Research – I Have a Question

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I’ve never worried about offending while writing fiction. Fiction is fiction, and if we’re going to have to start getting all politically correct in our fiction then I don’t see the point of writing it. BUT… I once read a review of a fellow writer’s book, with the reviewer ranting at her for encouraging rape, because one of her characters didn’t take suitable revenge against her attacker. She changed her story because of that review.

I wouldn’t have in that instance because even in life, not all victims are brave enough to do so.  But I am wondering what readers reactions would be to a certain other thing, so I’d really appreciate any of your opinions on condoning Cannabis (marijuana) for medical purposes and pain relief in a work of fiction. It’s unlikely to get me to change much of the book that I’ll soon be launching at unsuspecting readers, but for once I think I should ask before the fact. Would any of you readers be appalled? Would it bring on a scathing review? Would any of you scribblers hesitate before adding such a thing to your plot?

PS. I am NOT a pot smoker and never have been – nor do I condone or not condone it – just in case anyone’s wondering. More of a Pinotage kind of girl myself.

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Image Credit: United States Government – Public Domain

66 thoughts on “Research – I Have a Question

    Jack Eason said:
    November 9, 2014 at 1:24 pm

    Like you said Jo, when it comes to fiction, what you say is purely within the context of the story. It hardly, if ever, represents your own beliefs and moral stance. Go for it! 😉

    Liked by 2 people

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 9, 2014 at 1:29 pm

      Do you reckon Jack? If I were to change that part of it now it would mean going back and rewriting and rethinking quite a bit. It just suddenly occurred to me that to some people it’s a highly hated thing, and I wouldn’t want the whole story to be rejected just because it has a little of that in it. Thank you so much for answering Jack – I really appreciate it. HUGS! 🙂 X

      Liked by 1 person

    john flanagan said:
    November 9, 2014 at 1:28 pm

    Jo, this was an interesting read, i enjoyed the points of view

    Liked by 1 person

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 9, 2014 at 1:30 pm

      Thanks John – I was quite nervous asking the question to be honest, but getting answers from seasoned and not so seasoned writers will definitely be a help here – for once I’m dithering. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    First Night Design said:
    November 9, 2014 at 1:46 pm

    I echo Jack – go for it.

    Liked by 1 person

    sknicholls said:
    November 9, 2014 at 1:47 pm

    I think editors get so focused on what sells that they sometimes can’t see the value in the story.

    Liked by 2 people

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 9, 2014 at 2:04 pm

      You’re right! Not sure how I got this particular spot of the wobblies. It was less of a worry writing about murder and racism. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    The Crazy Crone said:
    November 9, 2014 at 1:48 pm

    I think it’s quite appropriate to include material on cannabis use for medicinal purposes. Times are changing and people are becoming more open to the view that pain can be a scourge for people and if cannabis helps, so be it. I have to say too that I don’t believe writers should self-censor because they’re worried about readers’ responses. In the present day there can be some awful comments thrown around, but in the end it’s the writer’s responsibility to put into words what comes from their heart, not what comes from fear of criticism. If I had been the writer of the rape scene, I would definitely not have changed the content. It’s all very well for people to expect those who’ve been raped to stand up and be hugely powerful, but life isn’t like that. Some people – men and women – are not gung-ho or may be introverts, that’s they’re right. Because one person might like to bash up a rapist, it doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone (although, personally, I’d take revenge by working out how to make the rapist look pathetic and cowardly, much more long-lasting than beating him up!).

    Liked by 3 people

    The Crazy Crone said:
    November 9, 2014 at 1:49 pm

    Oops, should have read “”that’s their right”. I’m a grammar nazi!

    Liked by 2 people

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 9, 2014 at 2:11 pm

      You’ve just made me feel 100% better – in fact I think exactly as you do. To be honest I’d never given it any thought before, then when I researched its medical benefits (after already having it pop up in the story) I was quite amazed at how many people it is supposed to have helped. Looking back now at the pain my mom went through before she passed away from cancer, if I could have laid my hands on it then I would have given it to her gladly if it would have made her exit less agonising. Thank you for getting my perspective straight again! On the rape issue – there are also so many who never even tell about what happened to them for their whole lives – although any one of the filth that do such things deserve the worst that can be given to them. XX

      Liked by 1 person

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 9, 2014 at 2:11 pm

      LOLOL! 😀 😀

      Like

    Victo Dolore said:
    November 9, 2014 at 3:05 pm

    Several thoughts: One, people do use MJ for pain, legally or not. Two, writing about it is not condoning it. Three, it is your story, you can write about whatever you want.

