Patient: Closing medical marijuana dispensary would be a 'disaster'
Kenneth Mandeville, 60, has degenerative disc disease and walks with a cane. His condition, he said, sends pain down his legs all the time that feels like “fire ants.”
Mandeville, of Albion, was among around a half dozen medical marijuana patients who stopped by People’s Choice Alternative Medicine Thursday morning across the street from Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
An AnnArbor.com reporter sat in the lobby for an hour and a half to talk to patients about their choice to get marijuana from the dispensary.
A medical marijuana plant at People's Choice Alternative Medicine in Ann Arbor belongs to shop owner Daryl Mines. People's Choice plans to change locations after the holiday weekend after Ann Arbor sent cease and desist letters that outlined a zoning violation and neighbor complaints.
Juliana Keeping | AnnArbor.com
People’s Choice partners say they operate a non-profit that takes donations for services and doesn’t sell medical marijuana. A Michigan Court of Appeals ruling on Aug. 23 made the sale of marijuana at dispensaries illegal in the eyes of the state. The establishments can be shut down under a state public nuisance law, according to state Attorney General Bill Scheutte. Ann Arbor is reviewing a new zoning and licensing process in light of the court's ruling.
Mandeville said he takes medical marijuana for migraines and the leg pain.
Medical marijuana action
Here are some of AnnArbor.com’s recent stories on the issues surrounding medical marijuana:
- Prosecutor to marijuana dispensary owners: Take concerns to Lansing
- Medical marijuana shops in Ann Arbor appear closed Monday
- Future looks cloudy for Ann Arbor medical marijuana dispensaries since ruling, raids
- Medical marijuana can’t be sold at private dispensaries, court rules
- City officials, medical marijuana dispensaries grapple with ruling outlawing pot sales
- Police raid 2 medical marijuana clinics in Ann Arbor
- Medical marijuana dispensary owner, employees watch raid unfold
Dispensaries began popping up in Ann Arbor and across the state after the Michigan Medical Marihuana Act went into effect in April 2009. The law sets up a system under which patients can grow marijuana for themselves or have a state-registered caregiver do it for them
Mandeville said he doesn’t grow plants for himself because he travels. He said a friend agreed to become a state-designated caregiver for him but doesn’t know how to grow marijuana, so he hasn’t been able to obtain medical marijuana that way. That’s why he comes to the dispensary.
Mark Pelton, 56, is retired engineer who lives in Canton. He drives to Ann Arbor for medical marijuana, which he said helps him deal with severe leg pain from a ruptured disk. When not taking marijuana he can’t stand up straight, he said.
Painkillers he took previously for his back made him too foggy-headed to work and ripped up his stomach, he said.
Of marijuana, he said, “I could eat and concentrate. It also helps me sleep.”
A prescription sleep aid left him groggy the next day, he said, but that’s not the case with marijuana.
He doesn’t grow marijuana at home because his grandchildren live with him. He said it isn’t easy to find a caregiver and that there don’t seem to be enough of them.
“This place is what saves my life. It caters to older people,” he said. “Taking it away will be a disaster.”
Others who came through the doors Thursday included a 20-year-old unemployed man from Ann Arbor who declined to provide a name. He said restless leg syndrome gives him painful leg spasms and that marijuana addresses the pain and helps him to sleep at night. A 44-year old man from Milford said he is a stay-at-home dad and on disability for rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. He said he has battled addictions to painkillers in the past and is currently on a medication to treat that addiction. He’s taken marijuana for three months, he said.
On marijuana, “I feel better,” he said. “I don’t feel great, but I certainly feel better.”
He said caregivers are hard to find and he doesn’t want to grow marijuana at home around his children.
The dispensary where he and others obtain marijuana is being forced to move since receiving cease-and-desist letters from the city of Ann Arbor. Harry Cayce, a business partner with People’s Choice, called neighbor complaints outlined in the letters “mythological.”
The complaints include reports of alleged drug deals in the vicinity of the business, loud music and the location operating after business hours.
Cayce said some neighbors call police when workers take breaks to smoke cigarettes outside, and that they tell police customers are loitering when passersby are just sitting at a nearby bus stop. When a man down the street parked his car to smoke marijuana and drink, then threw the bottle outside at 11 p.m., neighbors blamed the dispensary. The incident was not related, according to dispensary partners.
The city attorney has a different story.
“We have discussed this matter with neighbors,” City Attorney Stephen Postema said. “They had serious concerns.”
“They are not allowed to be open. Period,” he added. “Our zoning doesn’t allow them in that area. The law makes clear that they are not allowed to operate in the manner that they’re operating in.”
