Can you give us a 2-3 sentience bio?
I am a retired Mechanical Engineer that spent 40 1/3 years in calibration and metrology as a Department of Defense employee for the Army at White Sands Missile Range. I specialized in development of calibration and measurement procedures, practices, measurement standards, equipment, hardware and technical assistance to Army calibration labs, contractors, and other agencies within DoD in the physical and dimensional parameters.
How long have you been involved in the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program?
I have been registered with the NM MCP since June 2015.
What brought you to the program?
My research for natural remedies for several medical problems indicated the possible effectiveness of cannabis for treating these issues.
What have been the benefits of your involvement and how has medical cannabis specifically helped to aid your medical condition?
I have obtained relief from headaches and neck pain resulting from an auto accident as well as remarkable improvement in my prostate problems.
What methods of delivery do you prefer?
Suppository is preferred due to the reduced psychotropic effects noted. On occasions oral delivery is also used.
Are there any changes you would like to see in the program?
I would like to see restrictions removed on the amount of medical cannabis that can be obtained per year per patient.
What have been your experiences with the amount of education you receive from different dispensaries?
I have used 3 different dispensaries in Albuquerque. All three provide good customer support in general. Two in particular are very good at providing educational information. SWOP is one of them.
Are there any experiences within the program that stand out in your mind
In my experience there can be a huge difference in how quickly and easily one can obtain their medical cannabis card, depending on which provider is used to move through the bureaucratic red tape. At the time I got started investigating how I could obtain my NM MCP card I could not find a satisfactory third party to assist me in southern New Mexico that I felt confident in. After further investigating I discovered AIM in Albuquerque. They were friendly, helpful, responsive and made the application for and obtaining my NM MCP card simple and uncomplicated.
Have your perceptions of cannabis changed while in the program?
Yes. I believe that cannabis can prove to be effective in treating a variety of medical problems providing the dosing, method of application, and type/strain and cannabinoid content are correctly selected and appropriately used.
What would you say to someone unfamiliar with the medical aspects of cannabis?
Take control of your health and do your own research. No one cares about your well being more than you. You have the most to gain and lose. Talk with as many knowledgeable people and medical users with your same ailment as possible. Start low and go slow. Be diligent in the appropriate use of cannabis and also incorporate all the other lifestyle changes that can be of benefit, i.e. diet, eating habits, exercise, mental and spiritual (if that is of benefit to you)—in short a holistic approach.
What’s your message to lawmakers and the general public in this time of rapid change within the industry?
Legalize recreational cannabis. It will fulfill a demand that is currently being satisfied via the black market while providing a substantial tax increase for the good of the state of New Mexico. Learn from the history of prohibition, as well as other states: You cannot legislate morality or the personal preferences of the public.
How will medical cannabis play a role in your life going forward?
I will continue to keep an open mind and investigate further uses of medical cannabis in the event the need should arise for me or my family.
-Anonymous