    Liked by 2 people

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 9, 2014 at 3:09 pm

      True, true, and true – thank you Victo! I was really hoping to get your opinion on this. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

    marianallen said:
    November 9, 2014 at 3:23 pm

    Write the story the way the story works best. There will ALWAYS be somebody who won’t like it, whatever you write. As long as YOU like it and THE STORY likes it, you’re fine. People who write murder mysteries aren’t condoning murder, even if the perpetrator gets away with it.

    Liked by 1 person

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 9, 2014 at 3:27 pm

      I like it quite a lot. 😀 The plants inject a tiny bit of humour that is probably needed in this one. I kept imagining the reviews though – “You’re providing the excuse for addicts to smoke drugs”. A momentary lapse of reason, and with your lovely words my last doubt is gone. HUGS! XXX

      Like

    Carol Balawyder said:
    November 9, 2014 at 3:27 pm

    Jo, I would not be appalled. Here’s a quote from the government of Canada site:
    Dried marijuana is not an approved drug or medicine in Canada. The Government of Canada does not endorse the use of marijuana, but the courts have required reasonable access to a legal source of marijuana when authorized by a physician.

    And here’s the USA position on medical use of marijuana:
    Doctors also may prescribe medical marijuana to treat:

    Muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis
    Nausea from cancer chemotherapy
    Poor appetite and weight loss caused by chronic illness, such as HIV, or nerve pain
    Seizure disorders
    Crohn’s disease

    The FDA has also approved THC, a key ingredient in marijuana, to treat nausea and improve appetite. It’s available by prescription Marinol (dronabinol) and Cesamet (nabilone).

    Yes, you might offend some readers but you can’t please everyone. 🙂

    Like

    thegatvolblogger said:
    November 9, 2014 at 3:29 pm

    Your work has to remain true to itself. For example, with the rape situation, you have to remain true to the persons character. If they are the vengeful type then it makes sense to seek revenge. One thing is they shouldn’t act out of character unless you can illustrate their motivation. This was the point Aristotle was making in the Poetics. If you manipulate the situation and don’t show the characters motivation, readers will feel cheated. As the author, you know your characters better than anyone and how they would react in any given situation or predicament. Some readers or viewers tend to overreact over fiction. You can’t change that. Maybe getting reactions, positive or negative, is a good thing than having no reaction at all. It stimulates dialogue and debate. I once performed a poem live and at the end of it people were arguing. I was surprised by the reaction but the good thing it was better than the polite clapping that accompanies most poetry readings regardless of whether the piece is good or bad. Its better to talk about issues that people would normally prefer not to talk about. Dialogue goes a long way in resolving conflict and tackling taboos. That is not to say be controversial for the sake of it.

    Like

    Sue Vincent said:
    November 9, 2014 at 3:42 pm

    Personally I wouldn’t change it unless you, yourself feel it isn’t right for the story. I have seen to many sufferers with conditions like MS benefit from cannabis to disapprove of its medical use. Opium is more dangerous and available in various forms on a doctors prescription.

    Like

    Ronovan said:
    November 9, 2014 at 3:51 pm

    I wouldn’t have a problem with it. Morphine is used for medical purposes as well as other highly addictive medications. My mother was a nurse in nursing homes and she felt that if they used it there many of her patients would have been able to enjoy life a little more without a lot of the problems they had. She herself has Fibromyalgia, as do many in her family and she thinks it would be great for that as well.
    It’s already used as such, a reality. Some are for it and some may be against it. Most of the people I know are okay with it as a medicinal thing.

    Like

    Green Embers said:
    November 9, 2014 at 4:13 pm

    In my opinion, there is little that won’t offend someone — so I wouldn’t worry about it. For me personally I wouldn’t care if you had a user that was taking heroin and cocaine, so long as it fit the story and/or the character. Stick with your original plan and if you do get scathing reviews where the only real criticism is having pot smokers, then you can ignore it.

    Like

    coldhandboyack said:
    November 9, 2014 at 4:16 pm

    I always question myself about controversial things. There is no harm in questioning.

