In 1996 California voters were the first to usher in the re-utilization of cannabis (marijuana) as a medicine in the United States. Although there are approximately 1 million medical marijuana cardholders in California alone, many of them are still vulnerable to stigma created by decades of propaganda.
For example, this study demonstrated that facing social stigma was both a primary and recurring issue as it related to becoming a medical marijuana user and maintaining that status. Almost every participant had to face the stereotype that medical users were just “stoners” taking advantage of the law – even cancer patients!
Many of the patients actually bypassed their regular doctors and worked with medical “cannabis consultants” in order to avoid embarrassment and stigma with their personal physician. The same pattern of avoidance is often true when sharing this information with family and loved ones.
MMJ In The USA was created specifically to disseminate science-based, research-linked medical information about the positive usage of natural marijuana. Using factual research is very powerful in strengthening your resolve to confront those less educated, and reduce the stress associated with the choice of medicinal marijuana.
