Rainbow Counsellor Elijah Luke Michel is here to help with your problems:
Q – I’m concerned for my girlfriend. I knew she smoked cannabis occasionally when I met her but recently her intake has increased and I’m scared she’ll become a drug-addict. I’m pro medicinal marijuana but she has been using it daily for anxiety and sleep. I don’t want her breaking the law so I thought of synthetic cannabis instead. What else can I do?
A – Unthink the synthetic immediately! Aside from the 20 deaths this year already in NZ, CADS continues to highlight the dangers of synthetic over naturally grown cannabinoids. Regarding the law, whilst it’s a C-class drug, more Police officers are likely to remove and reprimand small amounts if declared for personal use, depending on your previous history. If she is less anxious and sleeping better it could improve her mental health symptoms, however it is vital her GP is aware of her usage in case of contraindications with other medications. If it begins to impair her daily function she can seek help through the national Drug and Alcohol Helpline on 0800787797.
Q – I’m a 26-year old gay guy with a spinal condition which confines me to a wheelchair. I’ve never been kissed, let alone in a relationship. I’ve tried meeting guys in bars or online but most can’t see past the chair and freak out when they meet me. I’m fully capable of having sex but am yet to have the opportunity to try. How can I start dating so I can find myself a partner?
A – How frustrating meeting so many people with the inability to see past your disability. I’d suggest you disclose you’re in a wheelchair in your dating profile – that way you’ll weed out the ignorant and there’ll be no surprises upon meeting. The guy you deserve won’t even blink when he meets you. Wait for him.
Elijah Michel is a faithless Chaplain and Counsellor for the Rainbow Community, working with both Rainbow Youth and OUTLine NZ as an independent consultant.If you have an issue you would like Elijah to talk about in express, email ask@gayexpress.co.nz.
