National- Whether you consider it a viable medicinal tool, or just a weed like all others requiring extermination. Marijuana (Cannabis Sativa) has become a force to be reckoned with amongst the card holder community. In 2004 Francis Young, administrative law judge for the Drug Enforcement Agency was quoted saying ” Marijuana in its natural form is one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man.” Marijuana is legal in 14 states: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington State. Before our commander and chief stepped into office, I use to think as a card holder that the somewhat anal legalization in my home state was the greatest victory to be won by medical marijuana choosers everwhere. We have come beyond the victory of recognition by state of the viablility of marijuana’s medicinal values. As anal as my home state may be, I am forever grateful for the compasstionate decision of allowing safe access for card holders.

Safe access is the key for all card holders. Many patients who require a card live with: chronic pain, MS, Glaucoma, aids, HIV, Cancer, Luekemia, Herpes, Asthma, Arthritis, Anorexia, Scholiosis, Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, Nausea, Joint pain, unintentional weightloss, lack of appetite, inflammatory bowel disease, migraines, fibromyalgia. Medical marijuana has also been found to relieve some symptoms of spinal cord injuries by exhibiting muscle relaxant qualities as well as antispasmadic properties. Marijuana has been found to reduce motor and vocal tics of those who suffer from Tourette Syndrome also it helps related behavioral problems like OCD, premenstraual syndrome, neurogenic pain, movement disorders all benefit from  marijuana. Cannabis is also shown that its cannabaniods are beneficial in treating alcohol abuse, ADHD or AD/HD, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Collogen-Induced Arthritis, Rheumatiod Arthritis, Atherosclerosis, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, childhood mental disorders, Colorectal cancer, digestive disease. Benefits reaped from marijauna go on and on literally, Gliomas, Hepatitis C, Hypertension, Urinary disease, Sickle Cell disease, and sleep apnea.

Marijuana was shunned many years after the legalization by states willing to recognize its medicinal values. Not until recently has it been fully accepted, no greater thanks then the one that goes to our President Barack Obama. Before his candidacy he vowed he would support federal recognition of medical marijuana for distributors, doctors, and card holders alike. He has held up to his word, in 2009 he stated that he “Would not use federal law to arrest medical marijuana distributors or patients.” I thought that the day Montel Williams was stopped by airport security with his marijuana was a great victory. We were no longer outcasts, we were no longer stupid stoners just wanting an excuse to smoke our dope. We became real people with real medical issues, and we were able to come out without fear of persecution. Montel Williams some time after aired a show revolving around medical marijuana and the benefits that Multiple Schlorosis patients reap from its use. I remember thinking that there was the greatest victory next to state legalization.

Our communtiy has come along way not just through the baby steps once seen by those fighting the war, we have made great leaps and bounds. Medical marijuana has gained federal recognition from the highest power in our nations office. No longer do we have to look over our shoulders just to feel relieve from our illnesses. Many don’t understand that marijuana is just as, or more beneficial then some scienctifically created pharmacuticals. Also marijuana is alot cheaper to obtain with little to no side effects like many of the lab produced drugs do. I personally was prescribed a brain nerve blocker for a medically diagnosed anxiety condition. Lab produced,the prescription cost me $300.00 a month to begin. My primary care physician then decided that the 300 milligrams I was recommended to take wasn’t enough, I was boosted up to 600 milligrams. In turn I was bumped up to a monthly bill of $600.00 per month for that prescription. I was introduced to doctor who recommended I try marijuana for my condition. I payed $150.00 for a one year prescription which entitled me to choose to grow my medicine on my own, choose a qualified grower/caregiver to operate my medicinal grow for me, or obtain medicine through a dispensery. My choice to elimate the nerve blocker and solely use the marijuana as my means for treatment for the condition not only saved me thousands of dollars, it saved me from horrendous side effects from the brain effecting drug. Also it has helped me more then the pharmacutical drug ever had in the two years that I took it.

Marijuana is a common ailment reliever, it can be used to relieve more then one ailment plaquing a person at a time. Many conditions, diseases, illnesses bare the patient with more pain and sorrows then they can handle. Doctors and pharmacutical manufacturers would prefer us to shove their drugs down our throats and our money in their pockets. Its all there online look it up for yourself the benefits of Medical Cannibus. Wikepedia has a wonderful description of its uses and benefits for anyone to see. I have seen many people turn their conditions and lifes around with the aid of marijuana. I have seen people go into the eternal life pain free and peacefully with the access and aid of marijuana. To each their own as they say, non advertisement has normally been a card holders best instinct. There is a change coming around, we no longer have to hide, nor do we have to succomb to bullying or slander. We too have rights now, knowing those rights is your greatest ally. Staying within your limits recognized by your state or county will always keep you safe from any legal remafications. Understanding and following your states guidlines can and will medicate you for the duration of your illness. Don’t be mislead by pharmacutical manufacturer’s, there are conditions and illnessess out there that benefit from marijuana, shamefully your average Joe Blo primary care physician won’t acknowlege it. If no one acts nothing changes, thank God we live in America where our leader has the power to act.