The myths surrounding the process of obtaining medicinal marijuana differ greatly. Some people will say it’s extremely easy, while others state how difficult it is. I have had to clear up ridiculous rumors surrounding cannabis use in one class after another and have had to speak openly about my own use and conditions.

Trying to keep my personal life out of the limelight of controversy has been nearly impossible. I have decided to set the record straight with many people out there, hoping to bring a better understanding of cannabis patients.

Suffering from a variety of disorders – epilepsy, migraines, back pain, Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder, insomnia, gastritis and depression – I found myself flooded with pills that counteracted each other along with very high hospital and prescription bills.

I decided to try a drug alternative that I was weary of: medicinal marijuana.

I had heard of a local clinic that operates solely to help cannabis users, NorCal Health Care. I made an appointment and was instructed to have a California drivers license or ID card, a copy of my medical records and $150 dollars for administration fees when I came in.

The license and medical records I had, but I had to call in a few favors to cover the medical fee.

When I arrived, I had to be buzzed in through an electric gate after my appointment had been confirmed by security. When I walked in, I had to present my drivers license to prove who I was and was directed down the hall to the doctor’s office. I had to present my license again to the receptionist and was asked to present my medical records and pay the administration fee.

Once that was done, I was given medical forms to fill out explaining my medical history, what my symptoms were and what other alternatives I had tried to help with those symptoms. At this point, I thought that I had to have cancer or a severe illness to be authorized or even considered.

By the time the doctor called me in, I was sure that I had wasted my time and money. I sat quietly as the doctor looked over my records, marking which pages to make copies of. I was asked a series of questions such as, “Do you think cannabis will help you with your ailments?” and “Why didn’t these other prescriptions work?”

After a 30-minute discussion, the doctor gave me authorization. I was handed a temporary license to use medical cannabis in California only. I was told about an overall set of rules that seems to be parallel to the laws over alcohol. The responsibility of finding out state and county laws are up to the patient.

Cannabis is still illegal under federal law and authorization for use is only in the state. The federal government is still debating issues about legalizing medicinal cannabis. Until a decision can be reached, people are encouraged to keep use inside residential homes for sake of having to deal with any kind of trouble with authorities.

With my temporary license in hand, I was directed to a small cannabis store inside the health care facility. I was, once again, asked to show my driver’s license and my temporary cannabis license. My picture was taken, and I was told to expect my cannabis card in the mail after 4-6 weeks.

The small store had a variety of over 30 different brands of cannabis in prescription bottles behind a glass case. The staff helped me pick out the types of marijuana that would best help me. The price ranged similar to what you would pay on the street, only the product is fresher and more potent.

After using the drug for over two weeks, I have experienced a remarkable difference. I get better sleep at night, am more productive, eat regularly and have even lost weight. I find myself not moving around as much in class and have been able to relax easier under stressful situations.

I still fight stereotypes and have to work against the conservative belief that all people who want medicinal marijuana are all just a bunch of potheads.

I’m an average person like anybody else who wants to lead a productive life and cannabis helps me do that. With support and hard work, the federal government will approve the drug. More people will have access to it and not have to worry about being arrested just for taking a drug.