Some dispensaries around Ann Arbor closed doors this week following raids on two dispensaries last week. Other dispensaries are still operating.
Cayce said the complaints from neighbors are ironic in a neighborhood that endures thousands of drunken football fans every time the University of Michigan has a home game.
“We’re not dope dealers; we’re medicine men, and we’re here to help people who are sick,” he said.
The bank-owned property is in the process of evicting the dispensary. Cayce said the business plans to move soon after the holiday weekend.
“We don’t want to piss anyone off,” he said. “We’ll move. That’s not an issue. It’s just been difficult to find a place in the zoning with a landlord that was agreeable.”
Juliana Keeping covers general assignment and health and the environment for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at julianakeeping@annarbor.com or 734-623-2528. Follow Juliana Keeping on Twitter
Comments
StunnedByTheIgnorance
Mon, Sep 5, 2011 : 2:24 p.m.
WOW. I could search long and hard trying to find more uninformed anti-marijuwana comments anywhere on the internet and I think it would be a lost cause. You got "superman", who is in constant pain but is livin' with it without any medication and thinks it should be just as good for you . Then there is the "prohibition" crusader. Who believes all the lies he was raised on. SAD.
Sean McCook
Sat, Sep 3, 2011 : 5:10 a.m.
My Uncle was diagnosed with cancer four years ago in California. He tried every medication the Doctor suggested to him for two years. Nothing made him feel better, only worse. Then my Uncle found a Doctor that prescribed him Medical Marijuana. He told me within in a matter of a week he was already feeling better. In feeling better, he was able to spend time with the family, walk his dog and just felt better in his body and mind. It gave me great happiness to here something worked for my Uncle. I didn't care it was Medical Marijuana, because it's way better for him than those drugs the Doctor's were giving him for one. Second of all, it is making him feel better, who I am to judge what makes him feel better? It's not harming me or anyone else around us. You got to put yourself in the shoes of the other person...What if you had some type of illness, syndrome, disease, etc and you had a chance to use a safer, more effective medicine, Medical Marijuana, which actually made you feel better? Then you definitely wouldn't be all against it. Think about it...
Goofus
Sat, Sep 3, 2011 : 3:29 a.m.
I know I'm sorta dumb, but I still don't get how legalizing medical marijuana has anything to do with eliminating drug prohibition.... it just turned an illicit drug into an prescription drug, right? oh wait...was that the secret agenda of medicalizing marijuana use really a way to make it quasi-legal for users? duh. like I said...I'm slow on the uptake, and I voted for this thing too.
dogpaddle
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 4:35 p.m.
Well, Bunny, when you consider that our economic climate is already a DISASTER, yes, I think those who called this a disaster aren't exaggerating. Maybe it's not a disaster for patients because worse case scenario, they'll just go back to doing what they used to do - buy it illegally on the streets again helping the true criminal element and drug cartels from other places (if they don't have a registered caregiver who now might be too afraid to grow in their own basement especially since allegedly overhead surveillance aircraft can detect it). But here is who it's also a disaster for: the many employees of these former dispensaries (aka small businesses). Think how many dispensaries there have been just in this county and let's say each one employed at least 5 employees - that's at least 50 more employees out of work in our area. I hope they apply for unemployment putting more burden on the state who chose to do this. Michigan needs to recognize a new economy and legalize it and tax it. Do what California does. The hundreds of dispensaries there pay taxes (read: millions to the CA economy). I would think we (Michigan) would benefit from it rather than wasting what little revenue we have on shutting this down.
malcolm kyle
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 4:23 p.m.
Because you stubbornly choose to remain in some strange parallel universe, one where prohibition actually works, all you despicably ignorant prohibitionists have blood on your hands! Prohibition does nothing but bankroll dangerous criminals, corrupt whole law enforcement agencies and generously arm international terrorists. Alcohol prohibition (1919-1933) was a casebook example of such dangerous folly. Today, alcohol is taxed and regulated and the shoot-outs over turf and the killing of innocent bystanders are no longer a daily part of the alcohol trade. So how come so many of us lack the simple ability to learn from such an important historical lesson, and are instead intent on perpetuating the madness and misery that prohibition has always invariably engendered? It is clearly our always-doomed-to-fail policy of prohibition that is causing this intense misery. We need to fix ourselves (start thinking clearly) and in doing so, we will not only help rid ourselves of this terrible self-inflicted curse but also help to heal the whole planet. Are we really such an adolescent nation that we can expect neither maturity nor cognitive thought from either our leaders or our populace? This is not a war on drugs; it's an outright war on sanity! Colombia, Peru, Mexico or Afghanistan, with their coca leaves, marijuana buds or their poppy sap, are not igniting temptation in the minds of poor weak American citizens. These countries are merely responding to the enormous demand that comes from within our own borders. Invading or destroying those countries, creating more hate, violence, instability, injustice and corruption, will not fix this problem. We need to admit that It is ourselves who are sick. Prohibition is neither a sane nor a safe approach. Left unabated, it's devouring inferno will surely engulf every last one of us!
