Pubdate: Mon, 14 May 2012
Source: Press-Enterprise (Riverside, CA)
Copyright: 2012 The Press-Enterprise Company
Contact: http://www.pe.com/localnews/opinion/letters_form.html
Website: http://www.pe.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/830
Author: Jessica Bradshaw

STOP WAR ON MEDICAL POT

As an educated, conservative housewife and writer with fibromyalgia, 
I may not seem a likely medical marijuana candidate. Yet, 15 months 
ago I went from debilitating pain, migraines, panic attacks, memory 
issues, depression and exhaustion, to fully functioning in just days.

But Riverside County has been cracking down on dispensaries ("Medical 
marijuana dispensary raided," April 4). For a month, I lacked access 
to medication, reverting to my former agony.

A doctor recommended an FDA-approved drug for $3,000 a year. Its 
possible side effects include suicidal thoughts, coma and death. I declined.

My current dispensary lacks a sense of safety. Marijuana tincture is 
difficult to find, so I'm forced to restrict doses.

If people were denied access to popular medicines, there would be an 
outcry. In desperation, I now expose myself to ridicule, but I want 
to know how Riverside County will offer safe access to a natural 
medication mitigating my fibromyalgia symptoms without side effects, 
addiction, or financial struggle.

I want the public educated about the medicinal value of a plant so 
stigmatized I can't advocate it without hearing pothead jokes.

Riverside County, help me out.

Jessica Bradshaw

Lake Elsinore
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