Candelaria’s Harley Davidson sits in front of Yale Park.
Candelaria lights a pipe full of Marijuana while standing in front of his “Mother plant” at his home.
Candelaria stands next to the marijuana plants that, by law, he is able to grow.
Candelaria shows a scar from a foot surgery he had due to a motorcycle accident.
Candelaria shows off a tattoo.
Candelaria sits aboard his motorcycle during a protest on campus.
David Candelaria, 43, is a disabled and retired veteran, medical marijuana recipient and licensed grower. During Desert Storm, Candelaria, a tank mechanic, was hit by an exploding gas canister that fractured his skull. The injury resulted in the loss of his motor functions.
Candelaria had to re-learn how to speak, walk and read. He said he soon learned to live with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and received steroid injections, which contributed to cartilage deterioration in his hips.For many years, Candelaria said he couldn’t find prescription drugs that allowed him to function daily.
He said his life was forever changed the moment he tried marijuana. “I could walk. I could ride my motorcycle. I could enjoy life again.” Candelaria said he joined the Occupy Albuquerque movement in hopes that he could raise awareness of the benefits of medical marijuana and speak out against monopolies created by insurance and pharmaceutical companies.
