Marihuana and Crohn's Disease
 by Anonymous

I am a 37-year-old woman with multiple health disorders. I was finally diagnosed with Crohn's disease in 1988. I have had four surgeries and have developed nerve and bone diseases within the past six years. After two years of hell with Social Security Disability, I finally have an income coming in. I take 23 pills a day, all prescribed. I still suffer from severe pain and cramping, among other eating and emotional disorders. I have smoked marihuana since the '70s and through my pregnancy 15 years ago. I had a 10-pound boy, very healthy. The only way I have survived mentally and physically is with marihuana. Even after taking very strong painkillers and tranquilizers, the pain and stress are too much to bear sometimes. The only thing that returns my life to some kind of normality is smoking marihuana. I do it even in the hospitals after surgery. My doctors know and simply shake their heads in acceptance. I do not drink, but I do smoke daily.