    I have a guy outright abusing prescription meds in my current project. It’s part of who he is and adds to his character. Funny how a brutal murder is acceptable, but we worry about the political hot topics.

    Part of it goes to how you write it. I’ve read mysteries where murder happens off camera. I’ve read some that were slasher fiction. They appeal to different audiences.

    I also ask myself if it’s important to the story. I have a story with missing people in it. They are never accounted for, and a massive search never happens. It’s an historical piece, and the Internet, Interpol, and fingerprints weren’t available. Transportation was also an issue. It changes the characters in the story, so I left it.

    I have an idea for a short story. A rape is the easiest way to set the mood and pace. There has been a lot of griping lately about using rape as a crutch to motivate a female character. I’ve never written it, and am still letting it percolate.

    I say debate and second guess to your heart’s content. When you’re finished, write the story your way, but dedicated to the decision you make.

    Like

    John W. Howell said:
    November 9, 2014 at 4:28 pm

    It’s your story. Tell it the way you want to tell it. I have little patience for the policies of correctness that dictate what is or is not okay to write about. Medical marijuana has a place. Why not describe it?

    Like

    belsbror said:
    November 9, 2014 at 5:01 pm

    As you said: fiction is fiction. I often wonder if we do not write what reality is, we could all be writing science fiction. 🙂
    I write what a criminal might think or do but that does not mean I condone the criminal act.
    As for your question, I’d say go for it. Write it as you wish.

    Like

    Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. said:
    November 9, 2014 at 5:09 pm

    If you look at the average television show today there seems to be nothing sacred. A few episodes of Breaking Bad and you wonder where you have been all your life! As a writer you are reporting on life as an observer and it does not mean you condone any form of anti-social behaviour but it still exists. Vets have been using medical marijuana for quite a time and since animals do not suffer from the placebo effect and still benefit from it I am pretty sure it must be good stuff if you need it. I have never smoked pot even in the 60s when the recreational variety was the in thing but if ever I need to relieve excrutiating pain I would certainly give it a try. The addictive elements are minimised in the variety used for medical grade so that is not a factor. Go for it….

    Like

    Smorgasbord - Variety is the Spice of Life. said:
    November 9, 2014 at 5:10 pm

    Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
    A question of ethics in writing from Jo Robinson – is there anything you feel that you should not write about…

    Liked by 1 person

    sondasmcschatter said:
    November 9, 2014 at 5:40 pm

    JO— I’M NOT A POT SMOKER EITHER— BUT I KNOW HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD TOTAL LIFE CHANGES IN THEIR HEALTH BY USE -BY SMOKING OR BY THE OIL– ETC- ETC -ETC!!!!!!!!! I PROMOTE & SHARE INFORMATION ON ALL NATURAL ALTERNATIVE HEALTH PRACTICES ON MY BLOG— IF PEOPLE DON’T LIKE IT –THEY DON’T HAVE TO READ IT!!!!!! BUT I ALSO GET ON MY SOAP BOX ABOUT LOT OF THINGS—- 🙂 GO GIRL—SHARE THE TRUTH!!! 🙂

    Like

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 15, 2014 at 12:54 pm

      I LOVE YOUR SOAP BOX SONDA! IT’S SO AMAZING TO ME THE NEW THINGS THAT ARE BEING DISCOVERED IN THE MEDICAL WORLD, WITH SOME OF THE THINGS BEFORE THOUGHT DANGEROUS NOW BEING FOUND TO BE BENEFICIAL, AND THINGS THAT WE THOUGHT WERE HARMLESS ARE DEADLY. THANK YOU, AND ROCK ON MY FRIEND! 🙂 x

      Liked by 1 person

    gillswriting said:
    November 9, 2014 at 6:16 pm

    If it fits the story and feels right for you the author, then leave it alone I say. Not that I am qualified to comment but remember you cannot please all the people all the time and as you rightly say fiction is fiction. I’m with you on the pinotage preference for sure!

    Like

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 15, 2014 at 12:51 pm

      You’re most definitely qualified Gill! I had a momentary wobble – mainly because of my online friends to be honest, not so much people I don’t know. I would never want to hurt any of them by being insensitive, and I know that a lot of people have been hurt by drug using family or friends. But now I know that they’re all far too sensible and cool to think that way. Have a glass of the red gold for sundowners and I’ll toast you from a little way down our gorgeous continent. HUGS! X

      Liked by 1 person

    Silver Threading said:
    November 9, 2014 at 6:31 pm

    I think fiction should be fiction and the author should have the ability to write her story, be it politically correct or not. It is not an in person interview. It is fiction that a fictional character might say. It bothers me that a book reviewer could not see that the book was fiction. I might be naive though. I am new at this.

