Chronic pain

I would hope that Pharmac would have an open mind regarding medicinal cannabis. This natural product can improve the quality of life for those suffering long-term chronic pain.

My grandfather was one of those heroic persons. While he affirmed life, in his art and writing and his love for us all, he had horrible bouts of pain due to the stump/hip remaining after a leg amputation due to his action in the Battle of the Somme during World War I. He tried to spare us all from hearing his gasps and efforts to contain the pain by retreating to his bedroom to suffer alone far from the family.

The Health Ministry rejects medicinal cannabis for chronic

pain, which it says is subjective and can be difficult to define.

For us there could be no doubt that my grandfather’s attacks were real. His gasps, and moans during these episodes were a feature of his last 20 years of life. Those of us downstairs felt a helpless gloom knowing that endurance was the only solution.

Let New Zealand be progressive and join other countries in accepting medicinal cannabis for pain and neurological disorders.

Caroline Mabry, Auckland