Carlos Castro
Patient name: Carlos Castro
Age: 27
Condition/illness: Lower spine nerve damage, fractured L1-L5 and S1
Using medical cannabis since: 2010
Why did you start using cannabis?
I was at home still bedridden from my fractures and injuries and I was on pain medication—vicodin and morphine—and it always left me in depression, always feeling bad and with intense headaches. One day, my brother said “Why don’t you try marijuana? Maybe it will help with your pain.” When I did, not even five minutes later, my pain was subsiding and I wasn’t feeling depressed, and I was able to eat fine. Then, after a while, I let go of my pills and just stayed with the medical cannabis. It was the best decision I’ve ever made. I started seeing significant changes in my mood, I wasn’t depressed as much and now, I’m able to sleep at night without any pain.
Did you try other methods or treatments before cannabis?
Yes I was on vicodin and morphine for awhile. I hated the feeling of it.
What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical cannabis patients?
The closed-minded people that don’t see past the “stoner” stereotypes.
What do you say to folks who are skeptical about cannabis as medicine?
I would say it works and I’m proof that it can really make a difference for people. Don’t judge so quickly and pick up a magazine, read an article about it, look online for more answers. You will be surprised by the great benefits of medical cannabis.
