Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1362577
33 cannapatientcare.com march/april 2021 | cannabis patient care caregiver focus The Mandile's Cannabis Challenges and Path to Advocacy The biggest challenge Jessica and Stephen faced on his can- nabis treatment journey was the stigma surrounding the plant. Many times, Jessica was concerned about what other parents of kids at school thought of the situation or if they would prevent their children from coming over to play with their two daughters. As more people heard Stephen's story, opin- ions began to change because they seemed to understand the situation better. "He challenged their ignorance and misconceptions because here was a veteran on cannabis sharing his story of healing and growth who didn't look or sound 'high.' When he told people his story they were amazed and came to see the possibility of cannabis as a medicine," Jessica explained. There aren't many resources offered from medical profes- sionals for patients to research cannabis. A lot of information has been found online or through cannabis advocates. As Ste- phen's experience has been shared, they have seen hundreds of peoples' views of cannabis change. Unfortunately, there are many people out there who still lack knowledge about can- nabis and how different strains work as well as the differ- ent ways cannabis can be used. "People truly had no idea that there was any pain relief associated with cannabis," she said. "I'd ask people if my daughters don't deserve a dad who can be there for them just because they don't believe in canna- bis. It got into people's heads and made them think. Then we ran into people who never considered their views to be wrong about cannabis. Stigma also has a lot to do with the way peo- ple look. Stigma causes people to think cannabis users look high and appear not put together. The fact that I am educat- ed in criminology definitely helped me get through to people. It gave me credibility." With stories from Stephen and other medical cannabis pa- tients, there is hope that the stigma surrounding cannabis will eventually disappear. Cannabis' biggest obstacle is the United States govern- ment. Due to the stigma and regulations reflecting those neg- ative opinions, access and cost are challenging and trouble- some. Jessica explained that the cost of cannabis is so far inflated and it is wrong. "Many veterans that get their health- care through the Department of Veterans Affairs are getting thousands of dollars' worth of prescriptions medications a month for free as an earned benefit. However, now those vet- erans are having to make a decision to use cannabis and pay hundreds of dollars out of pocket to get safe access," she said. "There is not a doubt in my mind that if it wasn't for cannabis that Stephen would be dead." Conclusion In the future, Jessica hopes to see cannabis legalization throughout every state across the country so that veterans can access cannabis for their medical treatments. The US Veterans Affairs (VA) is not open to recommending medical cannabis use. Another ambition of hers is to see the US VA adopt a program similar to what the Canadian VA has—providing access to the veterans and covering the cost of patients' cannabis. Nationally, it would be exceptional for laws to be passed expanding access to patient care and lowering the cost of cannabis so that pa- tients don't become bankrupt trying to afford a natural remedy to treat their chronic pain and other symptoms. As time passes, more states have recognized the importance of cannabis and its medicinal properties through their legislations to legalize for both recreational and medical use. Hesitancy is still at large because of the lack of research on the cannabis plant. How can something be judged only based on the stigma from its past? Hopefully, with stories from cannabis advocates and caregiv- ers like Jessica and Stephen Mandile, it will inspire trust in the plant that will allow for more research, further cementing the medicinal benefits we have all known the entire time. References: (1) https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6736a2.htm. (2) https://www.cannapatientcare.com/view/gateway-to-wellness- one-veteran-s-story-of-healing-through-medical-cannabis. Stephen and Jessica Mandile in Boston, Massachusetts.