Pleasant surprises come along every now and then that really win us over.

Here’s one.

Now that the Department of Justice will not pursue medical marijuana caregivers who operate in accordance with their state regulations, we are on our way - on our way to using the drug for legitimate medical purposes. I say this with hope our government is softening with regard to marijuana use. We aren’t there yet but this move is a step in the right direction to legalize marijuana for one purpose and one purpose only - its medical value.

The time to assist those in pain, many in extreme pain, with marijuana has long past. Those of us whose most painful experience is the occasional excruciating toothache don’t know real pain. Real pain remains with a person almost constantly. It isn’t “fixed” with a single trip to the doctor as is a toothache with a single trip to the dentist.

I don’t know from personal experience how traumatic long-lasting pain can twist a person’s thinking and behavior. But, I know of one person, a relative, who put up with excruciating pain for about ten years. Not everyday but every two or three weeks. When an attack came it lasted for two or three days.

Finally, after years of emergency room trips - no less than 30 - and dozens of various tests, she found relief. It turned out she had a defective gall bladder. After 10 years of pain, removal of her gall bladder solved her health issues.

During her agonizing 10 years, from age 19 to age 29, she had no life. She left social events early because of the discomfort but often didn‘t go in the first place. I don’t know how many jobs she lost because of poor attendance but I think I’m on firm ground to say 20.

No prescribed medication gave lasting relief and the pain became progressively worse. Same for pain management classes.

During those 10 years, I wondered if marijuana was the answer for I have heard it is an effective pain reliever. She never pursued the marijuana solution and neither my wife or I asked her to give it a try. Just as well for three reasons.

• The illegality of marijuana in her residence state of Arizona meant risk she was not prepared to take.

• Not knowing where to buy the substance.

• Possible adverse effects of usage.

In desperation a person will take part in an activity against his or her better judgment. And, for good reason according to Bob Weiner, former White House Drug Policy Spokesman who cautions us to be careful because:

Unfortunately, as many as 90% of purchases at clinical distribution centers are "false defenses", some law enforcement agents report - which means individuals are not really sick but simply want the pot. Read

Maybe so. No, probably so. But, that can be changed.

It seems to me such a change is a no-brainer. Sure, we need to be sure marijuana is safe and effective for medical purposes. That’s why we have the FDA. After that, treat it as a controlled substance with reputable pharmacies throughout the country dispensing the drug as prescribed by the patient’s physician.

And, close the clinical distribution centers referred to by Mr. Weiner.

Marijuana might not work for everybody and maybe not for many. But, if all else fails as in the case of my relative, the opportunity to use it should be available like any other FDA approved pain killer.