Two ACC Patients Tell Their Story

Couple Discuss Reasons for Medical Marijuana Use

Many thanks for Chris and DJ for being brave enough to do this interview with WAFF 48 in Huntsville. Also, many thanks to Robyn McGlohn for doing this story in such a respectful way.

Couple discusses reasons for medical marijuana use
Posted: Jan 14, 2010 5:32 PM CST Updated: Jan 15, 2010 5:37 AM CST

By Robyn McGlohn - bio | email

CULLMAN, AL (WAFF) - The debate over medical marijuana use will soon be a topic on Alabama lawmaker's agenda. A state lawmaker from Birmingham is again pushing a medical marijuana bill.

Chris and DJ Butts are both users of medical marijuana because they both suffer from illnesses. They say it dulls the pain, and it's the healthy alternative to what they are prescribed.

Chris and DJ have been married for 12 years and have three children. They tell their story in hopes House Bill 207 passes through the 2010 Legislative session.

The bill, sponsored by representative Patricia Todd of Birmingham, wants Alabama to recognize certain illnesses, like cancer, anoxeria, and chronic arthritis, are alleviated by the effects of marijuana.

The bill also states if passed, doctors will not be penalized for discussing or recommending the use, and those who qualify will be allowed to grow no more than 12 marijuana plants.

But for the last 4 years it's failed in the legislature. Which means the Butts do what they can to get it.

"Right now it's a drug deal. It's a street transaction just like anything else," said DJ.

They know their actions are not right, feel the choice to smoke is a better alternative than what their doctor's prescribe.

"First of all there are about 535 pills per month that I'm supposed to put into my body, opiate based," said Chris.

"It's a snowball, and before you know it you're taking 10 pills a day and most of them are to counteract symptoms from the original pill," said DJ.

The Butts want to make it clear they're not hippies or pot heads looking for a good time. They belong to a church and they say they're Alabama citizens who want the right to make their own decisions with their doctors.