    Like

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 15, 2014 at 12:48 pm

      You’re totally right book reviewers should see that fiction is fiction. I’m definitely going to leave it just as it is now. 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

        Silver Threading said:
        November 15, 2014 at 2:16 pm

        Good. Its your work to write as you wish! 🌹

        Like

    teagan geneviene said:
    November 9, 2014 at 7:11 pm

    Wow Jo — what a great comment thread you generated with this one. I try to be an equal opportunity offender, so i’m inclined to say go for it.
    I also know how the writer of the “rape scene” felt, since some of my favorite readers criticized my online story when i didn’t “punish” the bad guys enough. Was a supposed to suddenly turn a gentle story into Charles Bronson?
    My point in saying that is that someone will always be eager to criticize. Sometimes we’re just not up for the stress of having judgment inflicted by the masses.
    If you avoid the bruises by the verbally thrown stones, how could i fault you for it?
    Huge hugs my friend. 🙂

    Like

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 15, 2014 at 12:40 pm

      I’m ready for the bruises on this one Teagan. 🙂 The story itself is about much more than drugs, so I might take some stones for that too. I’m actually totally not nervous about it anymore. The way these things go nobody will notice it at all. 😀 HUGS! ❤

      Liked by 1 person

    Mike Grant said:
    November 9, 2014 at 7:18 pm

    Actually Jo I just mentioned much the same thing in recent a blog although it wasn’t about medical marijuana…just pot in general. Like you I don’t imbibe but if others do then…it’s their life. One of my characters is against drugs and mentions this a few times in my book. I received some overly-critical comments about casting my narrow-minded opinions out there. Surprisingly (not so) these comments were from pot smokers. Because my character has an opinion it doesn’t mean it’s my opinion…it’s fiction folks, get over it.

    Like

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 15, 2014 at 12:38 pm

      I like that Mike “…it’s fiction folks, get over it…” I suppose smoking pot is one of those things that some people feel strongly about – especially if it’s affected their own lives in some way. I agree – live and let live. Before I thought about reactions the book was mostly written, and I like it so that’s the way it will stay now, even if I get some one star beatings. I’d also done the cover by then too, and it has a pale leaf worked into the design – which I quite like too. 😀

      Liked by 1 person

    christineplouvier said:
    November 9, 2014 at 8:28 pm

    As a retired RN, I have a strong background in pharmacology, so I can attest that pot, in any of its incarnations, is not harmless. But then, none of the other chemicals with which people medicate (self or prescribed, in or out of the pharmacopoeia) are harmless, either. All chemicals that are used as drugs have desired effects, side effects, and adverse effects, and which one is which depends on why the drug is being taken.

    Just like writing about any other aspect of life, whether or not fiction about this topic is controversial, is in the eye of the beholder. Oddly enough, I was surprised about how much controversial material ended up in my first novel (see my posts, “Not Your Mother’s Mills & Boon” at http://wp.me/p30cCH-8u and “If Only Life Would Imitate Art!” at http://wp.me/p30cCH-87). My second novel also heads in dodgy directions.

    We write what’s right for the story that demands to be written. If that spoils the book for a reader, well, there’s not much we can do about that. It’s the old, “a rose is a weed, in a cornfield” thing.

    Like

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 15, 2014 at 12:28 pm

      “…We write what’s right for the story that demands to be written…” You’re right Christine. It’s funny how these seeds are planted in our heads and then just refuse to go away. I don’t think my story would work as it is without the pot, and I’m sure that I haven’t written it in any way that would encourage anyone to take up the habit. The medical research I did on some of the things it’s supposed to help were really interesting though. I think that for terminal patients or those in extreme pain it’s maybe not so bad.

