Pubdate: Tue, 17 Jun 2014
Source: Illawarra Mercury (Australia)
Copyright: 2014 Illawarra Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.illawarramercury.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/205
Author: Lisa Wachsmuth

TERMINAL CANCER SUFFERER'S WIFE PLEADS FOR MEDICAL CANNABIS

Nowra woman Sarah* hates feeling like a criminal because she is 
giving cannabis to her dying husband.

John*, who is in his 40s, was diagnosed with an aggressive form of 
oral cancer in February when he was given six to 12 months to live.

Drastic surgery saw most of his tongue and the floor of his mouth 
removed, while a skin graft was taken from his arm to form a new tongue.

He is now fed through a tube in his stomach and has had trouble 
speaking, swallowing and sleeping.

Last week - as he started chemotherapy - Sarah illegally sourced 
cannabis oil to lessen his pain and anxiety. And it worked.

"I feel like a criminal, but at the same time I have no other 
choice," she said.

"I've done extensive research into the effects of medicinal cannabis 
and found so many success stories.

"It has really relaxed John, but not so he's in a state of being 
stoned, more of a calming sensation, and he's slept better than he 
has in months. Plus he hasn't suffered any side effects from the chemo."

Sarah adds one drop of cannabis oil to her husband's feeding tube 
every morning and night, and said it gave him far more relief than 
any pharmaceutical medication.

She supports moves to decriminalise the use of cannabis for 
terminally ill patients.

"My hope is that the government puts people before profits - 
pharmaceutical companies rule the government and doctors," she said.

"Personally I don't have time to wait until the government legalises 
it - I've got to do what I think is right, no matter what the law says."

The NSW Nurses and Midwives Association is the latest organisation to 
support medical cannabis.

The union backs the recommendations of a NSW upper house standing 
committee to decriminalise the medical use of cannabis for terminally 
ill patients.

"Our members recognise the importance of exploring improved options 
for effective pain management, particularly for those patients who 
suffer from constant chronic pain," NSWNMA general secretary Brett Holmes said.

The nursing union's announcement comes just days after NSW Nationals 
MP Kevin Anderson revealed plans to introduce legislation that could 
legalise cannabis for terminally-ill patients.

Premier Mike Baird is said to be "sympathetic" towards people who use 
cannabis for medicinal purposes, and Health Minister Jillian Skinner 
has also softened her stance with her recent support of a clinical 
cannabis trial.

* Not their real names
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom