Interestingly enough, it was a medical professional who originally recommended marijuana, highlighting several studies that demonstrated not only relief from pain, but also from muscle spasms. I remember being embarrassed to admit that I had never used marijuana (I know, I’m a square) but I was willing to try. Luckily, I had a college friend who was willing to help, and that was how I tried marijuana for the first time.

Not only did it eliminate my pain symptoms, but for the first time since my accident, I had no spasticity. Having lived for so long with pain and discomfort, it was overwhelming to just feel normal. I had tears welling up in my eyes. Unfortunately, the side effects were a little too intense. I found it difficult to focus, my appetite grew unruly and it made me way too sleepy. It just wasn’t for me.

I’m fortunate, because I have been able to regulate my pain using legally prescribed medications — but what has worked for me has destroyed the lives of many others. I know how difficult it can be to step away from pain medications after an injury. When I was in the hospital recovering from my accident, they prescribed all kinds of opioids: hydromorphone, fentanyl patches, morphine, OxyContin, hydrocodone and diazepam.