by Tab Moura
“So you’re saying, yes, Cannabis improves your overall symptoms?” I laughed, what a loaded question… and yet, the answer was so simple, “Absolutely.”
I scheduled this appointment a few weeks ago, I am a mom and epileptic, I don’t trust myself to “just remember” things anymore. As I waited in line, my mind wandered to 2 years ago, when I applied for my first medical card. I got to the clinic a little late, due to ice, and I was terrified I missed my chance. I always roll my eyes a little when people assume that being late, and using marijuana, walk hand in hand. I had some harsh self-judgements bouncing around my skull that day… “Shocker, the Stoner missed their appointment?” But that couldn’t be further from how I was treated.
Oh, I’m sure it happens; Cannabis can make us a little forgetful, but you wanna know a secret? Apparently we Stoners are pretty good at overcoming our attention challenges, because as of February 7th, 2021, over 370,570 Oklahoman’s have become medical cannabis patients. (I heard there would have been more, but they are driving 5mph in a parking lot somewhere *wink wink*.)
I wouldn’t be upright without this medicine. We aren’t talking minor leagues here, this is medical cannabis. This is our quality of life, and in many cases, life itself is in the balance. We have families; we are mothers, daughters, husbands and sons, grandparents, aunts and uncles. We are business owners, hard workers, students, friends and neighbors. We are fiercely protective of our lives and health freedoms, for ourselves and to honor those who made this possible.
Stoners? Sure, call us stoners. The people who would uproot their lives, crossing state borders, to save their kid’s life? Or do you mean the woman who has weaned herself off of 12 pharmaceutical drugs? Or the little boy who had 100 seizures a day, and now doesn’t? How about the speech delay that disappeared, or the insomnia that went away, or the diabetic who learned to manage their sugars without insulin? We’re pretty proud of those stoner stories.
And we haven’t even gotten to the science! Did you know that everyone has an endocannabinoid system? Did you know that human breastmilk produces anandamide, a naturally occurring supplement for the endocannabinoid system? Did you know that you produce anandamide when you exercise? Did you know that chronic illness is a sign that your endocannabinoid system is out of homeostasis? Did you know that the cannabis plant is the most potent source of supplemental cannabinoids? Did you know that cannabis is a vital food nutrient, as essential as other vitamins and minerals the body needs? Did you know that even if you use cannabis recreationally, it helps your body medicinally?
We want cannabis skeptics to ask their questions… the truth doesn’t need our protection. Even if you don’t choose to use this plant, can you say you considered it objectively?
As I wrapped up my renewal recommendation appointment, I sighed in relief. “Two more years of YES.” Sometimes it feels too good to be true, and sometimes I feel restless. So many out there have yet to get this chance. I pray that someday soon, anyone who wishes to use this medicine would be able to do so without threat of punishment. Now that I know what I know, I just don’t think that’s too much to ask.
