Medical Marijuana, My View

Last year the VA issued a statement on veterans seeking medical marijuana treatments outside the VA system.  Though they would provide neither the card nor the medicine, the legal use would not inhibit the vet’s ability to seek care through the VA.

Now researchers are seeking federal approval to study the effectiveness of medical marijuana in treating combat PTSD and I acknowledge the need, but a year ago my husband and I went to a doctor and got a medical marijuana card.  I’ve struggled to write about it because of the stigma attached yet here I am finally after a year writing about using ‘weed’ to ease the symptoms of PTSD.

I was skeptical when we walked into the office, especially when I was also offered the paperwork to get a card.  I wanted to walk out at that point.  But we’ve tried everything available to us when it comes to Chris’ PTSD so I bit my tongue and listened carefully to the doctor.  He felt my husband was a good candidate but that he also needed counseling – which I agree with – and other psychotropic medications – which I don’t agree with.  In the end the doctor scripted two other meds along with issuing a medical marijuana card.

Instantly, Chris’ symptoms seemed better.  It was like a miracle.  He was changed.  He was happy, easy going, sleeping marginally, and we were able to go places – though I had to drive always. Even the stomach problems he had disappeared.  I was happy.  It was amazing.

He instantly went into overdrive, doing projects and going places.  But that faded and he eventually spent most of his time sitting on the back deck looking at his computer.

Then, the paranoia set in.  On more than one occasion, he had episodes of paranoia and shaking so bad I thought he would have to go to the emergency room but I was afraid to take him.  Still, he seemed better than he’d been in years and I kept my mouth shut about the fact he was different.  He was being responsible enough with the meds to treat them with respect, including cutting back when they started to not work as well, so I was willing to accept him medicated if it made him feel better. 

A couple months ago, Chris came to me and said he thought maybe he would stop taking it.  I said whatever you want and that was that – but I did a little dance in my head.  After a few days I saw the man I married.  He was anxious but clear.  I had missed him so much and hadn’t even realized he was gone.  He told me he feels like he’s stepped out of a fog and woken up.

I know some have stated they’ve had fantastic results with medical marijuana, but our good results were fleeting, like with every other med he’s taken.  And the negative were easy to overlook until months had passed.  I feel like he’s come home again, and we’re back to dealing one day at a time with his symptoms, and that’s okay.  We’re clear and life moves forward.