[420 Girl]

In November, 2008 Michigan ushered in the medical marijuana act. Since then more than 20,000 applications to take part in the program have been received.

For one Macomb County family, it’s been a lifeline for their cancer-stricken son.

Marijuana. Pot. Weed. Whatever it’s called, it is popular. 100 million Americans have smoked it.

Yet for people like Matthew Watkins who is battling brain cancer, it’s not about getting high. It’s about relieving excruciating pain and maintaining enough weight to stay alive.

At age 17, doctors found a large cancerous tumor in Matthew’s brain. Surgery could not remove it all. So weeks of radiation and a year of chemotherapy followed.

During that time Matthew was throwing up all the time. He was tired and didn’t want to do anything. His weight went from 136 pounds to 117.

His mom, Kim Watkins, told us in the beginning doctors gave Matthew a one to five year death sentence. But she refused to believe it.

Matthew was put on everything from morphine to vicodin for pain.

Kim was concerned because she knew the drugs were powerful and potentially addictive.

Matthew’s doctor suggested medical marijuana for weight gain and pain. His dad buys it from a state registered caregiver who is trained to grow it for medicinal purposed only and for a limited number of patients.

The marijuana costs the Watkins family about $750 for the 2 ½ ounces they are allowed to buy at a time. It lasts about two months.

Dr. William Gonte of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Certification Center examines patients like Matthew to determine if they qualify for medical marijuana.

He says the drug is most appropriate for weight loss and pain control.

A physician must state in writing that a patient is suffering from a debilitating medical condition like cancer, HIV/AIDS, Crohn’s disease or Multiple Sclerosis.

Then the state issues an identification card.

Dr. Gonte says “at that point you’re allowed to carry marijuana for the purpose that the state of Michigan law states and the patients are legitimate and should have no trouble.

Matthew’s dad keeps his marijuana under lock and key.

In California, thousands of storefronts sell marijuana. It’s estimated to be a $14 billion business.

Here in Michigan, doctors say medical marijuana facilities may be operating one day soon. Dr. Gonte speculates tobacco companies will set them up and sell pre packaged marijuana.

For Matthew, medical marijuana has helped him gain 7 to 8 pounds. It has relieved his pain and some of his intense anger and fear.

His mom’s only wish now is that like those potent and sometimes addictive pain killers in a bottle, insurance companies will foot the bill for medical marijuana too.

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