By Jay Jay O'Brien Certified Cannabis Health Coach and Educator

Deciding is the process of choice deciphered from available information, observations, and insights proposed by the self and the outside world. Just as a ship's Captain must plot a course based on information about the weather, wind, and aerodynamics of the vessel, we plot the course of our lives with each choice and decision we make.

Choice, Free Will, and the Dangers of Doubt

Choice and free will offer us the advantage of conscious co-creation rather than placing us as haphazard victims in an ill-fated life. We have much power over our outcomes, so informing oneself of every option, alternative, and potential outcome becomes paramount for proper decision-making to be made effective.

Knowing what options, consequences, and context to consider is crucial to designing a destined life unburdened by doubt and depravity. Doubt is dangerous, depression is a liar, and indecision is the indubitable tyrant to resolution.

Navigating a Cancer Diagnosis

Equally as dangerous, depressing, and tyrannous to our well-being is the experience of being diagnosed with cancer. 

Like a siren’s call, a cancer diagnosis can remove you from safety and drown you in the depths of despair, sailing you in one direction, contrary to the compass points engaged, drifting you away from the life you once knew…....but there is a way home. 

Re-aligning with your inner radar can re-direct your management, maintenance, or maneuverability of dis-ease. Inner intuition can course-correct a deviated path, eclipsing the crossroads of life to shine brighter the beacon of hope beyond what is believed imaginable. 

High Hopes for Healing

In my upcoming book, “High Hopes for Healing: Stigma-Free Education on Thriving Through Cancer With Cannabis,” I address the importance of being informed, and offer criteria and questions for the patient to consider before embarking on a cancer healing journey.

Healing is possible. Maybe not for everyone, or in the way that’s expected, but if you believe you are someone who can be helped by the transformational effects of this incredible plant medicine, and reading this article, then you’re already on your way to living well with hope, or transitioning well with a better quality of life.

Before creating your cancer-healing protocol, here are some questions to consider to determine if Cannabis therapeutics may be right for you and your unique situation.

Before Creating Your Cancer-Healing Protocol

Here are some questions to consider to determine if Cannabis therapeutics may be right for you and your unique situation.

1. What Are Your Intentions?

What got you here won’t get you there.

Cannabis offers a diverse range of healing properties, so it's important to identify what success looks like for you. I’ve seen Cannabis cover a horizon of ailments to restore health and wellness. How will utilizing the plant turn the tide on your healing journey?

Are you seeking relief from symptoms of disease and treatment, easing short and long-term side-effects of conventional approaches, numbing pain from bone metastasis, or hoping to improve appetite?

Are you managing your condition with an integrative approach, improving the efficacy of medical treatments, enhancing the capabilities of therapies, supercharging your immunity, or perhaps fully integrating Cannabis into a ‘Hail Mary’ healing protocol after being sent home to get your affairs in order?

No matter the scenario, understanding your true goal can align your intentions with the right methods to achieve them. You might be looking for relief from pain, nausea, or anxiety, or you may be exploring Cannabis for its potential to address the root causes of disease. For many, Cannabis serves as a complementary therapy that enhances conventional treatments, reducing the harsh side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.

Cannabis’ anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immune-modulating properties can offer relief while also promoting overall wellness. On the other hand, some patients look to Cannabis as a more natural, primary treatment option, leveraging its ability to induce apoptosis (programmed cell death in cancer cells), inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, and improve the efficacy of other treatments such as chemo, immuno, or targeted therapy.

Knowing Where Cannabis Fits Into Your Overall Treatment Plan Will Determine How To Best Use It.

Your intentions will guide the best method of intake and cannabinoid combination to achieve your goals.

Different methods of intake—such as smoking, vaporizing, sublingual, edibles, or topical applications—affect how quickly and effectively cannabinoids work in your body. Additionally, different cannabinoids like THC, CBD, CBN, etc., offer distinct benefits, and your intentions will dictate the right combination. For example, if you’re seeking immediate pain relief, vaporizing or sublingual tinctures might be more effective, while edibles may be better for long-lasting symptom control. Similarly, a high-CBD variety may be preferable for reducing inflammation without intoxication, while a combination of THC and CBD or higher dosages of single cannabinoid therapies might be more appropriate for specific cancer treatments.

By reflecting deeply on your intentions, you can make more informed decisions and set yourself up for a successful and intentional transformational journey with Cannabis.

 2. How Are You Prepared To Feel?

Cannabis affects everyone differently and it’s essential to consider how you are prepared to feel both physically and mentally when using it. The effects of Cannabis can range from mild relaxation to a strong intoxicating experience, depending on the variety, dosage, and individual tolerance. This reflection is crucial when integrating Cannabis into a cancer treatment plan, as your goal may be symptom management, relief, or deeper healing.

Have You Ever Been High?

