Brain injury survivor credits medical marijuana for his recovery, hopes for legalization

Apparently, no one was around to witness it.

"And I guess I sat there for three and a half hours before somebody found me unconscious," said Slade.

The brain injury also led to two strokes. After returning home from the hospital, Slade continued to struggle with memory, speech and mobility issues.

Three years later, Slade appears to have made significant progress. He credits his progress to the use of cannabis, or marijuana, which is still illegal in North Carolina.

After traumatic brain injury, Triangle man speaks of family support, hope

Slade argues the results are hard to refute.

"I was able to stop taking 13 different medications that I was supposed to be on for the rest of my life," he said.

Slade is now focused on Senate Bill 711, a medical marijuana bill now before state legislators. Proponents claim "prescription marijuana" helps people with serious medical issues including cancer, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and end-of-life pain or nausea.

Slade had tried CBD oil, a by-product of the marijuana plant now produced in many forms like jelly beans and skin cream.

"I had very minor benefits from it. It wasn't enough for me to keep doing it," said Slade.

If state lawmakers legalize medical marijuana, Slade plans to be part of the new marketplace.

"I am going back to school for my business management degree to start my own medical dispensary chain in the state of North Carolina," he said.

If legalized, there will be stiff competition for supplier licenses. Some lawmakers argue for a much higher cost than now proposed. which is $50,000 with an annual renewal cost of $10,000.