The Opioid and the Cannabinoid

The opioid was easy to get from an emergency room, family doctor, or pain specialist.
The cannabinoid was only available by mail from a handful of licensed producers.

The opioid promised me freedom and convenience.
The cannabinoid promised me complicated social mores.

The opioid broadcasted “Trust me, I’m safe!”
The cannabinoid murmured “I work”.

The opioid was synthesized in a lab into something that looks nothing like a red flower.
The cannabinoid grows at my home and is still a green flower when I use it.

The opioid caused jitters, made me drowsy, and interfered with my concentration.
The cannabinoid calmed my tremors, energized me, and motivated me to keep going.

The opioid made me eat. And eat. And drink.
The cannabinoid helped me recognize what my body really needed.

The opioid claimed “I know we’ve been here before, but I really won’t make you an addict this time”.
The cannabinoid offered “Let me help you overcome that addiction.”

The opioid suppresses one symptom: pain.
The cannabinoid heals bodies, minds, and spirits.

The opioid side-effects were worse than the pain it was supposed to relieve.
The cannabinoid healed damage doctors had long-accepted as permanent.

The opioid dampened some of my pain for awhile.
The cannabinoid gave me my life back.