If you’ve never experienced being ‘high’ before, it’s important to know what to expect. While the treatment may not necessarily require this experience, it’s possible it could occur. Being informed can help prevent unwanted anxiety and stress. Cannabis can produce a range of effects, from euphoria and relaxation to heightened sensory perception and altered states of consciousness. For some, this can be a positive experience, but for others, especially first-time utilizers, it may feel overwhelming or disorienting. Understanding your baseline and how Cannabis affects you mentally and physically will help guide you in choosing the appropriate dosage and intake method to meet your needs.

Have You Ever ‘Greened Out’?

“Greening out” refers to experiencing an uncomfortable, overwhelming reaction to THC in Cannabis, caused by consuming too much, or if you are new or sensitive to THC. Symptoms of ‘greening out’ can include nausea, dizziness, anxiety, sweating, paranoia, and confusion.

While not life-threatening, these experiences can be unsettling, and although they can’t kill you, they might make you feel like you're dying, or might make you want to, so understanding tolerance levels, how to build them, and how to dose Cannabis correctly is a key component to preventing a negative experience you won’t soon forget.

If your doses are making you uncomfortable, agitated, or unable to eat or sleep, it may indicate a need for lower doses, a higher CBD-to-THC ratio, or an alternate method of consumption.

What Is Your Threshold?

Cannabis affects everyone uniquely. Understanding your threshold—the point at which the effects of Cannabis become too intense or unpleasant—helps in creating a personalized approach to Cannabinoid therapy. Some people have a low tolerance and may need only a small dose for relief, while others may require more significant amounts to feel the effects. “Start low and go slow,” is best practice for the average patient, while specific heroic dosing’ protocols offer a targeted approach for some serious medical conditions like advanced cancer. 

'Heroic Dosing' refers to protocols where large doses of THC-rich Cannabis extracts are ingested in short periods of time to increase the level of impact on the current condition. Dr. Dustin Sulak, a Cannabis Doctor and founder of the Cannabis education site Healer.com, offers the adage, “Start low and go slow, but don’t be afraid to go all the way,” referencing these high-dose, big-league protocols.

Being mindful of your limits ensures that your experience will offer benefits without making you feel uncomfortable, underprepared, or overwhelmed.

Are You Willing To Step Outside Your Comfort Zone?

For many, the idea of using Cannabis, particularly in a medical context, can be outside their comfort zone. Whether it’s the intoxicating effects of THC or the stigma associated with Cannabis use, there may be hesitations or fears to address. However, using Cannabis as part of your healing journey may require a shift in mindset, opening yourself to new possibilities, and embracing the plant’s potential benefits. Are you willing to explore different methods of consumption or experiment with dosages to find what works best for you? Are you ready to track your progress, and give your health the attention it deserves? Stepping outside your comfort zone could lead to discovering a new level of healing, but it requires patience and open-mindedness.

3. What Are Your Expectations?

When considering Cannabis therapy, it’s important to evaluate your expectations. Are you hoping Cannabis will do all the heavy lifting, or are you ready to be an active participant in your healing? A healing journey with Cannabis can require lifestyle changes, a tailored treatment plan, and a commitment to self-care. However, there may be times when you’re too ill to fully manage your treatment. In such cases, having a supportive care team to help monitor and guide your progress becomes even more critical.

How Committed Are You To Your Healing?

Cannabis can be a powerful tool, but it works best when combined with an overall commitment to well-being. If you're ready to embrace positive changes and take control of your well-being, this journey is for you. By making healthier lifestyle choices, you can create a ripple effect of vitality and resilience throughout your entire system. It's all about taking that first empowering step toward a brighter, healthier future.

Being proactive about your well-being requires effort. Are you ready to engage fully in this process? It’s essential to reflect on how much you’re willing or able to invest in your recovery, before you’re ‘up the creek without a paddle’.

Are You Willing To Track and Journal Your Progress?

Part of effective Cannabis therapy involves self-awareness and tracking how your body responds to different dosages, varieties, and forms of intake. Keeping a journal of your progress can help you and your healthcare providers fine-tune your treatment plan. Documenting side effects, symptom relief, and any changes in your overall well-being will provide valuable insights into what’s working and what needs adjustment.

Are Your Expectations Realistic?

Many people have found that Cannabis offers therapeutic benefits in managing various health conditions such as reducing pain, improving appetite, enhancing the effects of conventional treatments, and even killing cancer cells—but it is not a cure-all. Having realistic expectations about what Cannabis can and cannot do will help you avoid frustration and disappointment. Results can vary from person to person, so it’s important to stay grounded while staying open to its potential.

4. Do You Have A Support System In Place?

When incorporating Cannabis into your cancer treatment regimen, having a solid support system can make all the difference between failure and success on your journey. Nobody heals alone. Healing—especially when exploring alternative or complementary therapies like Cannabis—requires more than just personal determination. It often involves the guidance, encouragement, and expertise of others.

Are You Considering Hiring A Medical Cannabis Health Coach, Clinician, or Educator?

