Deb Aughenbough knows firsthand how helpful marijuana can be in reducing the symptoms of chronic pain. In 1992, after suffering a left knee sprain, Deb developed constant burning pain in her leg. Her leg turned red, then blue. The illness then began to affect her right leg, eventually resulting in Deb’s need to use a wheelchair. 

At first misdiagnosed by doctors, Deb finally received the diagnosis of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) months after it developed. By then she was taking 27 medications twice a day, including antidepressants, painkillers, and pills to reduce the side effects of the other medications. She gained weight—up to 300 pounds—and remembers little of the years that followed other than that she watched “a lot of TV.”

Five years later Deb mustered the will to move from Florida to North Carolina where she spent three months weaning her self from pain meditations. When a friend offered her some marijuana, Deb found immediate relief from the chronic pain. She began receiving acupuncture 3 to 4 times a week—a gift from her sister—and went on an anti-Candida diet (a diet that reduces the Candida Albicans yeast).
Within three months she lost 130 pounds and started walking again with a cane. Now, at 42, Deb weighs a healthy 114 pounds and has regained full function of her legs. A strong advocate for medical marijuana, Deb serves as a legal caregiver, growing and dispensing marijuana to clients.

Uses of marijuana
Studies show that two particular strains of marijuana—indica and sativa—offer the best relief from numerous conditions. Indica, known for its relaxing physical high, is useful in treating pain, muscle spasm, spasticity, anxiety, and nausea while sativa, which provides more of a mental high, is ideal for relieving debilitating stress and depression. Marijuana has also been studied for treating epilepsy, bipolar disorders, anxiety, autoimmune disease, cancer, and high blood pressure. Often a mixture of sativa and indica is used to achieve the desired result.

History of Medical Marijuana
Also known as marihuana and cannabis, marijuana has been used therapeutically both for its physiological and psychological effects for at least 5,000 years. Its medical use in the United States dates back to the mid-1800s when more than 100 articles were published recommending its use to treat numerous disorders. As other more easily dosed medications became available, medical use of marijuana declined, and in 1937 a federal anti-marijuana law was enacted following a public press campaign and marijuana’s growing disreputable image as an intoxicant.


States Legalized Use of Medical Marijuana
Recognizing the benefits of medical marijuana for individuals suffering from chronic symptoms that don’t respond to available meditations, several states have legalized its use including Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington.

In order to use medical marijuana, a patient must get approval by a doctor and obtain an identification card. They can then choose from a variety of marijuana mixes at local dispensaries or from caregivers like Deb who are allowed to grow up to six plants for each client.

How to Administer
Marijuana can be smoked or, to avoid smoke’s potential harmful affects, vaporized and then inhaled. THC—the active ingredient in marijuana—can also be ingested in pill form or in a variety of foods including butter, fudge and ice cream.

The Future of Medical Marijuana
As of May 2009, five additional states are considering medical marijuana bills in their state legislatures including Illinois, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and New York.
For more information, including state-by-state information visit NORML (Active State Medical Marijuana Programs).