Gina Garcia

Patient: Gina Garcia

Age: 39

Condition/Illness: Anorexia, chronic pain and severe nausea, panic/anxiety disorder

Using medical cannabis since: April 2007

WHY DID YOU START USING MEDICAL CANNABIS? 

First and foremost, I’m not someone who wants to take pharmaceutical drugs for my issues. I feel more comfortable using Mother Nature’s gifts of herbs to aid me in my illnesses. I feel grateful to have this alternative to prescription medications, and it has wonders for me and my health.

DID YOU TRY OTHER METHODS OR TREATMENTS BEFORE CANNABIS? 

Yes. For many years I was taking prescription medications for my illnesses. I had a negative reaction and horrible side effects to all of them. Twenty-seven medications later—and feeling like a guinea pig—it was suggested by my psychiatrist to become a patient. So glad I did!

WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE OR PROBLEM FACING MEDICAL CANNABIS PATIENTS?

I would have to say the federal government and [its] regulations.

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

I always go back to my teenage years when my mother was diagnosed with terminal cancer. I watched her in so much pain and agony as this disease slowly took her life. With all the meds she was put on, the cannabis was the only thing that allowed her to hold down her food and help her to sleep a little more comfortable. I am grateful cannabis was available to her while she was here.