In addition to being HIV positive, I suffer from Hepatitis B and C, arthritis, a peptic ulcer, a hyper thyroid and chronic depression. All of these conditions have debilitating symptoms such as wasting (extreme weight loss), night sweats, lethargy and pain. I also suffer side effects from the drugs I am forced to take. Cannabis helps to alleviate my pain, it gives me energy and it increases my appetite. This last effect is especially beneficial because my hyper thyroid condition causes me to burn off food very quickly, a condition which exacerbates the wasting that results from the HIV virus. I have a membership with the BC Compassion Club Society because it allows me to purchase my medicine in a friendly secure environment; I no longer have to deal with the street scene and the risks associated with it. I enjoy conversing with the people at the Club and when I am here I feel part of a community.