Patient:
Alexandra Sussin
Age:
25
Condition/Illness:
Migraines, back pain, insomnia
Home:
Los Angeles
Using medical cannabis since:
2003
WHY DID YOU START USING MEDICAL MARIJUANA?
I had heard from friends in the industry about the miracle of being able to obtain medical marijuana safely from a dispensary, which was a very new concept at the time. Once I knew that this option existed. I wanted to experience the concept of safe access versus having to rely on street dealers to get the medicine I needed. I got a recommendation from my doctor and then headed out to see what this “dispensary” thing was all about. The rumors were true . . . finally a safe, clean place with a large selection of medicated products where I could meet other patients.
DID YOU TRY OTHER METHODS OR TREATMENTS BEFORE MARIJUANA?
I was using over-the-counter drugs to relieve my pain, but I wanted a safer alternative because my mom died when I was 17 when her liver failed at age 51 due to an excessive use of legal alcohol and legal pharmaceutical pills. If only she had medicated with marijuana instead she might still be alive today. The event with my mom changed my perspective on life and crystallized my decision to use natural marijuana as a medicine.
WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE OR PROBLEM FACING MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS IN CALIFORNIA?
I think that the biggest problem today is the fragmentation of the community. It seems like we’re divided into two groups: those who support medical marijuana laws the way they are now, and those who want full legalization. The way activists see it is if the city councils can’t even figure out how to handle medical marijuana then how are they going to “tax and regulate” legalized marijuana? I really think our community needs to stick together and not let any issues divide us.
WHAT DO YOU SAY TO FOLKS WHO ARE SKEPTICAL ABOUT MARIJUANA AS MEDICINE?
Try it for yourself. I actually find that I am able to accomplish more when I medicate with marijuana than when I medicate with over-the-counter drugs. It is not a gateway drug . . . it has many natural healing powers without harmful side effects. I have seen many friends and relatives suffer from the side effects of pharmaceutical pills, and I encourage everyone to consider natural alternatives. There is a lot of research right now saying marijuana helps kids with autism and even keeps cancerous cells at bay. I don’t believe in the “stoners are lazy” myth either. Both my fellow patient friends and I are actually very hard working, bright, articulate people who contribute to society. (Jasen T. Davis)
