I would love to have a conversation with you about marijuana. I know, it’s uncomfortable, and most people don’t know how they’re supposed to feel about it. We were raised to believe it’s a drug like cocaine, more harmful than alcohol, that it makes you lazy and stupid, and if you smoke it you’ll never achieve anything in your life. On the other hand, we are also starting to hear all about the health benefits it contains; everything from relieving pain and anxiety, to reversing cancer. What’s more is that Washington state just joined Colorado in allowing marijuana use not only for medical purposes, but for recreational. So what’s really going on in that little green plant?
Well, I don’t have all the answers, but I would love to share with you the knowledge I do have, and also encourage you to do some digging yourself; after all, knowledge is power.
Let’s start with why I chose to try marijuana in the first place. I belong to 10% of the American population who suffer from a condition called Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS). There is no cure for this condition, and there isn’t a whole lot we know about it yet. The “treatment” options are risky stabs in the dark that include dopaminergic agents, diazepam, codeine, and anticonvulsants. All of these included serious side effects that I was not willing to endure.
In the past, I would take heavy doses of over-the-counter drugs to try to take the edge off so I could sleep at night, but most of the time nothing helped. After 12 years of suffering and one 3 day episode where I couldn’t rest at all, I had had enough. Something had to change. So I told my husband I wanted to try weed, and the next weekend we got our hands on some. It helped. It helped! Praise God in heaven! Something helped!
I got my green card, and have been vaporizing my way to a good night’s sleep for over a year now.
Ok, now let’s look at some facts:
Fact 1 – A big part of marijuana being banned was due to racism. Check out this gnarly quote: “There are 100,000 total marijuana smokers in the US, and most are Negroes, Hispanics, Filipinos and entertainers. Their Satanic music, jazz and swing, result from marijuana usage. This marijuana causes white women to seek sexual relations with Negroes, entertainers and any others.” – Testimony to US Congress supporting Marihuana Tax Act, 1937. — Read more here.
Fact 2 – Hemp is so versatile and easily grown, it threatens the strength of many big industries such as paper and cotton. Click here for more info.
Fact 3 – Marijuana is not addictive, and is much safer than alcohol. It is not a poison, and even when smoked, has never been linked to any kind of cancer. More about that here.
Fact 4 – I roll a mean joint. Trust me.
Since smoking (vaporizing, water bong, joints, pipes, and a cookie or two) I haven’t had a sleepless night in over a year. I am able to go to the movies, sit through the whole thing, and actually enjoy it. Not only have my work and personal life not suffered, they have become stronger because I am able to get the sleep I need. My health has improved because I have stopped taking liver killing, over-the-counter medication. Making the herbal choice to treat my RLS has also caused me to look at other aspects of my life and see where I can make healthier, more natural choices. I haven’t gained any weight, or suffered from any memory loss. It has not become a financial burden, and I have never had a craving for marijuana.
All in all, ditching the pain pills and grabbin’ the jive stick has been an incredibly positive experience for me. Furthermore, I know many people who have experienced the natural, healing benefits of marijuana. I feel very passionate about this issue because the stigma of weed is so strong, people are turned off from seeking it as a natural, safe alternative to medicine. We have a choice, and we should always think twice before choosing chemicals over something completely natural that comes from the earth. Look at both the for and opposing sides of marijuana and decide for yourself what’s right for you. There is so much more to be said on this topic, and I encourage you to ask questions, and find answers. Be sure to take note of who sponsored the published research, statistics, and documentaries; unfortunately we cannot take things at face value – money is the driving force in our country and we need to know who’s money is behind what “truth”.
Health and happiness.
A few more resources to consider:
The Union, Benefits of juicing cannabis, Dope, Marijuana and pregnancy
