THE JOURNAL NEWS: Q&A WITH ONE OF NEW YORK’S FIRST MEDICAL MARIJUANA PATIENTS
When Brittany Barger was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the then 26-year-old New Yorker mourned the death of a life she had mapped out.
Then she regrouped and focused on the life ahead of her.
Barger persevered when chemotherapy left her in constant pain and homebound. Even when going to the movies, taking walks and visiting friends became forgotten luxuries, she fought the disease.
Barger, now 27, spoke Tuesday after becoming one of New York’s first medical marijuana patients. She started buying the drug last week at Vireo Health of New York’s dispensary in downtown White Plains.
“I know that the likelihood of them getting rid of my cancer isn’t going to happen, but if I can stay me for as long as possible, that’s what I want,” she said.
Barger shared her story at the 221-223 E. Post Road dispensary, one of 20 sites opening statewide for patients to purchase non-smokeable forms of cannabis-based drugs, such as pills and oils. At least 105 patients have been certified to buy the drug and enrollment is expected to expand in coming months, state officials said Tuesday.