      Like

    olganm said:
    November 9, 2014 at 8:43 pm

    I agree. It reminds me of the story of the father, his son and the donkey. You will be criticised whatever you do and you’ll never please everybody, so you might as well please yourself. I note Mike’s comment and I was thinking on the same lines, that you might actually get quite a few people rooting for it. As a psychiatrist I’ve seen many people with mental health problems whose use of Cannabis makes matters much worse and they become very paranoid. There are also studies that suggest early use might be linked to schizophrenia later in life (but difficult to know if this is a chance finding or a cause). None of this relates at all to the specific use you describe. You’re not writing a prescriptive treatise but a fiction novel…Go for it!

    Like

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 15, 2014 at 12:22 pm

      Thanks Olga! In my story it’s only used by elderly people with serious pain and health issues, and mainly orally and not smoked (apart from one very old fellow who’s not that into rules). The things you say are exactly what made me think twice about having it in my book, but after everyone’s helpful comments I don’t believe that I’m promoting drug abuse. 🙂 X

      Like

    T Ibara Photo said:
    November 10, 2014 at 9:36 am

    Hello Jo,
    My apologies to see this post so late, but I agree with the comments. I wouldn’t be appalled at all! 🙂

    Like

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 15, 2014 at 12:16 pm

      Thank you Takami my friend! I still haven’t got my postcards, but still being told to be patient. I got my September phone bill yesterday though. 😀 X

      Like

        T Ibara Photo said:
        November 15, 2014 at 1:41 pm

        Thanks for your reply, Jo 🙂
        I’m still keeping hope my postcards will be in your hands safely. As they say, better late than never 😀 ❤

        Like

          jorobinson176 responded:
          November 15, 2014 at 1:49 pm

          And I’ll appreciate them more than ever! Those cards are going to have their own post after such an epic journey. HUGS! 😀

          Like

    The Story Reading Ape said:
    November 10, 2014 at 12:24 pm

    Your Story, Your Book, Jo.
    It’s not like you’re putting up banners and calling for marches to Capital Cities to force changes in Legislation to permit it’s use 😀

    Like

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 15, 2014 at 12:15 pm

      Imagine! 😀 I’m pretty sure that this one will get me a couple of one star beatings, but I don’t mind. 😀 It injected a bit of humour into the serious too. 😀 😀

      Liked by 1 person

    Sherri said:
    November 12, 2014 at 1:05 pm

    I wouldn’t be appalled Jo and it wouldn’t put me off your book. Like you, I hate the stuff but interestingly I have to write about it in my memoir because my American G.I. smoked it a lot and it caused a lot of problems between us. Even then, in the late 1970s, he loved to tell me that it was used for medical purposes and so was ‘good’ for him. His use of cannabis weaves its way through my story even though it is primarily about his illness which of course had nothing to do with his cannabis use. My aspie daughter (22) has found research that tells of medical use cannabis helping those like because of the way it works proactively on the brain, ASD being a neurological disorder. All very fascinating stuff but I just don’t know… I would never read a book that promotes the use of cannabis but in your work of fiction, as a reader, if you were to bring it in as part of the story for medical use then I would take it as that. Hope this helps….and Lord knows, I’m no seasoned writer 🙂

    Like

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 15, 2014 at 12:12 pm

      Hi my lovely Sherri! Living in Cape Town I met quite a few heavy pot smokers now and then, and I reckon it ruined quite a few lives. I would never have a relationship with someone who was high all the time, and the smell of it makes me queasy, so I would never promote the recreational use of it. In the book though, it’s not the main focus of the story, and definitely only used for medicinal purposes and other bits and pieces – never for “fun”. Have a lovely week my gorgeous friend! HUGS! ❤ XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

      Liked by 1 person

        Sherri said:
        November 15, 2014 at 4:51 pm

        I hate the stuff and agree entirely. Even now the smell of it brings back bad memories. You have a lovely weekend too my lovely Jo…big hugs right back 🙂 ❤ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

        Like

    Sherri said:
    November 12, 2014 at 1:05 pm

    PS Sent too early… xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 😀 ❤ ❤ ❤

    Like

    Margaret Lynette Sharp said:
    November 16, 2014 at 9:30 am

    I have never used marijuana, but I wouldn’t reject a story simply because a character used it for medicinal purposes. There are lots of TV shows that have scenes where characters do things that are questionable by society, but it doesn’t necessarily bother me within the context of the story. On the other hand, writers can go too far and portray actions that are overly offensive.

