Until a year ago, Hazel, a 58-year-old art teacher, had not considered attending a workshop on medical cannabis. That changed when her daughter began showing signs of multiple sclerosis (MS).
“A month ago, my 15-year-old daughter was lying in bed in pain. Now, with just a few drops, she can move the fingers that were numb in the mornings,” Hazel said.
Costa Rica Cultiva, a nonprofit with more than 200 active members, offers education and advice to patient groups and people in need. It organizes special workshops for patients who have improved after using medical cannabis for the first time.
This weekend, Marielos Blanco and Argery Herrera again taught more than 30 people how to make an effective homemade medical cannabis oil. Access to personal cultivation has helped thousands in the country. Both women also suffered from fibromyalgia and chronic pain, but after improving, they now teach others.
“This plant is something that will change your life starting today,” Marielos said at the workshop.
During the four-hour session, patients each produced a bottle expected to ease their illness for about a month. They would later have their own plants so they could supply themselves independently.
“Voluntary work is necessary in every community. People donate resources and time to help participants. In my view, this is spiritual growth that makes us better people. We are developing as a group,” Hazel said.
Across the country, patients suffer from conditions that may be treated with cannabinoids. The report says that, thanks to the weekend workshop, many people with severe cancer, epilepsy, insomnia, Parkinson's, rheumatoid conditions and other illnesses woke today without pain or seizures.