E. Manuel Goldstein
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 4:09 p.m.
Please try to think about this in more compassionate terms: what if you relied on some medication to control pain and suddenly it became unavailable, would this not be a personal disaster? Not all Medical Marijuana patients can grow their own, for the various reasons mentioned in this article. In addition, it costs much money to set up a grow in one's own house, sometimes beyond the ability of patients to handle, monetarily. Also, what if your crop fails? What if you cannot find a caregiver to grow for you? What if the caregiver's crop fails? I consume Medical Marijuana (preferably in baked goods) regularly. It helps to relieve pain from a pinched nerve in my neck. I have degenerative disc disease - and it isn't going away - there is no "cure". I have a job where I must travel. I have children in my home. I prefer not to take pharmaceutical medications. I received a physician's recommendation for using the Indica variety, and to consume it in edible form, or to have Cannabis oil massaged into my areas of pain for relief. It works very well for me. I am a responsible citizen, and pay taxes. For me, this is not about "getting high", it is about legitimately relieving chronic pain. Those of you who oppose Medical Marijuana patients getting their medication in a safe, convenient, reasonable manner should be ashamed of yourselves. How dare you judge others for not wanting to become addicted to opiates? This documentary may help you to become more compassionate or think otherwise: <a href="http://watch.montanapbs.org/video/1825223761" rel='nofollow'>http://watch.montanapbs.org/video/1825223761</a>
Christian Vative
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 4:01 p.m.
Jesus said to do unto others as we would have them to do unto us. None of us would want our child thrown in jail with the sexual predators over marijuana. None of us would want to see an older family member's home confiscated and sold by the police for growing a couple of marijuana plants for their aches and pains. It's time to stop putting our own family members in jail over marijuana. If ordinary Americans could grow a little marijuana in their own back yards, it would be about as valuable as home-grown tomatoes. Let's put the criminals out of business and get them out of our neighborhoods. Let's let ordinary Americans grow a little marijuana in their own back yards.
Jaime
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 1:11 p.m.
The voters overwhelmingly passed the medical marijuana proposal which did not specifically authorize dispensaries but I believe the intent was there. So now the powers that be want to find every way they can to usurp the will of the majority of the voters. Smoking marijuana will burn holes in your lungs* that will not heal so the choice to smoke it brings risks. The reward of pain relief for many outweighs the dangers. This should be their choice according to the will of the voters. *Anyone deciding whether to smoke marijuana should watch the documentary "Should I Smoke Dope" You can find part of it on YouTube.
clownfish
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 5:02 p.m.
One thing the dispensaries offer is the availability of edible MJ so that it need not be smoked.
clownfish
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 12:16 p.m.
I am wondering about the patients that won't grow in their homes because of children? Do they refuse to keep other drugs in their homes because their kids may see them? How hypocritical is it to keep Vicoden and use it but not pot? The worst thing about this situation is that alleged law enforcement is doing it's best to help drug cartels. there are few harmful side effects to using pot to control pain, nausea etc. Whose business is it if adults want to use a product that works for them and is relatively harmless? The effects of illegal drug trade are far worse! The hypocrisy of Shuette is staggering! He comes from the political party that CONSTANTLY screams "Keep govt out of our way!" now he is going after pain relief that MI voters approves, overwhelmingly. There may be a special ring of Hell reserved for such hypocrites.
slave2work
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 10:57 p.m.
they will take the kids away if you have marijuana.. not if u have a prescript of vicodin
k vaneck
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 1:30 p.m.
@ clownfish. It is a lot easier to count vicodin pills then it is to count marijuana leaves.
Carole Clare
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 12:10 p.m.
If Weed works for restless legs, I could stop my prescription drug every night.. I am for Medical Marijuana. I have visited several Compassion Centers and they are very professional. They also pay taxes to the Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor.
