Felony Pain Relief
Montel Williams is a talk-show host -- and a criminal in 40 states:
My crime? Using the medicine that has allowed me to lead a normal life, despite having multiple sclerosis: medical marijuana.Being diagnosed with MS in 1999 felt like a death sentence. I doubted my ability to function as a father, son, brother, friend, talk-show host and producer. I honestly couldn't see a future. I had always taken excellent care of my body; I'd worked out, followed a healthy diet and looked the picture of health. What no one could see was the mind-numbing pain that seared through my legs, as if I were being stabbed with hot pokers.
My doctors wrote me prescriptions for some of the strongest painkillers available. I took Percocet, Vicodin and Oxycontin on a regular basis, two at a time, every three or four hours. I was knowingly risking overdose just trying to make the pain bearable. In my desperation, I even tried morphine. Yet these powerful, expensive drugs brought no relief.
I couldn't sleep. I was agitated; my legs kicked involuntarily in bed, and the pain was so bad I found myself crying in the middle of the night. And all these heavy-duty narcotics made me nearly incoherent; I couldn't take them when I had to work because they turned me into a zombie. Worse, these drugs are all highly addictive. I did not want to become a junkie, wasted and out of control. I spiraled deeper into a black hole of depression.
In Climbing Higher, my book on living with MS, I write in detail about the severe mental and physical pain that I experienced. It was so bad that I twice attempted suicide.
Finally, someone suggested that I try smoking a little marijuana before going to bed, saying that it might help me fall asleep. Skeptical but desperate, I tried it. Three puffs and within minutes the excruciating pain in my legs subsided. I had my first restful sleep in months. The effect was miraculous.
But the federal government classifies marijuana in the same category as LSD, PCP and heroin -- considered unsafe to use even under medical supervision. Physicians are allowed to prescribe cocaine, morphine and methamphetamine, but not marijuana.
Outrageous. Where are all those pro-life legislators? Shouldn't they be falling all over themselves proposing pot legalization -- at the very least, for suffering people in medical need?
P.S. Sorry so late posting today -- went to the court date for the guy who did the hit-and-run on my car, but the prosecutor said his lawyer couldn't make it, so they're postponing. More news on that to come!
Actually, we can't prescribe cocaine, just use it in a dilute solution for certain ENT nasal procedures. However, the gist of what he is saying is so true. The whole criminalization of drugs thing is a travesty on all accounts, not just for patients in need who can't legally purchase what will help them the most.
Physicians are caught between a rock and a hard place too. In states that have legalized medical marijuana, they risk federal prosecution for prescribing or dispensing it. A lot of docs will recommend it "off the record" to avoid this possibility.
When will this nation realize it's at war with itself over its so-called "War on drugs"? I think the movie "Traffic" illustrated this better than anything I have seen recently. Great flick
Jeff R at April 14, 2005 5:25 PM
Thanks -- I have to see that. I still can't figure out why it isn't my right to alter my mind any way I see fit, as long as I don't run somebody over in my car because of it.
Amy Alkon at April 14, 2005 5:37 PM
Haven't you forgotten one thing? We're all supposed to suffer. It says so in the Bible and GWB believes the Bible. I'm surprised one of that cranky shower in control right now hasn't suggested outlawing all medical drugs - but, of course, that would upset their pals who own the drug companies, wouldn't it?
Like you, I believe in the right to alter my mind anyway I see fit without some clod-hopping law enforcement officer with a crucifix tattooed on his forehead breaking down my door in the middle of the night.
God Bless America - Land of the Free....and I don't think!
R.J. Adams at April 14, 2005 5:59 PM
Good luck in court!
Cridland at April 14, 2005 6:56 PM
Also, Monetl WIllams has had breast cancer. This guys is not getting a gentle ride....
Cridland at April 14, 2005 7:00 PM
Thanks Crid -- unfortunately, the buttwad didn't show. The prosecutor said his lawyer couldn't make it. Unfortunately, nobody told me. Another four hours out of my life thanks to this unethical creep! (I spent four hours in a cold police station waiting to report it the night before Xmas...and then all my detective time.) But more on that after the court case!
Amy Alkon at April 14, 2005 7:31 PM
By the way, liquid cocaine is also used to treat flashburns on the eyes. The pain is excruciating, but the effect of the drug is said to be miraculous and mercifully instantaneous.
Patrick, The Goddess Fan at April 15, 2005 12:21 PM
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