M41A, the information I have found thus far indicates that cannabinoids work in the brain and CNS to reduce perception of pain; thus reducing the amount of opiates neccessary for relief. I know this is the case for my pain, nausea, and sweats that accompany my pain. Some studies suggest to much cannabis cause an increase in pain. I have only found this to be the case w/ pain such as mild burns and scrapes. I'm sure we have all experienced the increase in pain after smoking a bowl following a mild abrasion. However, for bone pain, arthritis, nausea, neurogenic pain, nothing works better for me than a mild to moderate dose of good MJ.
As I said, between seeing patients, studying for boards, doing stupid projects, growing I don't have the time I would like to research this thoroughly. I don't take other drugs, and really try to limit my intake of narcotics. I don't want to wake up one day and find myself needing 6 - 8 lortabs, or God forbid oxycontin to function.
I also feel you on the family. We don't have children, but an arrest for possession / cultivation would probably prevent me from getting a license to practice. It's a damn shame! 75% of america supports medicinal
marijuana use. When is mainstream medicine going to wake up? Fuck, I support MJ use for recreational use only. If my doc refuses to treat me if I don't quit, I'll probably just take neccessary precautions for passing the UA.
Other info I've found, is that if you have nerve damage resulting from your injuries the number opiate receptors is reduced. The cannabinoid receptors remain intact, which could explain why cannabis works so well neurogenic pain. Regardless, this doc has so many folks coming in for no other reason than to get pills every month. They are opiate addicts, and will likely be for life. This is not my desire for my future, nor anyone elses for that matter. That being said, I see myself in a rocking chair smoking a J in my retirement years. I do not see myself waking up to 20 mg of hydrocodone and a cup of coffee. Shit has got to change!
My goal is to have an intelligent conversation w/ the doc about my experience. I wonder if someone test positive for alcohol, if the doc would continue to care for them? Alcohol + hydrocodone can kill. I haven't found any cases of hydrocodone + weed = death.