You feel it coming, the wave of anxiety builds up inside of you until it becomes an uncontrollable bout. Your body tenses, your senses heighten, and your thoughts become jumbled and chaotic. You are having a meltdown and you can’t stop it. When you lose control, your dad is there to comfort you, comfort you and reassure you that everything will be okay.
For parents of children with autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, and other neurological conditions, this scenario is all too familiar. They must overcome the challenges of helping their children manage their symptoms and find effective treatments. And for many, medical cannabis has become a lifeline.
One of those parents is Amy Carter, who has a son, Jayden A severe form of epilepsy from conventional medicines Failed to treat. After exhausting all other options, Amy turned to medical cannabis, with great results. Jayden’s seizures have decreased dramatically, and his quality of life has improved significantly.
But navigating the world of medical cannabis can be overwhelming for parents and patients alike.
A lack of organization and education means that many people are left to figure it out on their own, without proper guidance or support. And while some states have implemented programs to help patients access medical cannabis, there is still much work to be done to ensure that everyone who could benefit from it has access to safe and effective treatment.
Despite the challenges, parents like Amy are fighting for their children’s right to access medical cannabis. They have created networks and communities to share information and resources, and they advocate for better organization and education. Their stories show that, with the right support and information, medical cannabis can be a powerful tool for improving the lives of people with neurological conditions.
In today’s article we will explore the complex world of medical marijuana from the perspective of a young patient who faces stigma battles due to society’s ignorance and ingrained perception of cannabis.
A day in the life of Jaden…
A day in the life of Jayden Carter, a medical marijuana patient, can be stressful and unpredictable.
He wakes up hoping today will be a good day, but there are no guarantees. As he gets ready for school, he brings his cannabis oil capsules and takes them with his breakfast, hoping they will provide him with some relief from his chronic pain and anxiety. But upon arriving at the school, he encounters police officers called by the concerned parent (or teacher) who notices he has a medical cannabis license.
Despite being legal, he still has to face scrutiny and potential stigma attached to his medication. This encounter makes him feel anxious and tense, which further aggravates his condition.
Throughout the day, he faces a constant battle to control his symptoms and avoid unwanted attention. Despite it being legal, the societal stigma surrounding medical marijuana use can make it difficult to navigate everyday life.
It is a constant reminder that he is different and that his medicine is not fully accepted by society. The stress of this can be overwhelming and make it difficult for him to deal with his symptoms.
Jayden’s experience is not unique. Medical marijuana patients across the country face similar challenges, from stigma to legal ramifications. But despite the obstacles, they continue to rely on this drug because it is often the only thing that gives them relief.
It is important for policymakers and society at large to recognize the value of medical marijuana and work to create a more supportive environment for patients like Jayden. The medical benefits of cannabis are clear, and it’s time our laws and cultural attitudes catch up with the science. No one should suffer needlessly because of stigma or outdated laws.
Cannabis parent expenses
Medical cannabis has proven to be an effective treatment for various medical conditions. However, for parents caring for a seriously ill child, it can be a double-edged sword. While cannabis provides hope and comfort, it also comes with a heavy price tag. The high cost of cannabis is a huge financial burden for many parents who are already struggling to make ends meet.
In addition to the direct cost of cannabis, there are also hidden costs associated with its use. Many parents who use cannabis to treat their children’s medical condition face stigma and discrimination from their communities. They may be visited by Child Protective Services (CPS) or Face the legal repercussions of breaking the law. The stress of these situations can be overwhelming for parents who are already dealing with the challenges of caring for a sick child.
Moreover, the high cost of cannabis is directly related to prohibition. In states where hemp is legal, prices have dropped dramatically due to increased competition and supply. However, in states where it is still illegal, the cost remains artificially high. This means that parents in these states have to pay a premium for a product that is readily available in other parts of the country.
The financial burden of cannabis can limit opportunities for families. Many parents have had to quit their jobs or take on additional debt to cover the cost of their children’s treatment. This can have a ripple effect on their family’s financial stability, affecting their ability to pay other necessary expenses such as rent, utilities, and food.