    Like

    Noelle Granger said:
    November 20, 2014 at 7:22 pm

    Thanks for stopping by my blog, and my comment to your post is: Go for it, girl. The characters are yours, warts and all. Any reader, whether they approve of the vice or not, should accept the warts as part of the story you are weaving. I have infidelity in my second book and never thought much about it. So to repeat: Go girl!

    Like

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 21, 2014 at 12:58 pm

      Thanks Noelle! Now that you put it that way, I’d be in a world of trouble if readers connected me to my characters vices. 😀 I like writing vices. 😀

      Like

    Elizabeth Melton Parsons said:
    November 21, 2014 at 10:35 pm

    Good grief! I certainly hope fiction remains fiction. And accusing an author of condoning or not condoning anything in a work of fiction is just too ridiculous for words. There is both rape and murder in one of my books, that certainly doesn’t mean I condone either one. In fact just the opposite. Glad to see you are writing your stories and your characters your way. 🙂

    Like

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 30, 2014 at 11:00 am

      Thanks Elizabeth! I’ve actually really enjoyed reading books with some really over the top things in them, and not for a second thought that the author was saying they were good. So – onward and forward with my cannabis loving old folk. 😉

      Liked by 1 person

    archecotech said:
    November 23, 2014 at 8:38 am

    Personally I think writers should express their opinions regardless of what others think. Writing is much a personal experience as anything, the more personal passion about it regardless what others think is more important that being “socially correct”. If that was the case books like, “To Kill a Mocking Bird” never would have been written.

    Like

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 30, 2014 at 10:56 am

      You’re absolutely right! There’s enough to be getting on with without censoring ourselves. Thank you for that inspiration! 🙂

      Like

    jjspina said:
    November 23, 2014 at 9:19 pm

    Jo, I agree that the fiction we write is just that. We shouldn’t have to change our characters just because of a review. We have to believe in ourselves and what we write. As for the cannabis, I think it should be allowed for medicinal purposes. I never tried it and do not wish to ever use it. But there are so many people that are in pain and could use it to relieve their pain.

    Like

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 30, 2014 at 10:54 am

      Thanks Janice – silly of me to doubt, and now I’m learning about the help it’s giving to all sorts of people I don’t mind if I get some negative feedback, because I’m actually cool with the whole concept now. Never know what sort of ailment could come into our lives at any point, so it is good to know that there are more options than chemicals. 🙂 X

      Like

    roweeee said:
    November 30, 2014 at 10:16 am

    Hi Jo. I just noticed this post and thought I could really offer some constructive insight. A relative’s little boy was having at least 100 seizures a day. He was under 2 years of age and his parents have been forced to put him on incredibly toxic drugs with horrific possible side-effects. Fortunately, he under went brain surgery and that has helped but not all children are candidates for surgery and these parents are increasingly turning to cannabis oil. An Australian Show 60 Minutes covered this issue. Some parents were charged. I’m not exactly sure of the details but were concerned about having their son removed . You could google the case if interested. A friend of mine is wanting to start a support group for medicinal cannabis. She has severe back pain and now even strong pain killers aren’t helping the pain but cannabis does. I don’t go near the stuff myself but I have a chronic medical condition and I would give it a go if it could help. Medicinal cannabis is gaining quite a lot of public and govt support in Australia.
    I’ve also heard stories of pensioners growing cannabis to boost their pensions.
    Hope that helps.
    Thanks for liking my post.
    Best wishes,
    Rowena

    Like

      jorobinson176 responded:
      November 30, 2014 at 10:51 am

      That does help a lot Rowena. I’ve had my eyes opened about the benefits when it’s used properly, and the fact that you know people who it really is helping with their pain is a BIG affirmation that I’m not overstepping. Love the story of pensioners growing it 😀 because there’s something incredibly similar in this story of mine, and there was me thinking I was being all original – just goes to show – nothing really new in the universe. Thanks for the help and I’m looking forward to finding out more about you. 🙂

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    J.D.Hughes said:
    December 1, 2014 at 8:49 am

    Every writer worthy of the name should fight tooth and nail for the truth of the story. If you’re even considering how readers might react to a character’s opinion, behaviour or actions you are heading for hackdom and your stories will be weak things. The characters are who they are, not an amalgam of readers’ opinions.

    Can you imagine what it would be like to write every paragraph whilst thinking how every person in the world might react? You would write nothing. From a moral perspective, to be untrue to your character is dishonest and cowardly at the least. Write what you must, or don’t write at all. 🙂

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