, and is considered by them one of the most useful remedies in a great majority of cases of Nettlerash, especially if caused by some natural predisposition of constitution, in which the eruption is due to the use of some particular food.
The fluid extract, prepared from the fresh leaves, is mostly given in the form of a tincture, in doses of 5 to 30 drops. In small doses it is an excellent sedative to the nervous system, but must be given with care, as internally it may cause gastric intestinal irritation, drowsiness, stupor and delirium.
It has been recommended in cases of incontinence of urine. For this, the bark of the root of R. aromatica is also employed very successfully, an infusion of 1 OZ. to a pint of boiling water being taken in wineglassful doses.
The fluid extract of R. Toxicodendron can be used as a vesicant or blister producer, like cantharides, mezeron, and oil of Mustard.
The best preparation is a concentrated alcoholic tincture made from the green plant in the strength of 1 in 4. The dose of 25 per cent tincture is given in 1 to 5 drops three times a day. A solid extract is not used owing to the extreme volatility of the active principles of the crude drug.
Its milky juice is also used as an indelible ink for marking linen, and as an ingredient of liquid dressings or varnishes for finishing boots or shoes, though R. venenata is more extensively used for the latter purpose."
http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/i/ivypoi17.html
But, God did know what he was doing by creating all these plants:-)
Also AJ, I am not sure what Medical Marijuana has to do with murder or another God...what would that make a chemical medication?
ReplyDeleteCyn, thank you for being so candid on here so glad you have your life back! Are you from Ontario?
ReplyDeleteA.J. I was curious about what you think about prescription medications that have horrible side effects and make people far worse off than MM would? Are you on any prescription meds? Have you dealt with awful side effects? I am just curious?
A.J how does it make you any less pure than prescription medication? How do you choose, which plants are Godly and which plants aren't?
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that story! Glad to hear that your friend is doing so much better.
I am supportive of marijuana for medicinal reasons- my brother uses it for pain- he suffers with muscular distrophy. I see no difference between medicating with prescription drugs and medicating with marijuana, aside from the fact the doctor-prescribed pills most often have more dangerous side effects.
ReplyDeleteSorry your Brother suffers with that Amanda. Has MM helped him?
ReplyDeleteAJ, what on earth does Medical Marijuana and serving another god and murder have in common. That was the most asinine thing I think I've ever heard.
ReplyDeleteIt's no different than someone who is medically dependent on synthetic medications or other herbal supplements?
I am a Christian and support MM!
"It's no different than someone who is medically dependent on synthetic medications or other herbal supplements?" it wasn't meant as a question. It was a statement. Sorry about that.
ReplyDeleteIt is no different in my mind.
In fact, the side effects of MM are fewer and less harmful overall and it is easier on your "Temple".
Thank you Anonymous for your comments.
ReplyDeleteMy name is Maricel Mark from Holland,my daughter who was suffering from epilepsy from the age of 5 years was cured with CBD and THC cannabis oil from cancer centre London i contacted via email londoncancercentre@gmail.com The cannabis oil was supplied to me here in Holland with prescription on how to use it for treatment of seizures/epilepsy.After 3 months my daughter was cured and free from seizures.
ReplyDeleteThanks Maricel, i ordered and it have been delivered to me
ReplyDelete