Mike
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : noon
So the guy has difficulty getting around without intense pain unless he is high? Does that sum it up? Plus if he has difficulty getting around how can he travel so much that he doesn't have time to grow his own plants legally? I'd make time if I were in that bad of shape. Once they're growing you just need to properly water them. You can set up a trickle watering system on a timer and travel all you want. I hope when he's traveling around he's not driving. I guess the police have no way to test if you're high and it is less stressful that way if you have to travel alot.
Kojak Bear
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 8:52 a.m.
First off, does anyone LIke to be LIED to? that is how they made Marijuana ILLEGAL.. I guess it's ok to lie about something that has been used for Centuries.. Queen Victoria used it.. The American Medical Association did NOT want it to be Made ILLEGAL. Do some RESEARCH .. I guess there is NO JUSTICE in this country because If I LIE TO YOU Then it is ok, and to brain wash you is OK... that is what OUR GOVERNMENT has done. Maybe if you people that are so AGAINST this Plant would have a health Problem that would need Medical CAnnabis then you would KNOW how we the PEOPLE feel whom are in PAIN. My MOM Is losing her eyesight to Glaucoma, My friend has CAncer and he is taking CHEMO, but what is CHEMO? POISON.. yet that is ok.. Before JUDGING SOMEONE ELSE, Maybe you should worry why it was Made ILLEGAL in the first PLACE , Through LIES .. When I was Picked as a JURROR it tells about telling the truth for JUSTICE.. where is the truth in our Country when you LIE about a Plant that God Placed on this EARTH to help people.. it helps with brain cancer and tumors of the Head and Neck.. ISREAL is expanding their program from Medical CAnnabis because there is benefits to this Plant.. The LIES NEED TO STOP...<a href="http://brainz.org/420-milestones-history-marijuana/" rel='nofollow'>http://brainz.org/420-milestones-history-marijuana/</a>
UlyssesSwrong
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 4:03 a.m.
Dispensaries are not the only way medical marijuana is distributed. Maybe it's disastrous for those who like to "shop" in the conventional sense. The cracking down on dispensaries is only temporary. In due time, as people rework these medical marijuana laws, it seems likely that areas will write their own laws to decide where dispensaries are OK and where they're not. We passed this medical marijuana law in Michigan, and we've opened this can of worms. Is it a bad thing? Not quite. The only bad thing about it was that it was seemingly purposely vague to open up all types of funny business for patients and merchants. Here is the big problem with this: too many recreational users abusing the system which hurts the truly genuine hopes of legitimate patients.
Goofus
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 4:37 a.m.
"here is the big problem with this: too many recreational users abusing the system which hurts the truly genuine hopes of legitimate patients." Truer words were never spoken. Amen.
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:21 a.m.
For all those who think medical marijuana is either dangerous or hippy bogus: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis" rel='nofollow'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis</a> The article is carefully sourced. Check the sources if you doubt any of its claims. They are all quite credible. Cannabis was considered the most medically important plant in both Chinese and Indian medicine. It was the most widely used component in medical formulations even here in the US, until it was banned in 1937 as part of a racist campaign against blacks (who commonly smoked marijuana while playing "subversive" jazz music). It has never killed anyone (it's safer than water - 100 glasses of water will kill you, 100 joints will not), and is far less addictive than caffeine (which can cause significant physical withdrawals). It is a much safer alternative to highly addictive heroin-type painkillers such as Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycontin, etc. which are used by over 50% of the population. Chronic pain affects at least 30% of the population. Currently medical marijuana is used by less than 1% of the population of Michigan. "Studies have shown that medical cannabis has effects in the treatment of nausea, vomiting, premenstrual syndrome, insomnia, lack of appetite, spasticity, neurogenic pain, movement disorders, asthma, many types of cancer, glaucoma,[3] alcohol abuse,[4] bipolar disorder,[5] depression,[6] epilepsy,[7] Alzheimer's disease,[8] inflammatory bowel disease, migraines, fibromyalgia,[9] collagen-induced arthritis,[10] and many others. It relieves some symptoms of multiple sclerosis,[11] AIDS, chemotherapy, and spinal cord injuries.[12]" There is even considerable evidence that marijuana concentrates may be able to control or cure many cancers.
Halter
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 2:45 a.m.
Perhaps this "Patient" should take the medication that has been prescribed rather than magically thinking that the marijuana is the sole means of treating this issue.... It's not just a "patient" thing -- The fact that almost no reputable doctor at UM nor at St Joes will prescribe Medical Marijuana should tell you something....
dbcooper
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 10:37 a.m.
My MD. @ UM, Dr. Ghandi, wrote my prescription. Why? because i have been using cannabis to treat AIDS for 15 years now. It worked when ALL prescription medications failed me. I have her blessings, the blessings of my family, neighbors and friends. Why i dont have yours is something you have to live with.
