Medicinal cannabis has been the best pain medication for this person's knee problems.

I'm 28 years old and looking down the barrel of a life of pain and discomfort.

From the photo above, you can see that I have some of the worst knees ever. That was made very clear by the the fact that I walked in front of the entire orthopedic specialist division of Christchurch at a meeting and they have yet to get back to me with a result.

In 2012, I travelled to America with my older brother to celebrate his birthday and, whilst there, I had the opportunity to get a medicinal marijuana license and make use of it.

I can without fail say that it is above all other pain medications in the fact that it relieves my symptoms and also has no internal side afftects - unlike the current codeine and pain medication I have been prescribed.

Since returning to New Zealand, all I have had is pain medication and it is a horrible way to live.

They need a legal, regulated market that offers people an opportunity to get well-researched information from credible sources - not just scaremongering tactics such as marijuana being a gateway drug.

As of now, I am currently waiting for changes to happen. We cannot be percieved as a country that cares about all things including nature when we have a chance to help those who live in our country with debilitating diseases.

We need to change this policy to give people such as myself - who are living with debilitating diseases and feel trapped by them - a chance to do things like everyone else.

READ MORE:

* Medicinal cannabis: 'Waking up pain-free is divine'

* Medicinal cannabinoid oil like 'placing a bet'



What's your view on medicinal marijuana in New Zealand? Hit the green button to contribute to this debate or email stuffnation@stuff.co.nz.