Angeline Chilton

Patient:

Angeline Chilton

Age:

45

Condition/Illness:

Multiple sclerosis

Using medical cannabis since:

2009

WHY DID YOU START USING MEDICAL MARIJUANA?

I had the most severe joint pain, nausea, exhaustion, depression and spasticity that made the task of getting out of bed to go to the bathroom almost impossible. I had to crawl daily.

DID YOU TRY OTHER METHODS OR TREATMENTS BEFORE MARIJUANA? 

I tried traditional routes of therapy, steroid infusions, weekly [intramuscular injections], muscle relaxers [and] pain pills just to name a few.

WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE OR PROBLEM FACING MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS IN CALIFORNIA?

The question of intoxication levels of THC in the body [and] Driving Under the Influence of Drugs (DUID) laws. If you have smoked on a regular basis for years your body is completely THC-saturated. What is the normal amount of THC in your bloodstream in these instances? If I was pulled over while driving, would I lose my license because of the amount in my bloodstream?

WHAT DO YOU SAY TO FOLKS WHO ARE SKEPTICAL ABOUT MARIJUANA AS MEDICINE?

I say I have tried “traditional” pharmaceuticals, but the side effects made me even sicker. I refuse to become an addict and go through rehab. Also, it gives me more relief from the pain than I have felt in years prior. Are these the same people who wouldn’t have an issue with me taking another pharmaceutical (prescription) drug even though thousands of people die every year from overdose?