I am suffering from both Hepatitis C and Bi-Polar Affective
Disorder. The latter illness causes me to be in a constant state of
stress and high anxiety, while the former results in various
stomach problems such as pain, indigestion and appetite. I also
suffer from insomnia. Cannabis helps me cope with my illnesses by
reducing my stress and anxiety, and by stimulating both my appetite
and sleep. In general, the use of cannabis allows me to experience
laughter and joy in my daily life.
I suffer from arthritis and glaucoma. Both these
diseases are very painful, but through the use of cannabis I am
able to control the pain and I can live a normal, full live; I am
no longer bedridden and miserable. Cannabis is one of the least
destructive and most effective treatments I have tried for my
conditions, and I have also witnessed improvements in those with
depression, cancer and AIDS. I buy my medicine from the BC
Compassion Club Society because it is a safer environment than the
streets, the cannabis is less expensive, and when I buy at the
Compassion Club instead of on the streets I feel like less of a
criminal.
I have been diagnosed with HIV, and Hepatitis B
and C. I am on a strict regimented daily intake of three HIV drugs
(Crixivan, Stavudine and Lamivudine). Although these drugs have
saved my life, I suffer terrible side effects from them. I get
headaches, I am unable to eat, and my sleep pattern is so disrupted
that I suffer from extreme fatigue.
I am a 28 year old responsible member of society
who suffers daily with the AIDS virus. Upon being diagnosed in June
of 1996, I began a strict drug schedule consisting of several
strong anti-viral drugs, the side effects of which are almost as
awful as the disease itself. Due to the side effects, I suffered
terribly and lost 50 pounds, bottoming out at a mere 125 lbs. on my
normally 175 pound frame. I struggled for an entire year before a
family member finally convinced me to try cannabis. Suddenly my
pills became much more tolerable and my appetite returned. I was
less nervous and scared, rarely nauseous and, in general, far more
comfortable.
I have Multiple Sclerosis which means I have
extreme spastisity and pain in my muscles. Cannabis relaxes my
muscles, alleviates the pain, reduces my spastisity and increases
my appetite. I get my medicine from the BC Compassion Club Society
because it is organic, and therefore free of pesticides, and it is
less expensive than cannabis sold on the street. The Compassion
Club also offers other services, such as Reiki massage, which are
beneficial in decreasing the symptoms of MS.
In addition to being HIV positive, I suffer from
Hepatitis B and C, arthritis, a peptic ulcer, a hyper thyroid and
chronic depression. All of these conditions have debilitating
symptoms such as wasting (extreme weight loss), night sweats,
lethargy and pain. I also suffer side effects from the drugs I am
forced to take. Cannabis helps to alleviate my pain, it gives me
energy and it increases my appetite. This last effect is especially
beneficial because my hyper thyroid condition causes me to burn off
food very quickly, a condition which exacerbates the wasting that
results from the HIV virus. I have a membership with the BC
Compassion Club Society because it allows me to purchase my
medicine in a friendly secure environment; I no longer have to deal
with the street scene and the risks associated with it. I enjoy
conversing with the people at the Club and when I am here I feel
part of a community.
I often experience nausea, neuropathy (pain in my
feet, hands and legs), depression and lack of appetite because I am
HIV positive. Without cannabis, I have to wait at least two hours
after getting up before I eat because of nausea and a lack of
appetite, and throughout the rest of the day I can only eat small
amounts. When I smoke cannabis, however, the pain is bearable and I
have an appetite.
I suffer from changing and unpredictable stiffness
and pain in my joints, lower back, neck and shoulders. This pain
contributes to my insomnia (I often cannot get to sleep until 3-5
a.m.), depression and poor appetite. Cannabis augments the
effectiveness of conventional analgesics and reduces the side
effects I experience because of the analgesics (such as
constipation, gas, cramps and a heavy feeling in my abdomen). The
mild sedative effect of cannabis aids in attaining sleep. Cannabis
is also effective in reducing mild to medium depression, and in
stimulating my appetite, there by insuring some food/nutritional
intake.
I am 37 years of age, and I was born in Kitimat,
BC. In January 1996, I was involved in a serious car accident which
left me with acute back pain, depression, insomnia, nightmares and
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I have tried a wide array of
prescription medicines, with which three possible results incurred.
A. The drugs were not at all effective, B. there was a nominal
effect accompanied by side effects, or C. there was some effect in
the short-term.
I have been HIV positive for the past 18 years.
The AIDS virus is a debilitating disease which results in symptoms
such as nausea, peripheral neuropathy (pain in my legs, hands and
feet), indigestion, weight loss and insomnia. I have tried all of
the prescription drugs available, and none have been nearly as
effective as cannabis. Cannabis helps to keep my weight regular
(thus enabling me to better fight my disease) by easing stomach
upsets and boosting my appetite. It also works as a pain reliever
and a sleep aid.
I have been suffering from the HIV virus since I
was 1 year old. The treatment I receive to fight this disease is
quite harsh; I suffer from insomnia, and I often have no appetite.
In addition to HIV, I suffer from hemophilia. Cannabis helps me in
several ways. It stimulates my appetite, helps me to sleep, and it
relieves the pain of bleeding joints caused by my hemophilia. I get
my medicine from the BC Compassion Club Society because it is a
safe, healthy environment, unlike the streets, and I can trust the
caring and dedicated people who work here. I do not wish to support
the underground drug market, and the BC Compassion Club provides
with an alternative place to purchase clean cannabis which would
otherwise be impossible to get.
I have cerebral and cerebellar organic brain
disorder. This means that I have trouble walking, poor balance,
problems with speech, poor short term concentration and I tire
easily. My condition is permanent and progressive. I have also been
diagnosed with bi-polar affective disorder.
I am paralysed from the lower back down. Cannabis
acts as a relaxant on my leg and stomach muscles which relieves
pressure on my bladder. I am less prone to excessive, uncomfortable
sweats, and I have a more positive outlook on life. With the use of
cannabis I am able to see beyond my temporary suffering to a more
positive future. I get my medicine from the BC Compassion Club
Society because the people who work there and the other members
create an community atmosphere that is conducive to healing.
I am a 20 year old diabetes patient with kidney failure and anemia.
Every day I spend four hours on the dialysis machine while it does
the work my kidneys can no longer do.
This processes leaves me very weak, but when I use cannabis I feel
lifted up. I am no longer depressed or nauseous and I have an
appetite, which is important because my diabetes and kidney failure
require me to stick to a specific diet (high protein). I like to
get my medicine from the BC Compassion Club Society because I know
my money is going to a good cause. The Club offers several programs
for those with medical difficulties, including a warm, friendly and
understanding atmosphere. Having a place to go to buy good quality
medicine instead of having to buy on the streets means a lot to
someone who struggles with an illness.
