 A 31-year-old Perth man with chronic genital itch was fined £300 (approx. US$600) for growing his own cannabis to relieve the pain. According to his solicitor (attorney), he's had severely itchy balls for at least three years. The fine is considered a slap on the wrist, for apparently the Perth Sheriff court was showing mercy.
Gregor Spalding had tried various prescribed medicines but the only thing that really worked was the cannabis, which he produced in the privacy of his own home in Perthshire. Police accidentally found the seven young, foot-high plants, while searching for his neighbor.
According to a BBC news report:
The court was previously told that Spalding had never been in trouble before and simply wanted to grow his own instead of using drug dealers to buy cannabis. In a letter to court, his doctor said, "He has a fixed belief that he has an underlying condition which has not been diagnosed. I can confirm he has had a chronic pain problem since 2004. He realizes this perhaps wasn't the cleverest thing to do, but in his eyes it was worth a try."
Mr. Spalding is actually not off the mark when it comes to cannabis's ability to alleviate symptoms of pain. I did a bit of research myself to see if there's any merit to his claims.
Cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for approximately 4,000 years. According to Wikipedia, "cannabis is most importantly indicated as an antiemetic for the treatment of nausea and anorexia associated with treatments for cancer, AIDS, and hepatitis." It also acts as an antispasmodic and anticonvulsant for sufferers of epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. It's been known to work as an analgesis and immunomodulator for mirgraines, arthritis and spinal/skeletal disorders. Medical cannabis is also beneficial for asthma and it reduces intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. Recent studies show marijuana's efficacy in treating mental problems such as post traumatic stress, depression, OCD, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Apparently, it's further known as a PMS, hypertension, constipation, insomnia and hangover alleviant.
Is there anything this stuff can't do? I didn't realize how well medical marijuana can work for various medical conditions, according to actual clinical studies conducted by respectable physicians and scientists.
I guess Mr. Spalding will have to either put up with irritated balls or move to California.
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