>>>>Personally, I think there must be other drugs that can be used for pain management. The data supports my theory that MM is a ruse. Cali and Colo "MM" users number in the hundreds of thousands. I find it extremely hard to believe there are that many people who have a real need for pain management. This whole issue is being driven by dopers who just want an excuse to fire up a Texas Tornado!
>>>
>>>Emphasis mine. I don't. Why else is there such a need for pain management clinics in every state?
>>
>>
>>Pain management is a real need. Pain management through cannabis is not. It is just an excuse to get pot legalized. First you get it legalized for "medicinal purposes", then everyone has a need for it, particularly those who have been smoking it anyway. It's all a scam.
>
>Approximately 20 years ago, I damaged the disk in my neck (between c5 and c6). I was in a lot of pain and went from my family doc, neurologist, and neurosurgeon. I went through the cat scan, MRI, and myleogram (I can guarantee that you don't want one of these, unless there's no other option). The neurosurgeon said, yeah, it's damaged, but surgery won't fix it.
>
>I went to the pain clinic and had epidurals. The longest relief I got was about two hours.....the injection cost $1500....that's a pretty expensive 2 hours!
>
>Since then I've been on naproxen, then celebrex, and others that I can't remember the name of. I get a little relief but, I've been in constant pain (24/7) for 20 years.
>
>I've talked to others that are in a similar situation........and I've also read a lot. Many of these people (and they number in the thousands), say the cannabis helps.
>
>Now, I'm pushing 72, and I've never used it or any other illegal drug.
>
>My doctor is willing to prescribe stronger medication, but I always ask him if it will impair me in any way. Will it affect my cognitive abilities? Will it effect my ability to operate equipment (cars, etc.). If he says Yes, then I say No.
>
>Now if someone comes along and says that I'll get some relief in the evening where I might sleep a little better without the pain.....would I smoke a joint?
>
>You Bet!!!!!!
>
>There are more of us than you would think. When you're 65+, you run in different circles and are exposed to more of these situations than when you were younger.
>
>Dale S.

What a great message, Dale. I don't have an agenda one way or the other about marijuana legalization but it's good to hear a personal account.

I hope we can get something out of the way. The last time we talked you really gave me hell. I don't even remember what it was about but you were mad and I was mad and you let me have it. It has bothered me every time I have seen you here since. Life is too short. I do not seek enemies and am much happier being friends, even remote ones. Will you forgive me for whatever I said that set you off? We have different views of some things and I accept that. It just bothers me to be disliked to that extent.

In any case I hope the pain you have experienced is minimized one way or another.

Peace,

Mike

PS -- It occurs to me that "peace" is about the worst thing to say to you, LOL. Oh, well. It was well meant.