Therapy of the month
Prescription marijuana allowed Andrew Hanuman to ditch pain killers and sleeping pills and manage his peripheral neuropathy
“Medicines often produce side effects. Sometimes they are physically unpleasant. Cannabis too has discomforting side effects, but these are not physical - they are political”
The Economist 28 March 1992.
Marijuana has been widely used for thousands of years; recreationally, medicinally and ceremonially. Its value as a medicine is hard to dispute.
Ok, we had a huge media frenzy when Prince Harry had a few puffs, but Royals should remember it was Queen Victoria who famously took it to ease her menstrual cramps. Cannabis has been used as a painkiller, sedative, anti-inflammatory, appetite stimulant, muscle relaxant, anticonvulsant (to control seizures) and for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).
Many journal articles, web sites and libraries are dedicated to researching cannabis as a medical aid to people living with HIV.
Of course, cannabis isn’t suitable for everyone. It can increase anxiety in some and bring on psychosis in those prone to severe mental health difficulties. But for me it proved a successful therapy, dealing with many of the unpleasant side-effects of HIV and HIV drugs.
Talking to your doctor about the medical use of cannabis is a good idea; get their opinion. Your doctor may well be pleased if it leads you to stop taking strong painkillers for neuropathy, dump those pills for nausea and finally get off those sleeping pills, by being prescribed a single herbal alternative.
In the dock
Tony Taylor, of Tony’s Holistic centre, was a pioneer in the battle to give patients access cannabis as a medication. The first centre was established in 1993 and is a medical cannabis dispensary and healing centre. It sells cannabis tinctures, flowers, creams and - my favorite - the organic cannabis chocolate.
Although the centre has been prescribing cannabis for over 10 years, Tony himself has had to endure three court cases. The last of these he won with a full jury acquittal. His centre is now fully licensed to sell prescribed cannabis to patients, without fear of prosecution.
I was impressed by my initial consultation to become a registered patient. The assessor looked at my health holistically, investigating all aspects of my life including diet, emotional well being and a full medical history from childhood.
Being fully informed as a patient is important to me; it gives me a sense of partnership with my care professionals. I have a qualified herbalist who regularly re-assesses my overall health, fine-tuning the remedies. And there is always the reassurance that what you are being prescribed is safe.
You get a registration card and patient number and can receive products by post - useful for people living outside the capital. But remember it is illegal to share or give away your supply and smoking dope in public places is also an offence.
Despite its recent reclassification, illegal possession of cannabis still carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment.
So is there a danger of turning into a crack fiend within a few months of getting your first cannabis prescription? After all it is regarded by many as a ‘gateway drug’. I guess the answer is ‘yes’ if you’re on a fast train to self-destruct city. Otherwise, probably not. Having worked as a social worker for drug services, I have learned it is usually alcohol, rather than cannabis, that is often the first drug taken by people who develop problems with illegal substances.
So how is it best taken? The centre recommends the cannabis is taken through a vapouriser to ensure you inhale only the active ingredients and not any rubbish.
Non-smokers can always make fabulous cakes, cookies and teas. But for purists, unable to stick the healthy option, there is the good old fashioned joint. And a joint rolled with herbal tea instead of tobacco is always an enjoyable option.
Tony’s Holistic Centre: www.thcweb.net - tonysorganics@hotmail.com
