Pubdate: Tue, 11 Feb 2014 Source: Orlando Sentinel (FL) Copyright: 2014 Jennifer Yeaman Contact: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/325 Note: Rarely prints out-of-state LTEs. Author: Jennifer Yeaman MAKE MEDICAL POT LEGAL TO RELIEVE PAIN With mixed emotions, I describe my stand on legalizing medical marijuana. I have witnessed the worst of what marijuana can do to someone, and I've experienced the relief it can bring. As a migraine sufferer for the past 35 years, I have tried every treatment legally available. There have been about 30 medications prescribed to treat or prevent my often-debilitating migraines. Botox, ablation of nerves and more have provided little or no relief. Narcotics have gone into my body regularly and could possibly result in long-term damage. Many migraine triggers can simply not be avoided and can result in a sufferer spending hours or days in bed. This not only affects the one in pain, but also family members. A person with migraines lives day to day not knowing whether or not it will be a migraine day. Two months ago, I experienced a severe migraine lasting three days with no end in sight. In pain and desperation, I smoked some marijuana for the first time in my life. After inhaling it just three times I experienced immediate relief. Only about four migraines have resulted in my use of marijuana for relief over these two months. I hope the use of medicinal marijuana will become legal for relief of chronic pain from which many suffer. It works for me, and I believe it should be available for those who need it. Jennifer Yeaman Orlando - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D