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:23 a.m.
It tells you that their administrations forbade the doctors from writing any recommendations. Many want to but can't!
thinker
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 2:17 a.m.
No one disagrees that the cancer patient on chemo may benefit from MM, or the MS patient, the glaucoma patient,or the chronic pain patient. What is getting out of control, is the number of dispensaries and the lack of control to who gets a prescription, and who gets to dispense it, and the crime spree that is being unleashed. That was not properly thought out before the dispensaries opened. A safe sane legal method of prescribing and dispensing has to be set up.
ICanSeeClearlyNow
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 7:13 p.m.
Actually thinker, I disagree. There is no scientific support for pot as a cure for cancer in humans. I don't believe that getting high is the right treatment for any illness. If you want to alleviate pain, there is already a wide variety of tested drugs out there that real doctors can safely prescribe for you.
Mike
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 12:04 p.m.
We'll end up with dispensaries and full legal standing in the future. There's no way to stop us. The ball is rolling, this is just a temporary setback. Change happens slowly, this is step one. People don't want to see us suffer, 70% of them voted for the law in the first place. Think about that............
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:54 a.m.
The thinkers I respect use evidence in their considerations.
Nephilim
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:43 a.m.
This is by far the most logical and rational post I've seen on here so far. The screen name says it all.
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:24 a.m.
Crime spree? What crime? Crime hasn't gone up since 2008. There is zero evidence that medical marijuana has caused an increase in crime or drug use. Even Bill Schuette dodges the request for evidence, because he knows there isn't any.
Mr Blue
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 2:08 a.m.
Now we all know who Mackie and Postema are in collusion with. Scheutte and his lap dog judges. And we know that Mackie and Postema gave the green light to LAWNET and their heavy handed tactics used to close local businesses.
Not from around here
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 4:11 p.m.
Milton, proof plase or ask the staff to remove your posts please.
Nephilim
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:40 a.m.
Ok.......these statements seem like you are wanting to say something more but stopped........it leaves me wanting to hear more from you. Much more please.
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:25 a.m.
Correct, they were not "just doing their jobs," they did so with great eagerness.
Goofus
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 2:04 a.m.
I'm through with these stories and shall stop posting in and reading them for awhile. The cops & State Attorney General are uncaring fascists out to a make $$$ off busting marijuana smokers; the medical marijuana people stridently use human interest and sick people as human shields to legitimize their substance use. There are so many other things under the sun.
Goofus
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 4:44 a.m.
Ugh. Got sucked in again. Ah well shooting down paper planes made out of the giant rolling paper from the Cheech and Chong album can be amusing sometimes. Enjoy the drought, Furry Freaks!
Goofus
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 4:35 a.m.
Yep. People take this pot thing waaaay too seriously. If some took half the energy they pour into legitimizing their substance use into helping the world hungry, the poor, or I dunno, kids with cancer too young to smoke the herb, the world would actually be a better place. Get over yourselves and your habit.
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:51 a.m.
You can also get heroin-type drugs such as Vicodin, Percocet, and Oxycontin by faking migraines. So what's your point? That only people with their arms hacked off in horrible factory accidents should get painkillers? Migraines are debilitating. Cluster headaches are known as "suicide headaches" as they are so painful (reportedly, more so than childbirth) that over 50% of its sufferers will successfully commit suicide.
Nephilim
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:38 a.m.
Very touching Milton and I know a doctor for a hundred and fifty bucks I can get diagnosed with sever migraines from all the lights on the space ship I stared at too long when it abducted me.
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:27 a.m.
The vast majority of medical marijuana patients have chronic pain conditions and the health benefits for them are very real. Walk into a compassion club sometime and ask patients for their stories. I'm sure they'll be happy to share. Most of the ones you think are healthy drug abusers have invisible conditions, such as spinal injuries, nerve problems, early stages of degenerative diseases or cancer, or migraines/cluster headaches.
Mr Blue
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 2:12 a.m.
Yes, and the right of personal choice in health care matters is one. The right to seek health care other than what the Health Care Bureaucracy offers is another.
NewStart
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 1:41 a.m.
BE YOUR OWN DOCTOR!
NewStart
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 1:40 a.m.
@ Gorc.....it's worth a try...many problems are made more livable...Cure? .... Give it a try.
paulczar
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 1:03 a.m.
