I don't consider myself a criminal, no. But the truth is I did break the law in order to obtain medical weed for my sister to use last summer, and I guess I broke the law again by smoking it with her.

I'm not the criminal type. And it makes me sick I had to violate the law in order to obtain a medically helpful substance for my sister. These days, I make the choice not to buy weed or smoke it because, whether I agree with this or not, it still is illegal--and because the risk for potential complications to my life, my husband's life, and my career as a physician in training is too great. I fully admit I'm perhaps overly cautious, but the stakes just seem too high for me to take the risk. And besides, I signed an ethics/honor agreement at the beginning of the school term promising I wouldn't use illicit drugs (or cheat or break the law in any other way).

The fact that I can't legally use weed is a source of great consternation to me. I enjoyed the toking I did with my sister last summer. And I enjoyed the toking I did back during my undergraduate years. I have all the makings of a great stoner, and I will forever be a passionate advocate for its use, particularly medically.

I hope I'll eventually live to see the day when cannabis is legal and easy to obtain for people like me. When that day comes, I'll be the first one in line for it.