My relationship and experience with cannabis is bleak. Although I was around people that smoked marijuana in high school, it was just never my thing. Instead I thought it was more fun to binge drink beer until I almost passed out. Not the brightest kid, I’ll admit! I do not endorse or believe that daily recreational marijuana smoking (with high levels of THC) is GOOD for you and I cannot speak to its long term effects on your body, but I do believe (ADAMANTLY) that it’s not any worse than cigarettes, alcohol or opioids which many people seem quite content to hide behind, while they point the finger. It is baffling to me why cannabis is illegal, while these other, much more ADDICTIVE substances are legal. It’s painful to think that people have actually spent time in prison for even being involved with marijuana. It’s a plant.
I do not use any part of the cannabis plant at this time, primarily because I have no ailments I wish to treat. At this point I’m just one of millions trying to keep this aging body healthy with diet and exercise. I am also restricted from using cannabis as I am a licensed nurse and paramedic. Sadly, I have seen people lose their jobs for testing positive for THC. All this said if I am diagnosed with cancer, you can count on me throwing my job out the window to do what I believe is best for my body and soul.
It’s a strange hypocritical feeling to recommend CBD, with and without THC (or other cannabinoids) to my dearest friends and family. I trust the efficacy and safety of this plant with everything I have. I just don’t happen to need it at the moment. My husband is in a similar situation. He suffers from pretty severe insomnia and knows that he would benefit from cannabis products, but is fearful of a drug test that could end his job in a heartbeat. The laws need to change. I am actually quite envious at times of the people that have jobs that, I don’t know…… don’t interfere with the way they LIVE their LIFE!!!! Ugh. I am not encouraged that the laws will change in our favor during this administration, but we must keep exploring and fighting a good fight. If we even survive the next four years – maybe our future lawmakers can put their prejudices aside long enough to hear some good truth (I’m talking to you, Jeff Sessions). Oh – and yes, I see the irony in what I just said. Looks like I have my own pretension to work on – ha!! I come with a multitude of shortcomings, people.
I am SO impressed with the many physicians and nurses I have met that are working solely with cannabis! To me, they are the bravest of all warriors. I can’t even imagine the push back they deal with on a daily basis, forever trying to justify their philosophy to skeptical peers that have never entertained such thoughts. It is my experience that physicians in general, are crazy restricted by the burden of proof. They want to see the research! Well why the hell would they not?? They have unimaginable pressure to do right by their patients, maintain a license and not break the law! Sadly, it is difficult to perform research studies when the drug being tested is illegal! Not to mention the fact that there is NO federal grant money for such research. I will do my best to present to you every study I DO come across. Many are from Israel and many are simply anecdotal information, but it is compelling to say the least! Good stuff. I really don’t think this large number of health care professionals would put their reputation on the line if they didn’t believe wholeheartedly in the therapy they are prescribing to thousands of patients every day. I have the greatest of respect for you, cannabis pioneers!! Thank you!!!!!
Exploring Medical Cannabis 