I am a 45-year-old granny, and I smoke marijuana for medicinal reasons.

I was 25 when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The doctor told me it was a painful, crippling disease and I would end up in a wheel chair. He gave me prescriptions for the arthritis and pain and sleeping pills.

Some of the pills had side effects and I would have to change to different ones. My arthritis was getting worse and I was depressed all the time. I started taking anti-depressants. For years I abused codeine, anti-depressants and sleeping pills. I don't smoke tobacco or drink alcohol. My friends smoked marijuana but it didn't interest me to try it.

I smoked my first joint when I was 30. One night I was in a lot of pain and feeling terribly uncomfortable. My friend Ed was with me and said he had heard marijuana helps relieve pain. I was willing to try anything and had a few tokes. After a few minutes I was relaxed and the pain seemed to have dulled. I was also more limber with my joints. I had a very restful sleep that night.

I have been smoking marijuana every day since then. I have also been happier and no longer need anti-depressants. I now control my pain with marijuana. up around 18% of the time, which is a big deal to me.

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