Many comments on here say something to the effect of "oh, so does pot CURE this or that." Listen, pot doesn't cure anything. Period. It only alleviates symptoms. So does pot cure restless leg? No, but it alleviates it. And say what you want about restless leg, but I'd rather see pot smokers register with the state and bring their sales into the realm of taxation, then ignoring the fact that millions of people smoke recreationally, underground, illegally, unregulated and untaxed. Just bring it out in the open and the stigma will made away, along with any concerns of what the ramifications may be. Come on people!
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:28 a.m.
There is considerable evidence that marijuana concentrates can cure cancer. THC has been shown in studies to be a very potent tumor killer with zero toxicity for healthy cells. It's even neuroprotective... believe it or not, it is. (Those who smoke marijuana while drinking alcohol suffer less brain damage than those who simply drink.)
Gorc
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 12:49 a.m.
If I feel a burning sensation when I urinate....will smoking weed cure that?
Bertha Venation
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.
No hon. Try drinking a quart of cranberry juice first.
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:29 a.m.
Medical marijuana patients won't find your comment funny. Tell that to someone suffering from migraines or spine damage and you'll walk away feeling ashamed.
Mr Blue
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 2:05 a.m.
No, excessive alcohol use usually leads to those symptoms.
A2Woman
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 12:52 a.m.
Too much information, but yep, there's a cure for that! ;)
Urban Sombrero
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 12:43 a.m.
If and when I ever get debilitatingly sick, I would rather use something that grows in nature than something created in a lab by a big, faceless pharmaceutical company. Pot's not my style, but I'd smoke a joint before I'd ingest Tylenol. That stuff'll eat your liver!
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:31 a.m.
Tylenol has been used for a century and has a long history of toxicity. It kills 60,000 a year from kidney and liver damage. What's interesting is in the last few years, the way Tylenol works has finally been unveiled - it acts on the cannabinoid system in the body. That is, it is a poor mimic of the safety and efficacy of marijuana.
beard
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 12:33 a.m.
Why do people care so much about what other people do? There are always so many comments on this issue with so much anger against the MM community. Who cares if someone smokes some pot to make themselves feel better at home? If my next door neighbor is smoking marijuana to make their restless leg syndrome feel better, how is that my business to condemn that? Maybe getting high allows a close relative of mine to have a remote appetite while going through chemotherapy, so instead he should be taking the $500/pill medication. If these are legitimate complaints against the dispensary, then they should be forced to move, but something tells me their shop is in the same neighborhood as some of these closed-minded commenters.
Nephilim
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:54 a.m.
Less than 2% of the US population use anabolic steroids and they are illegal yet they affect no one other than the user. There is scientific benefit to steroids that show to help people. You care to lobby to make these legal also? So by your statement then you wouldn't care if everyone was using these substances either? Maybe we then would have a bunch of muscly pot heads.
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:48 a.m.
Nephilim, why do you care so much how others deal with their health problems? How on earth is it your business to meddle, to send armed men smashing into their homes because they annoy you? Those problems are actually very common by the way. And the reason more young people are using it is because there's less stigma. Most elderly people grew up in a much more conservative era and often won't consider it. The young are naturally more open minded. You should not be complaining, if your goal is to reduce drug dependence. If they did not get medical marijuana, they would get much more addictive and physically dangerous heroin-type drugs like Vicodin, Percocet, Morphine, and Oxycontin. Anyway, less than 1% of the population of Michigan uses medical marijuana, while at least 30% suffers from chronic pain, and probably over 50% have heroin-type drugs in their medicine cabinet. Nonsense...
Nephilim
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:33 a.m.
No beard, what you are seeing is the fed up people with something that has been taken from the arena of helping people that you describe to an excuse for the majority who hide behind the law for the sole purpose of getting high. You seen it firsthand when the initiative was put to a vote. 74% of this state said they don't care if seriously debilitated people with like what you describe smoke or posses or grow weed. What they've seen though and myself included feel betrayed because what we've voted for to help people who need it has turned into every 18,19 and 20 year old now have severe siatic nerve pain, back pain, migraines etc. And need their "medicine".
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:31 a.m.
They probably shout things like "keep government out of health care!" as well.
ICanSeeClearlyNow
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 10:31 p.m.
Add back pain and headaches to the incredibly long list of ailments that pot is uspposed to cure. During prohibition and before the FDA you could put alchohol in a bottle and make up a similarly long list of ailments your product was supposed to treat. Users would protest any attempt to take away their drunk also. Why don't these people just say they want to get high so we can believe them? Why continue to hide behind the MM farce?
ICanSeeClearlyNow
Sat, Sep 3, 2011 : 2:30 p.m.
