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A young man who is a friend of theirs has cancer in the spine. He is just over twenty years old, is experiencing extreme nausea, and is in the late stages of the condition. I don’t really know who he is, but we share mutual friends and I know he is a brother of mine. We are all brothers in our guaranteed deaths.

I am not a particular fan of priests or theology. Being a materialist, I tend only to think in terms of what I can see right here in this world. How much pain can I reduce? What could I actually do of value for this young man?

The young man indicated to his friends that he would love to try medical marijuana in edible form. He understood the legal risks but wanted to exercise his freedom and dignity. His desire presumably stemmed from a lack of appetite and regular wanting to puke – I can only imagine having the joy of food slowly taken away.

Marijuana is perfect for lessening these symptoms (it sparks an appetite in almost everyone!), and there is little risk of negative interaction with medications. For some, it even induces a calm introspection that makes staring down death just that little bit easier.
We live in a truly transient world. We will all die. Our lives have value; seize it while you can. I am within a metre of graduating with a law degree and I absolutely encourage the breaking of unjust laws. I will do it throughout my life, and I will deliver.

The Misuse of Drugs Act, which deals with medical marijuana, is one such unjust law. I will do what I can for my brother despite the law and any risk it could pose to me. There is no “if” about it: I acquired an ounce of high-grade marijuana and I am overseeing the process of making it into edibles. It will be delivered. I will deliver.