Life as a Heavy Equipment Operator
I work as a heavy equipment operator, handling bulldozers, agricultural tractors, and excavators. My days are filled with the roar of machinery and the satisfaction of shaping the land. At home, I share my life with my girlfriend of 15 years and our 13-year-old dog, who provide me with endless support and companionship.
Battling Health Conditions
My health journey has been challenging. I suffer from degenerative arthritis and anxiety, which often leads to insomnia and depression. Additionally, I have ADHD, although its impact has lessened thanks to my use of cannabis and other control measures. My medications include Ritalin, Diclofenac, Zopiclone, Diazepam, several SSRIs, and a host of other prescriptions that I can’t always recall.
Early Years with Cannabis
I first experimented with cannabis at around 17 or 18, smoking hash with friends. Hash was the only option back then, but it brought me a sense of calm and significantly reduced my ADHD symptoms. As bud became more available, I started using it despite its high cost. This led me to think, “Why not grow it myself?”
Growing My Own Cannabis
I purchased a 250W HPS light and a 4-pot Wilma system, beginning my journey as a cannabis grower. This small setup quickly expanded, and I eventually started trading cannabis full-time. My life took a turn when the owner of our local bong shop, who knew of my expertise, offered me a job as the shop manager after his wife passed away. This job introduced me to amazing people and opportunities, including annual trips to Spanabis.
Transition to the United States
The shop owner decided to sell the business, and a friend who had moved to California invited me to visit. I loved my time there and made several trips back and forth until I was deported and banned from the States. This was a wake-up call, and I realized how lucky I was to avoid a lengthy prison sentence. I knew I had to turn my life around but still wanted to earn a decent living. This is how I found my way into operating heavy machinery.
Cannabis as Medicine
I continued using black-market cannabis until two years ago when I discovered it was available on private prescription at an affordable rate. The legal protection was the main draw for me, as the quality of the medication from these prescriptions was often subpar—old, stale, and not worth the high price compared to black-market alternatives.
The Role of Cannabis in My Life
Cannabis isn’t a cure-all, but for me, it’s incredibly beneficial. It calms my anxiety and reduces my hyperactivity, allowing me to function productively. While it doesn’t completely eliminate the pain from my arthritis, it suppresses it to a manageable level. I hope that the UK will eventually adopt a recreational market, allowing me to turn my extensive knowledge and experience into a career. Until then, I’ll continue working in construction, using cannabis to maintain my quality of life.
Looking to the Future
As I reflect on my journey, I’m grateful for the role cannabis has played in helping me manage my health conditions and maintain a productive life. My dream is to see the UK embrace a recreational cannabis market, where I can fully utilize my experience and knowledge. Until that day comes, I will continue to operate heavy machinery, living each day with hope and determination.
Sadly I have had no choice but to remain anonymous for this article due to fear of loosing my job.
N, Anonymous
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