Patient Story

Relief in Pain and Dying

I am 63 years old and hold a Masters degree in social work. I have been certified as an advanced practitioner in the field of social work. I have had opportunities to witness what a positive difference the medical use of marijuana can make for persons with a variety of medical conditions. In addition, I have seen this positive benefit in my own family.

My sister died two years ago at the age of 71 from complications from diabetes. She was a registered nurse who had lived and worked in another state, where she also died. Prior to her death she was in extreme pain, and had great difficulty in eating due to constant nausea in addition to the pain. The usually prescribed pain killers dulled her thinking, and at the same time her tolerance to those increased to the point that they did little good.

At my recommendation and her consent someone managed to procure marijuana for her. Although she was terminal, I cannot tell you how much the quality of her remaining days improved with the use of marijuana. We were most thankful that someone took a risk in providing this comfort to her, and only wish that this could have been accomplished sooner. The only regret was that anyone did have to "take a risk" to accomplish this act of humanity to alleviate my sister's suffering.

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