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.
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Ella Daniel/ @ella_daniel7 | December 3Luminarias stand on display at Hanging of the Greens in front of the Student Union Building on Dec. 1, 2023.
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John Scott / Daily Lobo / @JohnSnott | December 2A sign reads "OUR UNION IS HERE TO STAY" at a rally held in support of the United Graduate Workers of the University of New Mexico in September 2021.