	Find Dispensaries
Find your meds! Search for local dispensaries near you.

	Find Deliveries
Need a delivery? Find and review your local delivery services.

	Find Doctors
Need your med card? Find Doctors and clinics in your area.

	Daily Deals
Find the latest deals in your area.

	Top Strains
Browse the top rated strains.

	My Profile
Add and edit your profile and smoking buddies.

	MMJ Users
Meet new friends and smoke buddies.

	Forums
Get involved with our amazing online community of medial marijuana users.

	All Star Reviewers
Got what it takes to be an All star reviewer?

	Mobile Apps
Download our app to find dispensaries on the go!

	Marijuana Blog
Check out our mj blog for your daily dose of the latest marijuana news from around the world.

	Add Your Business
Gain more exposure and engage the community.

	Advertising
Maximize your exposure by utilizing THCFinder.com.

Popular Cities

Marijuana Blog

Another awesome Glass Bong

Category: Glass | Posted on Thu, January, 24th 2013 by THCFinder

More awesome Glass

0
Comments

Oregon family uses medical marijuana to manage son's autistic rage

Category: Medical Marijuana | Posted on Thu, January, 24th 2013 by THCFinder

PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -

An Oregon family has turned to medical marijuana to manage their son's severe autistic rage.

"It was indescribable, it was horrifying," said Jeremy Echols, father of 11-year-old Alex. "When you've got no other options, are you honestly gonna say no?"

Eleven-year-old Alex Echols is severely autistic, and his doctor said Alex's self-destructive behavior is brought on by Tuberous Sclerosis, a rare, genetic disorder that affects about 50,000 people in the U.S. The disorder causes unregulated growth of non-malignant tissue in organs. In Alex's case, his neurologist said growths in Alex's brain have led to seizures and autism.

"Alex cannot communicate using words and that leads to behavior that is very frustrating for him and for those caring for him," said Dr. Colin Roberts, a pediatric neurologist at Doernbecher Children's Hospital in Portland.

Echols said by the time Alex was 5, he exhibited intense, self-directed rage. Echols showed us home videos of the rage. He said they videotaped the episodes to show doctors the injuries were self-inflicted.

Echols said Alex head butted anything he could. He said the boy bruised his forehead so badly, the blood would drain down until Alex's entire face was black and blue. His parents got him a helmet to protect his head, swaddled him like a newborn and tried mood-altering drugs to control the behavior, with little success.

Alex's daily, violent behavior became the Eugene family's new normal. When he was eight years old, the Echols made the heartbreaking decision to move Alex into a state-funded group home.

"It was like we were throwing him away, like we were giving him to somebody else and saying, 'Sorry buddy, you're not part of the family anymore,'" he said. "It was pretty rough."

But was there a way to help him? In late 2009, the Echols said they saw a television news story about a California woman who was using medical marijuana to treat her autistic son. The Echols researched Oregon's medical marijuana program, and in 2010, a doctor approved Alex for medical marijuana use.

"We tried the (marijuana) brownies, we tried butter for cookies," he said.

Alex is now one of 58 minors currently protected under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act. While autism is not a qualifying medical condition like cancer or severe pain, in Alex's case, his seizures were.

And after a few months of treatment, the Echols said they saw a dramatic improvement.

"He went from being completely, yelling, screaming, bloodying his face, to within an hour, hour and a half, he would be playing with toys, using his hands," he said. "Something that at that time was almost unheard of."

Echols said Alex's group home will not administer the marijuana, so, about three times a week off-site, his parents give Alex a liquid form of the drug by mouth.

The dosage is up to the parent and Oregon law does not require a doctor to monitor a child's medical marijuana use. In fact, Alex's neurologist didn't know about the alternative treatment, until we told him.

While Dr. Roberts did not condone the treatment, he said he understood the family's desire to help their child.

"Alex's parents are wonderful people." he said. "I certainly am very much with them in my desire to help Alex. All of us want to help Alex."