I realize that my original point did not have much nuance in it, and I agree with another poster that, maybe the weaker opiated/opioids ought to be made OTC while it would be foolish to release the strong pharmaceuticals onto the open market (Dilaudid, Fentanyl, Oxycontin to name a few). In that regard, my original post was over the top, just to drive home a point.

But for people in pain to be able to self medicate with a percocet or a codeine, that should be our right. It will not take the place of going to a doctor, but sometimes, as we all know, the doctor just won't help, or sometimes you just can't to a doctor for a few days.

One poster said my arguments won't fly well. That's not a matter of fact, it's a matter of opinion. Will there be addicted people, well yes. However, a lot of people have a self-regulating mechanism that stops them. I can drink all the liquor I want, but I don't. Besides, it's our own business, and I don't think the government should intrude. I don't take kindly to being protected from myself, especially with penalties. Besides, the DEA really is a band of thugs with an agenda, instituted under that trustworthy soul Richard Nixon.
The war on drugs, and conservative views of doctors who have the power to dispense or withhold pain relief, is sprung mainly from a Puritan, religious and judgemental way of thinking. It should not be imposed on those who do not share those beliefs. If other pain sufferers than me believe it is admirable to tough it out without pain relief, then that is fine. Call me weak, but I want my back pain medicated, and not only that, I want a say in what I am medicated with. Not because I want to get high, but because I want to function normally. And if the fact that I am knowledgeable about pain drugs and palliative care makes me look suspect in the eyes of the doctor, I really believe that that is not my fault, and it should not cause me to be labelled a drugseeker.