WeedTRACKER - View Single Post - Is MMJ a Reason to Deny Someone a Transplant?

Oldog4tz · 11-11-2008, 11:27 AM

I'm gonna say no. Let me tell you the short version of my little story - I was diagnosed with HCV in '94 - did interferon in 95 - began using MM in '96 - in late 2003 UCSF put me on the transplant list with a MELD score of 17 (they try to do transplants in the 20s, certainly < 30). In dec 2003 i gave a thc positive urine. They had me retest- as i had quit smoking on my own six weeks earlier i though it would be clean - another positive. they sent a registered letter saying i was suspended until i completed "drug Treatment" and was "clean" 12 months. I sent them a registered letter back with my recommendation, and an agrument. they refused to hear it. I had a freind write me a letter saying I graduated from his treatment program. I quit giving them my urine

. Nonetheless i came close to croaking. My year supension was up april 15 2005 - i got a liver April 26, 9 hours after recieving the last rites. My MELD was 38.

I have, from the beginning, refused the vicodins, norcos, anti-depressents, and various mood elevators proffered. I continue to use, although mostly i vape these days. Because i have been very open about my use, a lot of post-transplant folks share their own experiences, although the croakers are still very closed.

From the perspective of the medical establishment, it's easy to see their reluctance. My Dr is willing to give me marinol, and they simply don't have the information or inclination to understand the difference. Their training, and bias is to "Respect the Organ" . Only a few years ago transplants were told they couldn't travel to mexico because of the possibilityof infection. We are still routinely told not to drink ANY alcohol, although it is clear (to me at least) that the admonishment has less to do with any real damage than with the possibility of alcoholic drinking.

11-11-2008, 11:27 AM	#12 (permalink)
Oldog4tz Since Prince Albert Was in a Can Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Solano Co-Op: No Vendor: No Patient: Yes Posts: 194 Rep Power: 3419	Re: Is MMJ a Reason to Deny Someone a Transplant? I'm gonna say no. Let me tell you the short version of my little story - I was diagnosed with HCV in '94 - did interferon in 95 - began using MM in '96 - in late 2003 UCSF put me on the transplant list with a MELD score of 17 (they try to do transplants in the 20s, certainly < 30). In dec 2003 i gave a thc positive urine. They had me retest- as i had quit smoking on my own six weeks earlier i though it would be clean - another positive. they sent a registered letter saying i was suspended until i completed "drug Treatment" and was "clean" 12 months. I sent them a registered letter back with my recommendation, and an agrument. they refused to hear it. I had a freind write me a letter saying I graduated from his treatment program. I quit giving them my urine . Nonetheless i came close to croaking. My year supension was up april 15 2005 - i got a liver April 26, 9 hours after recieving the last rites. My MELD was 38. I have, from the beginning, refused the vicodins, norcos, anti-depressents, and various mood elevators proffered. I continue to use, although mostly i vape these days. Because i have been very open about my use, a lot of post-transplant folks share their own experiences, although the croakers are still very closed. From the perspective of the medical establishment, it's easy to see their reluctance. My Dr is willing to give me marinol, and they simply don't have the information or inclination to understand the difference. Their training, and bias is to "Respect the Organ" . Only a few years ago transplants were told they couldn't travel to mexico because of the possibilityof infection. We are still routinely told not to drink ANY alcohol, although it is clear (to me at least) that the admonishment has less to do with any real damage than with the possibility of alcoholic drinking.