Outrage: Choice Between Home and Medical Marijuana Cancer Treatment - AARP Bu...

A Choice Between Home and Medical Marijuana Treatment

Use may affect federal housing voucher eligibility

When Robert Jones, 70, was diagnosed with in 2007, he found little relief for the pain that came with his intensive chemotherapy treatments. That is, until his doctor prescribed , which not only eased the pain, but also helped to improve his appetite and limit anxiety. Today, though Jones' cancer is in remission, he continues to use marijuana to stem the lingering effects of the illness. But he recently learned that the treatment could cost him his home. In October, the Las Vegas, N.M., resident received a letter indicating that he would no longer be eligible for the federal housing voucher that helps cover his $400-a-month rent. The reason: Though Jones' use of medical marijuana is permitted in New Mexico, the drug is not legal at the federal level, wrote Gilbert Almanza Jr., executive director of the San Miguel County Section 8 Housing Program.

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Marijuana put Robert Jones in a bind.

Jones appealed the decision, saying he didn't know what he would do without the voucher. He worried that he would be forced to live in a nursing facility.

And forgoing the marijuana was not an option. "This is a treatment recommended by my doctor, and it's not completed yet," Jones says. But just six days before the termination was to take effect, Jones got a reprieve: The local county commission voted to rescind the notice and issue an apology. Almanza and other county officials did not return calls requesting comment.

Michelle Diament is a frequent contributor to the AARP Bulletin. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

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