Editor, I hit the send button too quick. I meant to say I don't see why you allowed Rrrodney to say: "You are constantly trolling these threads with baseless banter " when I have seen other posts get deleted for less.
ICanSeeClearlyNow
Sat, Sep 3, 2011 : 2:27 p.m.
Rrrodney, Finally a pro-pot dealer/user steps into the light of day. I couldn't agree more with your comment: "People continue to hide behind the stupid MM farce because that is the ONLY reason this got passed in the first place". I couldn't have said it better myself. Unfortunately, this was the only candid statement I found in your rambling diatribe. Your diagnosis that I need to take up the weed is very telling. Apparently those who use pot think that getting high on it will somehow improve their understanding of reality. It doesn't take an MD to see the absurdity of that small bit of pseudo-wisdom. It is telling however in that it explains the ridiculous claims for MM, and pot in general that I keep seeing posted on these MM articles. (ie. pot is not dangerous, pot cures all ailments, legalizing pot for medicinal use will keep the criminals out of the business, opposing pot is racist, and on and on) Not sure why the censors allow you to call my
ICanSeeClearlyNow
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 4:27 p.m.
Milton, Why does the pro-pot side continue to reference studies that were never done? There has not been a singled controlled study on humans that concluded pot was beneficial for human health. Try to prove me wrong, but don't give me links to Wikipedia, YouTube, or some pro-cannabis site. Please also do not give me links to studies on mice. You will find it impossible provide me what I request because such a study because such a study has never been done.
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:37 a.m.
Also, I should mention, marijuana concentrates show considerable promise for controlling or curing numerous cancers. THC has been proven to be a potent tumor killer while miraculously remaining completely nontoxic to healthy cells. It's even neuroprotective. Read the studies before you dismiss it...
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:35 a.m.
Well, it's actually true. Read the studies. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis" rel='nofollow'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_cannabis</a> Almost every sentence there is sourced, and the sources are very credible. It was considered the most important medicinal plant in Chinese and Indian medicine. It was used in almost all drug formulations before 1937, when it was banned for racist reasons (an excuse to harass blacks and Mexicans). It is literally the safest substance on earth - it's physically impossible to kill yourself with it. It is a potent painkiller and anti-inflammatory drug with anxiolytic properties, while somehow not being any more addictive than video games (certainly less than caffeine). It is not snake oil. More research has been done on marijuana than any other medical plant on earth and the verdict is virtually unanimous: that marijuana is a very safe and very useful medicine with a broad spectrum of uses.
A2Woman
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 11:26 p.m.
A couple of weeks ago someone was saying how pot is good for menstrual cramps...Really??? That pot was much safer than any OTC for cramps...Throw out the Pamprin and the Midol now!! I agree with you, the list seems to get longer, and longer. I can't imagine anything sounding more like snake oil than the uses for which pot is sold as a cure for. It was the alchohol in snake oil that caused people to want to continue buying it, even though the snake oil itself had no real medicinal value.
Andrew Inwood
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 9:58 p.m.
Weed for restless leg?
Nephilim
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 4:06 a.m.
Probably need to reread my post Milton. I don't believe there was any statement in there about me saying they couldn't sir. I think the government has spoke a lot louder than me.
Nephilim
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:59 a.m.
No Milton I'm pretty sure I called you all out as becoming a society of whiney babies who can't suck up anything anymore and keep going. No wonder they can't play dodge ball at school anymore and I'm sure you are probably one who petitioned the military to not let the drill instructors yell at the recruits because it could hurt their feelings. Your comments sound more closed minded than most. Quick to post but not patient enough to listen. Another fine trait observed in our upcoming generations.
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:38 a.m.
Are you saying that someone shouldn't be allowed to use something that improves their life because you say so? Sounds like a nosey neighbor at best and a fascist at worst.
Nephilim
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:23 a.m.
Unemployed 20 year old and a 44 year old on disability going to get their much needed medicine. While the employed 40 year old with the reconstructed knee, torn left shoulder, rib that is separated from the cartilage in the sternum and back pain that i count the mild days as pain free go to work everyday and go to the gym 6 days a week. Yep. No weed. No vicadin, no painkillers. The occasional 81 mg aspirin or 200 mg ibuprofen. We've become a society of of whiners and complainers and self induced junkies of anything that will give a momentary break from reality. You'd have never seen this 40 years ago. I can only wonder what the next 40 will bring.
Mr Blue
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 2:03 a.m.
Yep. Lessens neuropathic symptoms from arthritis induced pinched nerves in my lower spine. Allows more relaxed sleep.
Roadman
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 9:38 p.m.
