Tag Archives: better-quality

Marta Portuguez of Roselle Park is one of the law's potential beneficiaries. The 49-year-old woman suffers from 10 different illnesses, including gastroparesis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Her symptoms include muscle spasms, attacks of nausea, and severe pain. “The diseases are my constant companions,” she said. “I'm on pain medications, and the doctors don't allow me to work. Not that I could — I find it impossible to sit for more than half an hour.” Portuguez turned to medical marijuana on the advice of a family member who knew someone very ill whose doctor had recommending trying it. “I didn't really know anything about it, but the more research I did, the more clear it became that it would be a great help. My stomach is dead, and I needed medication I don't have to take orally,” she explained. “They brought some to me and it was like a miracle,” Portuguez exclaimed. “I went from horrific pain 24-7 even with morphine, to almost no pain, almost immediately. I could be rolled up in a ball shaking and puking my guts out, and when I use it, that immediately starts dissipating. It's quite remarkable. I can sit down with my husband and children and enjoy a movie. I have a little bit better quality of life; I'm not always so sick.” But because marijuana is illegal, Portuguez is unable to get regular access to it. “I don't have it all the time,” she said. “It's sporadic. I'm not comfortable with the fact that it's illegal, that's why it's so important for it to be legalized. It's about compassion and helping your fellow human beings.” http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2010/sep/22/new_jersey_patients_fume_over_me added by: JackHerer