Why do I use cannabis for my chronic illness?
Pain. Burning, sharp, debilitating pain. That’s why I use cannabis for my chronic illness.
The pain happens without warning and is easily provoked by urinating, having bowel movements, sitting or walking too much. Activities everyone does on a daily basis can cause me debilitating pain. Now imagine being told that there isn’t a cure and it comes down to managing the pain during a “flare-up”. Would you feel uneasiness and anxiety? Most likely yes, anyone would.
I knew this was going to be an uphill battle, however, I wasn’t prepared for the myriad of emotions I was going to experience. First grief, then came the anger, then feeling sorry for myself and I’m finally starting to work through acceptance. It’s not easy to accept my “new life”, one with a chronic illness with no cure.
My new reality has hit me like a ton of bricks, I probably won’t ever be the same. I’m a 30 something, and I can’t keep up with what my friends and family are doing. I can’t go out, eat or drink with no cares anymore. Because of all of this, I have developed anxiety.
When my pain started, I soon realized that loading up on Advil and Tylenol was not even touching the amount of pain I was feeling, so I was referred to a Pain Management Clinic. I was asked by the Pain Doctor if I was willing to try Cannabis as a form of treatment rather than prescribing me a narcotic. I said yes, since I want to avoid dependence on drugs. But not only that, but the narcotics would mess up my sensitive digestive system which was something I didn’t need.
She talked me through the process and what she recommended me to try, and I left the office waiting to get my confirmation email stating that I was eligible to purchase cannabis online. I ordered my first shipment and it came to my door…the next day.
I’ll be honest, I have tried cannabis in the past when I went out with friends in my 20s, to supplement alcohol in order to avoid the discomfort in my bladder, days after consuming alcohol. Who knew I would be using cannabis for my illness and pain + mood management years later? 💁🏻♀️
After I smoke cannabis, I feel a sense of calm that relaxes my muscles (An absolute need with my Pelvic Floor Dysfunction) and my thoughts begin to improve from the stressful state I’m in when dealing with pain.
When someone is in a great deal of pain, their mind catastrophe-izes the situation and they begin to think thoughts like “I will never get better!”, “My life is terrible” etc. and what I find cannabis does (for me), is it becomes a natural anti-depressant that allows you to see things in a different, more positive light. This effect helps my anxiety I feel daily and when I am struck with a painful flare up. It also helps bring my pain level down enough to do housework and aids in helping me get into a deeper sleep during a flare.
Below are some benefits of Marijuana in Chronic Illness:
Marijuana is such a powerful antibiotic that it can even kill MRSA. The marijuana molecules that kill bacteria are cannabidiol, cannabichromene, cannabigerol, tetrahyrdocannabinol, and cannabinol.
Anti parasitic: the whole Marijuana plant contains important molecules that increase its effectiveness against microbial infections. These chemicals are called terpenoids.
Anti inflammatory: marijuana molecules called cannaflavins which have thirty times more anti-inflammatory capabilities than aspirin!
Immune balancing: called “immuno-modulation,” immune balance occurs with the help of Marijuana molecules such as Anadeamide (AEA), and cannabinoids, helping the immune system fight the disease and not the patient.
THC, the notorious part of the plant that causes the “high” feeling, has numerous medical benefits including: anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic, anti-depressant, anti-nausea, appetite stimulant, pain relieving, reduces blood pressure, eases glaucoma pressure, and acts against cancer.
Reliably induces the crucial healing factor in healing and detoxification: sleep.
Inspires the patient with optimism, hope, detachment and relaxation.
Stimulates release of Dopamine and Serotonin, improving outlook and relieving pain.
Reduces inflammation in the brain, calming Lyme encephalitis
Serotonin receptor stimulator, with a calming influence that also improves anxiety and depression.
Muscle relaxant
DNA protective
Anti arthritic
Effective treatment for nerve pain, migraine, muscle spasm, brain fog, insomnia
Effective symptom management for PTSD
In the past, in order to smoke Cannabis I would purchase a glass blown pipe from any corner store or gas station. Yes, the one’s locked up or behind the cashier that make you feel like a degenerate when politely asking them to get it for you.
It’s always embarrassing but especially when an elderly person is standing behind me in line 😂. Most marijuana products are very masculine with typical stoner aesthetic (the plant stamped all over them or a Jamaican flag of some sort referring to Bob Marley). Don’t get me wrong, I love me some Bob, but it just isn’t my style. I’m a designer so I love beautiful things that function and have a good user experience and using those pieces did not give me the best experience.
So I did some digging on Instagram and I came across @wanderingbud ‘s profile. The first thing I see on the profile is “classy smoking accessories for modern women” . BINGO! Right away, I loved her product. Her items are crafted in a small-batch home ceramics studio using high-end materials like porcelain and 22k gold luster. They’re all unique and definitely something you would not be ashamed of someone seeing in your purse or at home. I contacted her directly and got chatting and she too, is also battling chronic illness.
It was a kind reminder to myself that I’m not alone in my health battles and there are others out there just like me.
I received my package with a ceramic one hitter, and couldn’t wait to try it out. It came in the cutest packaging with my name personally written beautifully on an envelope that had care instructions inside. Once I opened it, it was love at first sight. It’s simple, sturdy, portable, discreet, easy to clean + super pretty, too! I love that Wandering Bud makes accessories for the feminine Cannabis consumer. So if you are using Cannabis to help your symptoms and need a way to smoke it, check her out HERE.
To sum things up, I use Cannabis for my illness and I am not ashamed. Others can enjoy wine or a beer at the end of a long day, I sadly cannot. But that doesn’t get me down because I would rather smoke a bowl to help with my symptoms instead.
Do you suffer from a chronic illness and use Cannabis to help your pelvic pain symptoms? I’d love to hear about your experience.
2 thoughts to “Why I use Cannabis for my Chronic Illness”
Nodding my head to all of this.
Thanks for taking the time to read my ramblings 💙