With marijuana legalization being proposed for 2018 it seems the stigma of those that use for medicinal reasons may be lifting.

SueAnne McInniss a local mom of three was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2013, and says she really had to wrap her head around her own self judgement when it came to initially trying medical marijuana a year ago.

McInniss says her husband was the one who suggested she give it a try. "It's funny because he never used it (marijuana), I did a bit when I was like 16; so I was kind of hesitant I was one of those people who was more judgey...like are people using it as an excuse?! However I was wrong."

In order to manage pain and symptoms, McInniss was on a number of prescription meds, "It's been a huge difference. I am off all anti-anxiety because this I can use as I need it. I don't have to take it every day if I don't need it. I can have a couple of puffs off a joint; I'm not wasted. I can still function but it takes away all my anxiety, stress, I get clear headed, I battle fatigue and when I take it fatigue completely goes away and it also helps with my overactive bladder due to nerve damage, and it really helps with sleep."

Being on prescription drugs, while more socially acceptable, came with side effects McInniss wasn't loving. Some caused her to lose core strength, others more depressive symptoms; but she took them to manage symptoms of nerve pain, charlie horses and restless legs, so she could sleep at night. 

The hardest part for McInniss was definitely the social acceptance piece. With MS, McInniss has chosen a paleo diet/lifestyle so she chose to smoke over edibles. "I didn't want to be labelled as a stoner and in my head, I thought if I was smoking it, I was more worried about what people would think." She does use oil as well but it takes longer to kick in compared to the fast relief of smoking.

McInniss says she still battles with her own head when it comes to using but is hopeful this will start conversation and encourage others to speak up who choose to look for alternative ways to manage pain. McInniss says while not everyone is supportive of her decision and she knows it is controversial, she says the positives of how she feels out weigh the negative. "You don't really enjoy life when you're heavily medicated on other stuff, I am glad I have this. I like to feel my self, I like to feel my own thoughts, I don't like to feel like I'm drugged up; that's why it's funny to say I use medicinal marijuana but I can control it, if I feel good I don't use it, if I need it, it's there."

Does she feel legalization will help her mindset? Absolutely. "I have three kids, I do worry sometimes. I am very open with my kids, my two older ones are almost 13 and 17, they are good; they know about it and they understand why. I have MS and people are usually more understanding."

While Alberta Health Services do not have statistics for how many people use medicinal marijuana, a research paper published states "Although it is illegal, cannabis is a widely used substance in Canada. Nationally, 10.5% of Canadians self-report using cannabis within the last 12 months and 33.7% report lifetime use. In Alberta, 8.9% used cannabis within the last 12 months."

If McInniss' story can help others, she is happy to share.