The true power to the right thing lies with County Prosecutor Brian Mackie and City Attorney Steve Postema; if they cannot do the right thing, they hould be replaced. The Ypsilanti City Attorney has already taken the proper position on this matter.
bunnyabbot
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 9:19 p.m.
a disaster? really, maybe he could say sad or upsetting. A disaster is a plane crashing into a building, a tsunami wiping out entire towns, a space shuttle burning up upon reentry scattering burning remains of astronauts onto a freeway, wildfires raging, the current famine in Africa, I could go on... the lack of magic brownies not so tragic.
bunnyabbot
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 5:44 a.m.
just saying using the word disaster for not having access to medical marijuana, when perscription drugs work (by man in articles own comments, even with side effects, so he does have other options) where as those devasted by natural disasters by the millions don't have options. It would be like me saying the DDA is a terrorist group for declaring war (by raising parking rates) against my pocketbook. I am sure he may be upset, worried etc by his situation, calling it a disaster deminishes the word to a trivial level. If I had the choice to give someone a pot laced brownie for pain or a person a regular browine who hasn't eaten for a week the person in pain would have to deal with a pill from CVS, even if it made them grogy the next morning (how tragic, I know)
Goofus
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 4:41 a.m.
Try yoga and vitamins and legitimate holistic medical care, and it's an incredible deterrent to "armed men" and "cops"...and probably better for the lung tissue too. Get off the THC crutch... try taking charge of your own health, dropping the dependence on a substance, dropping this addict-like dependence on a dispensary, empower yourself... and stop being a victim. There's alot of treatments for lots of disorders, not just medical marijuana.
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:45 a.m.
"These MedMar people are such a noisy minority of people acting like victims. I can't stand it." Well, they are victims. Armed men are charging into homes and throwing people in jail for using a plant that their doctor said would improve their health; a plant that is neither harmful to others nor the patient (any claims to the contrary are invariably backed up with absolutely no evidence or very poorly executed studies that have been heavily criticized for their flaws).
Milton Shift
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:41 a.m.
It's a disaster for someone who now has no access to something potentially lifesaving. Yes, lifesaving. Marijuana concentrates show considerable promise for controlling or curing numerous cancers. THC has been proven to be a safe tumor killer that is completely nontoxic to healthy cells (unlike every other chemo treatment, which are very toxic and operate by being better at killing tumors than killing you). Also, chronic pain is nothing to scoff at. Come back when you have spine damage and call these people "hippies" eating "magic brownies for goofing off" again. It is a proven painkiller that is safer and less addictive than heroin-type drugs such as Vicodin, Percocet, Oxycontin, etc. (Tylenol actually works by imitating some of the action of marijuana!)
Nephilim
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 3:14 a.m.
Why does it seem when someone doesn't really have any factual information to support their argument, they typically resort to name calling? Big pharma lover, hater, the expected comments have cropped up etc etc. It's kind of comical. If everyone doesnt agree with my way of thinking then I'm gonna......well, just call you names. Look at it from this perspective. No one is going to change your opinion. No one is going to change someone of the opposite beliefs opinion. What you do change by becoming a name caller and hatred spewer is the average person like me who really doesn't care either way but come election day will remember all the whiners that tried so hard to discredit the opposing side with anger and disdain.
Goofus
Fri, Sep 2, 2011 : 2:08 a.m.
Wellsaid, bunnyabbot. Was the whole state in a constant state of diaster and calamity back before the MedMar law was passed in the dark ages prior to 2008? No, it wasn't, and people like Kenneth probably just got their weed of a good ol' dealer and kept quiet about it. These MedMar people are such a noisy minority of people acting like victims. I can't stand it.
Paul Taylor
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 11:43 p.m.
The expected comments have cropped up, just as they do for public art articles in annarbor.com. Yes, as some noted, the list of ailments medical marijuana claims to treat DOES seem to be growing, at least as far as the average reader is concerned. Of course, part of this is because few people have actually met anyone who receives the benefits of MM. Another aspect is the fact that monied interests have kept studies sidelined, or have drowned out study results, simply by fiat of heavily-funded anti-pot campaigns. Keep your chemical tablets--if I ever need relief from chemo-induced nausea, I'll be ingesting maryjane, one way or 't other. Honestly. Y'all are haters. Own much pharma stock?
Paul Taylor
Thu, Sep 1, 2011 : 11:37 p.m.
A disaster for an individual might be losing a treatment that saved them both agony and money. While your statement is accurate, your flippant "magic brownies" comment shows that you little understand these patients and their needs. It also indicates to me that you might have investments in big pharma.