After a 2005 injury and five surgeries, I was living in constant pain. In 2014, I was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CPRS) Type 1. The nerve affected causes my entire leg to misfire constantly sending pain signals to my brain. The pain never goes away, even with the medication, and can reach 9 & 10 on a pain scale from 1 – 10. 

The only things that help are THC & CBD infused creams and edibles. Since I can only use CBD in NC, I must take strong opioids daily.  I have been prescribed an opioid, methadone, for over three years now, and it is taking its toll on my body. I suffer occasionally from mild to severe lightheadedness; however, on a daily basis I deal with chronic constipation, which affects my overall well-being. It can make me nauseous and irritable. This requires me to drink Magnesium Citrate on a regular basis. Changing the laws in NC would provide me, and others suffering with this syndrome, the option to stop taking opioids with life impacting side effects, and have an option to take medical marjiuana. This one change would improve my quality of life.