@colleenyoung - I appreciate your post, and will not start this with a "but" nor a "however". Simply to say that while there may not be clear-cut legal definitions or medical findings, there are many people who have reached out to non-traditional remedies for confounding issues we face everyday. It certainly is not a one-size-fits-all solution, no matter what we choose to do. And I, for one, am grateful to have different ideas to consider to alleviate discomfort.

@colleenyoung, thank you, thank you, thank you so very much for posting this. You're a true gem to pass on sources of information. Take care. @cognac

@lioness

Please let me know how it goes with your doctor today. I hope you find something that will help relieve your pain. Thanks for being so active on the Connect sites. You offer empathy, hope and lots of practical information to members. I appreciate your help.

I completely agree, @gingerw. That is exactly the point of the information I posted. Evidence is in its infancy. Use is outpacing the scientific evidence. As people make choices, it is good to be aware of this. The legality of medical marijuana and its derivatives is complicated and varies from state to state. I hope the resources I posted help detangle some of the complexities there, and offer a place where people can check the rules of their region and make informed choices.

@colleenyoung , I make informed choices in my healthcare based on me, as an individual. And am always surprised when getting pushback from family because I don't always follow accepted practices. I have had to be my own advocate since before the diagnosis of Systemic Lupus in 1988.
Ginger

Such a critical point, @gingerw. That is precisely why the patient is a critical member of the care team. Only you are in the expert in you. Sometimes if can be challenging for family members to accept that.

Did you know that Mayo Clinic hosts a blog series called "Experts by Experience"? You can read more about the series here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/patients-and-caregivers-are-experts-by-experience/

@gingerw
Good Morning!
You are doing what is good for you and that is the right thing!
You do your research and it satisfies you and that is the right thing.
People always seem to know what is best for us; they do it because they care and the are probably worried.
We have to be our own advocates and ask for assistance when we want or need it.
Keep it up!!!
Have a great day!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

Dr. Jon Ebbert, an addiction specialist at Mayo Clinic, explains how medical marijuana is used to treat pain and disease symptoms, and dispels a few notions about CBD on Mayo Clinic Radio