Another point of view on marijuana: 7 stories from the lives of ordinary Americans

Marijuana is considered a drug in Russia. But not in America at all. This post is about those who have been prescribed marijuana for medicinal purposes. And also about those to whom it changes or even replaces life. And, as they say, the editorial board's opinion may not coincide with the opinions expressed in the article.

(7 photos in total)

Source: vev.ru

1. Ann from Alameda, California. She sings, she creates songs. Since childhood, she has been suffering from excruciating back pain after suffering an injury. Smokes marijuana daily.

"After a car accident, my back does not give me rest. People who are afraid of cannabis drink the strongest painkillers every day. But this chemistry does much more harm to the body, and it is already weakened. Here in America, as soon as something starts to help, it is immediately declared harmful. And marijuana helps me, it puts me in a euphoric state."

2. Libby Marks, Oakland, California. Ladder muscle syndrome, allergy to anti-inflammatory drugs. Libby has been smoking marijuana for almost 11 years.

"It saves me from pain, I do not know what I would do, because I cannot take other medications."

3. Frank Knighten, San Francisco, California. Diagnosis: arthritis.

"At the age of 17, after I returned from Vietnam, I felt like an outcast. They said about me that I was a child killer, a maniac, a criminal. Marijuana helped me relax. And also relieved the pain from arthritis."

4. Robert Mitchell, Oakland, California. Diagnosis: postoperative pain, anxiety, allergy to medications.

Robert has been smoking for three years. He worked as a mechanic, injured his back muscles, and medications did not help him at all. Marijuana helps him restore muscle mobility.

"It has no delayed action, no side effects. It's all lies. She just helps, that's all."

5. Jen Sprye, Oakland, California. Diagnosis: lupus.

"I was homeless. I had nowhere to live, and my dog Luna was always with me, and they wouldn't let me go with her. How would I live without my pet?! And we spent the night on the street. Marijuana helped me from excruciating pain and saved me from suicide. It was at least something: my dog, marijuana and dreams of a new life. I told myself, "OK, tomorrow will be a new day."

6. Corbin Kunst, Berkeley, California. Diagnosis: rheumatoid arthritis.

Corbin has been smoking since he was 12. He was diagnosed with arthritis, prescribed pills. From the age of 18, he began to get marijuana legally, as a painkiller, and then realized that it was the best remedy.

"I was both a drug addict and an alcoholic, and marijuana is about nothing, it's not a drug. For me, it's just a medicine, it doesn't even give enough euphoria compared to the drug."

7. Terry Goldston, Oakland, California. Diagnosis: intervertebral hernias, suffocation, insomnia, depression.

As a child, Terri suffered a back injury. In adulthood, she was operated on six times. She smokes to relieve the pain, because simple painkillers made her too sluggish and stupid.

"Marijuana does not change my personality, I can play with children and not feel pain. I'm becoming more flexible."