Four years ago I was in a near fatal car accident which left me permanently injured and a sufferer of chronic pain.  I cracked the windshield with my head; received spinal injuries; and tissue damage to my neck and shoulder that will affect me for the rest of my life.

I currently participate in physical therapy and acupuncture to help reduce the constant pain I am in.  I also take the prescription medicine Vicodin on a regular basis.  Marijuana helps to relax the muscle spasms and to decrease my pain.  I would rather avoid taking the Vicodin which is prescribed to me, because it produces an affect that makes it impossible to drive and occasionally makes me sick to my stomach.  Unfortunately, this is the only option I legally have at this time.

I was initially encouraged by AMR's proposal to create a medical marijuana initiative in Colorado.  When I read the final product I was horrified.  The limits on possession would make things worse for people in Colorado than they already are.  I was told I would have to "register" as a marijuana user and that my medical condition would be available to government agencies and the police.

I was also told that a government agency would have to determine my eligibility.  What about my doctor?  I am unclear about possession of seeds or leaves on a plant (do they count as weight?), where I would go to purchase my "medicine", and who could legally grow it for
patients like myself.  Why should I be forced to carry identification stating that I use marijuana to relieve my pain when I can get narcotics legally and confidentially?  This makes no sense to me, and I will actively protest an initiative that will cause me more harm than good.  Just because I suffer don't label me!  I deserve confidentiality too!!

-- An anonymous Colorado patient and victim of the Drug War