'Medical marijuana has opened up my life again'

A RETIRED school teacher whose life became dominated by “unbelievable levels of pain” has shared how his life has been turned around after being given a treatment which has only been legal in the UK for seven years.

- ROBERT DALLING

Steven Griffiths, a business owner and former carer for his parents, has lived what he calls “a rich tapestry of various experiences.”

But in recent years, his life became dominated by pain.

Diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), fibromyalgia, and later a gout-like condition, the 71-year-old found himself having to say goodbye to the hobbies that once brought him joy, from DIY to gardening to long walks.

At times, he admitted that even keeping up with daily life felt impossible and the “constant pain” from fibromyalgia and PMR became so severe he could barely walk.

Initially treated with steroids and other medications, he struggled with difficult side effects. “I was in so much pain, unbelievable levels of pain, I could barely walk,” the Llanelli resident said.