Navigating Life as a CannaParent

The Taboos that still exist in society

You feel it coming on, the wave of anxiety building inside you until it becomes an uncontrollable fit. Your body tenses up, your senses heighten, and your thoughts become jumbled and chaotic. You're having a meltdown, and you can't stop it. As you lose control, your parent is there to comfort you, holding you tight and reassuring you that everything will be okay.

For parents of children with autism, Asperger's, and other neurological conditions, this scenario is all too familiar. They must navigate the challenges of helping their child manage their symptoms and find effective treatments. And for many, medical cannabis has become a lifeline.

One such parent is Amie Carter, whose son Jayden has a severe form of epilepsy that traditional medications failed to treat. After exhausting all other options, Amie turned to medical cannabis, and the results were remarkable. Jayden's seizures decreased dramatically, and his quality of life improved significantly.

But navigating the world of medical cannabis can be overwhelming for parents and patients alike.

The lack of regulation and education means that many people are left to figure it out on their own, without proper guidance or support. And while some states have implemented programs to help patients access medical cannabis, there is still much work to be done to ensure that everyone who could benefit from it has access to safe, effective treatment.

Despite the challenges, parents like Amie are fighting for their children's right to access medical cannabis. They have created networks and communities to share information and resources, and they are advocating for better regulation and education. Their stories show that, with the right support and information, medical cannabis can be a powerful tool for improving the lives of people with neurological conditions.

In today’s article we’re going to explore the complex world of medical marijuana from the perspective of an undersaged patient that faces battles of stigmitization due to the ignorance of society and their engrained concept of cannabis.

A Day in the Life of Jayden…

A day in the life of Jayden Carter, a medical marijuana patient, can be stressful and unpredictable.

He wakes up with the hope that today will be a good day, but there are no guarantees. As he gets ready for school, he prepares his cannabis oil capsules and takes them with breakfast, hoping they will provide him with some relief from his chronic pain and anxiety. But as he arrives at school, he is met with police officers who have been called by a concerned parent (or teacher) who noticed that he has a medical cannabis license.

Despite being legal, he still has to face the scrutiny and potential stigma associated with his medication. This encounter leaves him feeling anxious and stressed, exacerbating his condition even further.

Throughout the day, he faces a constant battle to manage his symptoms and avoid unwanted attention. Despite being legal, the societal stigma surrounding medical marijuana use can make it difficult for him to navigate everyday life.

It's a constant reminder that he is different and that his medication is not fully accepted by society. The stress of this can be overwhelming and make it harder for him to manage his symptoms.

Jayden's experience is not unique. Medical marijuana patients across the country face similar challenges, from stigma to legal repercussions. But despite the obstacles, they continue to rely on this medication because it's often the only thing that provides them with relief.

It's important for policymakers and society as a whole to recognize the value of medical marijuana and to work towards creating a more supportive environment for patients like Jayden. The medical benefits of cannabis are clear, and it's time for our laws and cultural attitudes to catch up with the science. No one should have to suffer needlessly because of stigma or outdated laws.

The Expenses as a Cannabis Parent

Medical cannabis has proven to be an effective treatment for various medical conditions. However, for parents who are caring for a child with a serious illness, it can be a double-edged sword. While cannabis offers hope and relief, it also comes with a hefty price tag. The high cost of cannabis is a significant financial burden for many parents who are already struggling to make ends meet.

In addition to the direct cost of cannabis, there are also hidden costs associated with its use. Many parents who are using cannabis to treat their child's medical condition face stigma and discrimination from their communities. They may be visited by Child Protective Services (CPS) or face legal repercussions for breaking the law. The stress of these situations can be overwhelming for parents who are already dealing with the challenges of caring for a sick child.

Furthermore, the high cost of cannabis is directly tied to prohibition. In states where cannabis is legal, prices have dropped significantly due to increased competition and supply. However, in states where it is still illegal, the cost remains artificially inflated. This means that parents in these states have to pay a premium for a product that is readily available in other parts of the country.

The financial burden of cannabis can limit opportunities for families. Many parents have had to quit their jobs or take on additional debt to cover the cost of their child's treatment. This can have a ripple effect on their family's financial stability, impacting their ability to pay for other necessary expenses such as rent, utilities, and food.

