Thirty-year-old Brittany Lengyel was driving home from work in 2015 when she was hit by a person texting and driving.
"Car was upside down underwater and I was strapped in," she explained.
Her brain bled. It was a traumatic injury that led to three surgeries and years of chronic pain.
"The worst part about chronic pain, especially in my situation, is the people that are around you they feel it too," Lengyel said.
She was prescribed oxycodone, but research and a pharmacist refusing to fill her prescription helped her find relief in medical cannabis.
"She has a life, which is a wonderful thing to see," Brittany's mom Lori said.
Mention medical cannabis and information can get construed. ABC-7 traveled to Surterra Wellness centers in Tampa and North Port and got a look at what you call a dispensary.
"We do need to debunk a lot of the myths that are out there a lot. We don't want people to feel like they're doing anything wrong by seeking out cannabis," said Stephanie Maruca, a Registered Nurse and training manager for Surterra Wellness.
She broke down what is found in medical cannabis. THC is responsible for the psychoactive feeling and the counter, CBD, helps patients looking for relief.
"Every product you purchase, you are getting at least a little bit of one and the other. They work best together creating an entourage effect," Maruca explained.
A common myth is medical cannabis is a gateway drug.
"I like to think of it as an exit strategy for a lot of people," Maruca said. "Opioids have a lot of side effects on different body systems that cannabis doesn't."
People also think it makes you lazy or unmotivated.
"I was able to take a walk around the neighborhood, which was a feat in itself. Weeks later I started volunteering," Lengyel said.
Medical cannabis can't kill you. It's impossible to consume a lethal amount of this herb.
"Would you rather me continue to be on opioid pain medication, rather than something that cannot possibly kill me in anyway at any amount?" Lengyel said.
Medical cannabis in Florida is dispensed as an oil, topical or vape pen. There's a broad range of patients and conditions that cannabis can help, like Parkinson's Disease, PTSD, seizure disorders or Crohn's Disease.
Surterra Wellness said to not assume that cannabis is not for you and talk with your doctor.
Please see Video:
http://www.abc-7.com/clip/14181452/the-truth-about-medical-marijuana-myths
http://www.abc-7.com/story/37673655/the-truth-about-medical-marijuana-myths
No comments:
Post a Comment