Hey, so I’m the friend who brought this up in the first place. Here’s the backstory to what started this discussion.
I’ve always been a strong proponent of folks with chronic pain getting relief where they can so long as it is a safe avenue for them, personally. I have supported those friends who have and do illegally treat with cannabis, as well as those who’ve gone with more traditional methods. Unfortunately, as I can’t use weed, I’ve found that my choice to dare still seek pain relief, now in the form of opioids, is often unsupported by even my “friends.”
These people vilify not just the drugs, but the people who use them. We’re fake and obsessed with the fake, rather than turning to the healing power of Mother Nature. We’re fools for falling for Big Pharma’s lies. We’re drug addicts who are a stone’s throw from heroin at any turn. (As an aside, don’t use people with the disease of addiction as monsters to prove your shitty points, that just makes you a callous asshole.)
Look, I’m that weirdo who literally-literally--hugs trees, I’m a goddamn D&D druid short of the cool magic tricks. I’m self-educated and read up on everything that goes into my body. And in spite of multiple on-site offers from addict friends, I’ve never been tempted by an injectable drug in my life. But even my friends--who are supposed to know me--still feel justified in running their mouths about these stereotypes like they’re fucking fact for literally everyone who takes opioids. Okay then.
It’s not that I haven’t tried cannabis, it’s that during all my desperate attempts to make it fit for me, it started to destroy my life. I have a few main problems with personally using weed for medicinal purposes (and I can show you a photo of my effing medical card if you think I haven’t tried anyway):
Cannabis triggers anxiety in some and I have severe Generalized Anxiety Disorder--I tried strain after strain and they all caused panic attacks
It is possible to become dependent on cannabis--I did, and I did not find that acceptable as it led to reckless use
I’m a stay-at-home parent to 2 kids, and I did not have a clear head to care for them on weed, which means I’d either go most of my day without pain relief or I’d put my kids in danger
Cannabinoids are hallucinogens and I’m schizophrenic--weed set off hallucinations of demons coming for me, body and soul
Should anyone disbelieve these points, I’d be happy to discuss them further. (You know, in reblogs, not simply in tags as I see cowardly dissenters turning to. Own your words.)
I’ve been taking opioids for the better part of a decade, and I haven’t suffered any negative side effects yet. (In fact, one of their side effects helps treat my severe IBS-D.) I’m still on an extremely low dose, just enough to take the edge off my pain so I can be somewhat functional. And I’ve quit them cold-turkey twice with no negative effects, so I do know that I’m not addicted.
If weed works for you, I am truly glad, from the bottom of my heart. But not because it’s healthier or better, just because it works for you and every chronic pain patient deserves relief. I just don’t want you assuming or stating that it will work for everyone. Just like others shouldn’t assume or state that opioids are best for everyone. Each person’s mind and body is different, and that should be respected.