The recent ruling of the Arizona court of appeals case Jones vs Arizona is a major source of concern for Arizona Medical Marijuana patients that rely on concentrates as the primary form of cannabis for treating their illnesses. Some patients require concentrates as the only form of cannabis for ingestion to treat their illness. Stephen Rogers of Arizona is one of those patients. He recently wrote an open letter to NORML in order for us to share his story. If you or someone you know is an MMJ patient is in the same situation for the necessity of concentrates we encourage to share your story with others as well.  Here is the letter we received from Stephen

First off thank you and good day unto you at NORML, my name is Stephen Rogers I am a 36 year old college graduate and IT professional whom only wishes to help with the struggle we currently face.  I am a grand mal epileptic whom is terminal.  My medical condition and the area of my brain in which it affects will eventually kill me.  Doctors tell me I should actually be dead by this point, it is surprising that I have managed to live this long.  Personally I attribute this to the usage of marijuana and in it’s various forms.  This is in large part due to it’s ability to actually knock me out at night.  I have been on pharmaceuticals namely Tegretol XR and Ritalin for the majority of my life. Since the age of 5 I was actually diagnosed with ADHD and on Ritalin for the majority of my childhood. When taken off of it I had my first grand mal seizure less than 6 months later, as I know now unfortunately this is a very common situation.  I will be on Tegretol for the rest of my life to prevent the seizures that can kill me at any point.  I have nearly died from them multiple times and my wife has actually seen me turn blue from it before.  I found the usage of marijuana in it’s various forms to be beneficial at preventing the seizures indirectly, I say this because the main cause of my seizures is actually sleep deprivation.  Lets just say insomnia and epilepsy are not good bed fellows but if you can prevent the sleep problem well then you are golden.  As much as I know my disease will kill me I am not fond of life in general and all it has to offer.

I graduated from University of Phoenix where I have also held a job for over 10 years with a Bachelors degree in IT and a Certificate in Advanced Software Development.  All while using flower and concentrates. I utilize high strength shatter wax and am about to start testing a high strength CBD oil for the epilepsy that my family is professionally developing in a company in TX I believe.  As of current I have no criminal record and been the sole income in my household for the last 4 years while supporting my disabled wife through her course in obtaining a Psychology Degree.  I am a user of concentrate and have never abused the usage of these products. I am more than willing to assist in any way I can and figured being a disabled and successful medical marijuana user would be good for the cause overall.  Personally I am in favor of full legalization though I figure it is a year or two out in Arizona. I support NORML and would be happy to assist you as honestly I think a disabled family using the product per the law would be beneficial.

Stephen Rogers 480-843-4587 wicnwitchofwest1@gmail.com