**Scott Turner passed away Tuesday, August 4.  May he rest in peace.

Nashua resident Scott Turner, 46, suffers from a degenerative joint disease and a degenerative disc disease.  Compounded by arthritis, these conditions make it hard for Scott to live an active life.  He often experiences pinched nerves which cause him severe pain, especially in his sciatic nerve, and some days it is difficult for him to leave the house.

Following doctor's orders, Scott takes a daily dose of morphine and backs it up with Percocet as needed.  He receives some benefit from these drugs, but says too many Percocets turn him into a zombie.  Fortunately, Scott has found that using marijuana 2 or 3 times a day allows him to minimize his use of pain medication.

"It relaxes my muscles, relaxes my mind, and enables me to be a more active person," Scott explained.  "Often, it's the difference between being able to go somewhere with my wife or being stuck on the couch feeling like a bad husband."

Scott says he is concerned about the threat of arrest and incarceration, but the possibility of living a better, more complete life makes it worth the risk.

Read about other patients: Sandra Drew, Clayton Holton, Ellen McClung, Barbara Filleul, Darlene Wilson.