Patient: Tracie Neria.
Age: 49.
Condition/Illness: Harm reduction (alcoholism), anxiety, depression, acid reflux, ulcers.
Home: Capistrano Beach.
Using medical cannabis since: 2004 (Sober since Feb. 22, 1983).
Why did you start using medical marijuana?
I had been sober 21 years. I didn’t drink, smoke or use recreational drugs. I had fought depression and anxiety most of my life. After my divorce I was prescribed antidepressants, ulcer and stomach medication, etc. None of them really worked, so my son suggested that I try marijuana.
My daughter was 10 at the time, and she got her marijuana education from the DARE program, which told her that marijuana was a killer gateway drug. On September 17, 2004, my ex-husband called Child Protective Services and the police, which started a year-long court case. Despite being sober from alcohol for 21 years, the Orange County court system went after me for drug and alcohol abuse. I went through six public defenders, but nobody knew the law.
After a year-and-a-half, my ex-husband wrote a letter to the court telling the truth, which was that I hadn’t abused my children, I had just smoked pot. I made a deal with the court and was given four years probation, a fine and 80 hours of community service.
I eventually went to a doctor’s office in Lake Forest and received a prescription for medical marijuana. Because I had a prescription for medical marijuana, the court had to indicate the detail in my paperwork. I was able to have custody of my children, although my daughter chose to live with my ex-husband. Now my quality of life is better than it’s ever been.
Did you try other methods or treatments before marijuana?
I used a lot of medications at first, like Paxil, Celexa, Lexapro, Effexor and Prozac. I had also tried self-help books, seminars, yoga, etc., but that was just for anxiety and depression. I was on Aciphex and Ranitidine for my stomach problems. I was still suffering from a lot of different conditions, but I’ve been prescription drug-free ever since I started using marijuana.
What’s the most important issue or problem facing medical marijuana patients in California?
I feel that the most important issue is education. Many people are still afraid.
What campaigns, groups or advocacy organizations are you involved with?
I’m a member of OC NORML . . . I’ve been trying to figure out, just like everyone else, where I belong in the marijuana community.
What do you say to folks who are skeptical about marijuana as medicine?
Get educated. Read. Don’t say “no” until you know. Ask other people what works for them if they have the same condition as yourself . . . maybe they use marijuana. Don’t believe the negative hype.
“Profiles in Courage” is intended to highlight the problems—and solutions—that Southern California’s medical marijuana patients face every day.