It is important to note that many parents are willing to go to great lengths to provide their children with the best possible care, even if it means breaking the law. They are faced with an impossible choice – to comply with the law and risk their children’s health, or to break the law and face the legal consequences. This is a hard truth for many parents who are just trying to do what’s best for their children.
The high cost of cannabis and the stigma associated with its use create significant challenges for parents caring for a sick child. A financial burden can limit opportunities, increase stress, and affect overall family stability. It is critical for policymakers to address these issues and make medical cannabis available and affordable to those who need it most.
The urgent need for legalization
Legalization of cannabis and removal from the Controlled Substances Act It cannot be overstated. The fact that it is on the list is a clear indication of the outdated and misguided approach to drug policy in the United States. Cannabis has been used for centuries both medicinally and recreationally and has never been proven to be as harmful as many other legal substances, such as alcohol and tobacco.
The Controlled Substances Act passed in 1970 established a framework for drug classification, distribution, and enforcement. I have classified the drugs into five schedules based on their potential for abuse, medical usefulness, and safety. Cannabis is classified as a Schedule I drug, the most restrictive category reserved for substances that have no accepted medical use and have a high potential for abuse. This classification has had far-reaching consequences for cannabis research, distribution, and use.
The prohibition of cannabis monopolized the distribution and production of drugs, which led to the emergence of big pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer. These corporations have taken over the world, using their vast wealth and influence to shape drug policy to their advantage. This has led to limited access to alternative therapies and medications, with cannabis becoming one of the most effective and accessible options for patients with a wide range of conditions.
Legalizing cannabis will not only remove the stigma associated with its use, but it will also open up new opportunities for research and development. It will create a legal framework for cultivation, distribution and sale, allowing quality control and safety regulations to be enforced. It would also provide tax revenue to local and state governments, which could be used to fund education, health care, and other social programs.
The high cost of cannabis is directly related to prohibition. Since it remains illegal at the federal level, there are significant risks involved in cultivation, distribution, and sale. This creates a black market in which prices are inflated and there is no quality control. Legalizing cannabis would bring down the cost and make it more accessible to patients who need it.
Parents who use cannabis to treat their children face even greater challenges. They must navigate a legal system that criminalizes their actions and exposes them to potential prosecution, stigmatization, and even the loss of their children through visits from Child Protective Services. The financial burden of obtaining medical cannabis can be significant, as insurance providers often do not cover the cost of treatment.
The urgent need to legalize cannabis is especially critical for parents who use it to treat their children. The current legal framework not only criminalizes their actions, but also limits access to life-saving medicines. It’s time for policymakers to recognize the benefits of cannabis and remove it from the Controlled Substances Act. CSA should be completely abolished, and drug policy should be reformed to reflect a more modern, evidence-based approach to drug use and addiction. It is time to prioritize public health and safety over outdated and ineffective policies that have only served to perpetuate a broken system.
What can you do about it?
If you are passionate about the legalization of cannabis and want to make a difference, there are many practical steps you can take to further the cause. First and foremost, it is important to stay informed and educate others about the benefits of legalizing cannabis. Talk to your friends and family, share articles and research, and help dispel any myths or misinformation about cannabis use.
Another important step is to hold politicians accountable. Contact your elected officials and tell them that you support legalizing cannabis and want them to take action. Attend town halls and other community events where you can connect with your representatives directly and ask them tough questions about their stance on cannabis. If your representatives do not represent you on this issue, consider supporting candidates who share your views and voting for them into office.
You can also get involved in advocacy groups working for the legalization of cannabis. These groups organize events and campaigns to raise awareness and pressure lawmakers to act. Some of the largest and most influential advocacy groups include NORML, the Marijuana Policy Project, and the Drug Policy Alliance.
Finally, you can support the cannabis industry itself by purchasing legal products and supporting local dispensaries and growers. This not only helps the industry grow and thrive, but also shows lawmakers and the public that legal cannabis is a legitimate and valuable industry that can generate tax revenue and job creation.
In general, there is a lot that individuals can do to promote the legalization of cannabis. By staying informed, holding politicians accountable, participating in advocacy groups, and supporting the industry, we can help effect meaningful change and make cannabis legalization a reality for everyone.