It is important to note that many parents are willing to go to great lengths to provide their child with the best care possible, even if that means breaking the law. They are faced with an impossible choice - comply with the law and risk their child's health, or break the law and face legal consequences. This is a difficult reality for many parents who are just trying to do what is best for their child.

The high cost of cannabis and the stigma associated with its use create significant challenges for parents who are caring for a sick child. The financial burden can limit opportunities, increase stress, and impact overall family stability. It is crucial for policymakers to address these issues and make medical cannabis more accessible and affordable for those who need it most.

Urgency to Legalize

The urgency to legalize cannabis and remove it from the Controlled Substance Act cannot be overstated. The fact that it is even on the list is a clear indication of the misguided and outdated approach to drug policy in the United States. Cannabis has been used for centuries for medicinal and recreational purposes and has never been shown to be as harmful as many other substances that are legal, such as alcohol and tobacco.

The Controlled Substance Act was passed in 1970 and created a framework for drug classification, distribution, and enforcement. It classified drugs into five schedules based on their potential for abuse, medical usefulness, and safety. Cannabis was classified as a Schedule I drug, which is the most restrictive category reserved for substances with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. This classification has had far-reaching consequences for cannabis research, distribution, and use.

Cannabis prohibition has monopolized drug distribution and production, leading to the rise of big pharmaceutical companies like Pfizer. These companies have taken over the world, using their immense wealth and influence to shape drug policy in their favor. This has resulted in limited access to alternative treatments and medicines, with cannabis being one of the most effective and accessible options for patients suffering from a wide range of conditions.

Legalizing cannabis would not only remove the stigma associated with its use but would also open up new opportunities for research and development. It would create a legal framework for cultivation, distribution, and sale, allowing for quality control and safety regulations to be implemented. It would also provide tax revenue for local and state governments, which could be used to fund education, healthcare, and other social programs.

The high cost of cannabis is directly tied to prohibition. Because it is still illegal at the federal level, there are significant risks involved in cultivation, distribution, and sale. This creates a black market where prices are inflated and quality control is non-existent. Legalizing cannabis would bring down the cost and make it more accessible to patients who need it.

Parents who use cannabis to treat their children face even greater challenges. They must navigate a legal system that criminalizes their actions and exposes them to potential prosecution, stigmatization, and even the loss of their children through visits from Child Protective Services. The financial burden of obtaining medical cannabis can be significant, as insurance providers often do not cover the cost of treatment.

The urgency to legalize cannabis is especially crucial for parents who use it to treat their children. The current legal framework not only criminalizes their actions but also limits access to a potentially life-saving medicine. It is time for policymakers to recognize the benefits of cannabis and remove it from the Controlled Substance Act. The whole CSA should be abolished, and drug policy should be reformed to reflect a more modern and evidence-based approach to drug use and addiction. It is time to prioritize public health and safety over outdated and ineffective policies that have only served to perpetuate a broken system.

What can YOU do about it?

If you are passionate about cannabis legalization and want to make a difference, there are several practical steps you can take to advance the cause. First and foremost, it's important to stay informed and educate others about the benefits of cannabis legalization. Talk to your friends and family, share articles and research, and help dispel any myths or misinformation surrounding cannabis use.

Another critical step is to hold your politicians accountable. Contact your elected officials and let them know that you support cannabis legalization and want them to take action. Attend town halls and other community events where you can engage with your representatives directly and ask them tough questions about their stance on cannabis. If your representatives are not representing you on this issue, consider supporting candidates who share your views and vote them into office.

You can also get involved with advocacy groups that are working towards cannabis legalization. These groups organize events and campaigns to raise awareness and pressure lawmakers to act. Some of the biggest and most influential advocacy groups include NORML, the Marijuana Policy Project, and the Drug Policy Alliance.

Finally, you can support the cannabis industry itself by buying legal products and supporting local dispensaries and growers. This not only helps the industry grow and thrive, but it also demonstrates to lawmakers and the public that legal cannabis is a legitimate and valuable industry that can bring in tax revenue and create jobs.

Overall, there is much that individuals can do to advance cannabis legalization. By staying informed, holding politicians accountable, getting involved with advocacy groups, and supporting the industry, we can help bring about meaningful change and make cannabis legalization a reality for all.