HER body at war with itself, a Wagga mum has recounted her “slide into painkiller oblivion” and demanded the government legalise medical marijuana immediately.
The 41-year-old, who did not wish to be named for fear of being branded a “druggie”, turned to marijuana for relief when continued morphine and other opiate use became unbearable.
She said her condition, rheumatoid arthritis, meant her blood was attacking her system and destroying her bones.
“For over two decades, the specialists have prescribed me stronger and stronger opiates,” she said.
"Doctors seem to have given up … one told me suicide was justifiable for me.
“With all the morphine in my system, I am constantly sick to the point of vomiting and I can't eat properly.
“I’m a drained, chronically depressed, legal drug addict.”
She said marijuana use had helped her sleep, eat food and cope mentally with a chronic pain condition.
Despite the state government forging ahead with landmark clinical trials of medical marijuana, only the terminally ill - and possibly children with severe epilepsy - will be able to use the drug if and when it is legalised.
“Because of the law, I am unable to use marijuana regularly,” the woman said.
“The difference cannabis oil would make to my life is almost overwhelming. There is something that exists that can make my life and the life of my family so much better.
“But in the cruelest twist of all, the government has decided that because of those who do the wrong thing, individuals such as myself are condemned to a life that nobody would ever want, and one that will never improve.
“Why is medical cannabis considered more dangerous to both the individual and the community than morphine, methadone, or even alcohol or tobacco?”
Tamworth mum and high-profile medical marijuana campaigner Lucy Haslam backed the woman’s call, telling a federal senate inquiry last week swift action was critical.
"We cannot afford to wait for the results of clinical trials," Ms Haslam said. "Don't dismiss the urgent need of people now.
"If someone with a terminal illness says that their pain is less ... what are we worried about? The long-term side effects of using medicinal cannabis are completely irrelevant to that person."
The inquiry was held to discuss a federal bill that would have the federal government license businesses to grow and import medical marijuana.