Know that you have options. If you need information about accessing, making, utilizing, or exploring medicinal Cannabis, there are a host of professional Cannabis health coaches and educators that you can find here in our directory. These individuals can provide tailored advice, answer questions, and help guide you through the complexities of Cannabis dosing before, during, or after cancer treatment. They can also assist in developing a personalized plan to suit your needs and offer continued support as you adjust your regimen over time. Not sure if working with a coach or educator is right for you? Debi Wimberley’s article, “Cannabis Health Coach: The Expert You Never Knew You Needed,” from the July 2024 edition of the Effective Cannabis Newsletter, may offer some insights to support your understanding to make the choice that best supports your needs.

Is Your Doctor Aware of Your Protocol? Do They, or Do They Not Support Your Choice?

A key part of your support system is your healthcare team. Some doctors may be open to discussing Cannabis as part of your treatment, while others may be more hesitant or unfamiliar with its benefits, so less open to recommend it.

It can be beneficial to communicate openly with your doctor, even if they’re not fully on board. If they aren’t supportive, you may need to seek out a physician or oncologist who specializes in integrative medicine or is well-versed in Cannabis therapy. Having your doctor on your side is an advantage to ensure safe and effective treatment, but it’s not a requirement. Empowered with the correct knowledge and support, you can make informed decisions about your health and healing without the approval of your doctor.

Do You Have A Support System Within Your Family?

Family support can be invaluable when going through cancer treatment. Are your loved ones aware of your decision to use Cannabis? Are they supportive? Having family members who understand your journey and can provide emotional or practical help (like assisting with treatment schedules or attending medical appointments with you) can greatly reduce the burden. If your family is not familiar with Cannabis therapy, it may be helpful to involve them in your education process, so they feel comfortable and confident in your choices.

Are You A Part of A Support Group or Online Community?

Connecting with others who are on a similar journey can provide emotional and practical support outside of regular office hours. Whether it’s a local support group or an online community like naturalisticallynow: exploring natural approaches to cancer treatment, being part of a community allows you to share experiences, gain insights from others, and feel less isolated. These groups can offer a wealth of knowledge, encouragement, and understanding as you navigate your treatment.

5. What Are The Potential Risks?

While Cannabis can offer therapeutic benefits, there are also legal, personal, and health-related challenges that need to be carefully weighed. Depending on where you live, you’ll have to understand your rights.

The legal status of Cannabis varies widely depending on where in the world you live. In some places, medical Cannabis is legally available with a prescription, while in others, it may still be illegal or highly restricted. If you're using Cannabis without a prescription, you may be violating local laws, which can lead to legal consequences. It’s important to be aware of the regulations in your area and decide if you're willing to take on that risk. Relocating for treatment could be a potentiality that may impact both your personal life and your financial situation, so it’s important to factor this into your expectations.

Can You Grow and Make Your Own Medicine?

In some regions, growing your own Cannabis for personal medical use is allowed. However, there may be strict rules governing how much you can cultivate and how you can process it. Growing your own Cannabis can provide you with control over the quality and variety of the plant, but it requires knowledge, time, and space to do so properly. If growing isn’t allowed in your area, this could expose you to legal risks. Additionally, cultivating Cannabis incorrectly can lead to contamination, improper dosing, or ineffective results.

Can You Access Safe/Legal Providers?

If cultivating Cannabis isn’t an option, you may need to find a legal and reliable source for your medication. Accessing Cannabis through a licensed dispensary or provider ensures that the product is lab-tested, free from contaminants, and tailored to medical use. However, if legal access is limited or unavailable, some may turn to unregulated markets, which come with significant risks regarding product quality, potency, and safety.

One of the biggest risks when using unregulated Cannabis is the possibility of contaminated medicine. Cannabis can be tainted with pesticides, mold, heavy metals, or residual solvents which could exacerbate health issues, especially in people with weakened immune systems. Even products labeled as "organic" or "natural" from unlicensed sources may not have undergone proper testing. Always seek Cannabis from reputable, legal providers to minimize the risk of contamination and ensure you’re receiving a clean, effective product.

Family Breakups/Job Loss

The decision to use Cannabis, even for medical purposes, can sometimes lead to personal and professional consequences. Some families may not agree with your choice, which could create tension or strain relationships. If you live in a region where Cannabis use is still stigmatized or illegal, your decision may affect how you are perceived by others, including your employer. Job loss can be a significant concern, especially in professions that enforce drug testing policies. Make sure to understand your workplace's stance on medical Cannabis and be prepared to address potential conflicts if they arise.

To embark on a Cannabis healing protocol, you might have to take a leave of absence from your job for health reasons, get a babysitter for your kids, let the house get a little messy, or detach from your weekly social engagements. You might need to shut down your life for a few months, but it’s better than forever.

Decisions, Decisions

As you consider incorporating Cannabis into your cancer treatment plan, it’s essential to make an informed decision. This involves reflecting on your personal intentions, understanding the potential risks and benefits, and consulting with knowledgeable professionals who can guide you through the process.

The journey through cancer treatment is deeply personal and complex. Cannabis may offer valuable support in managing symptoms and enhancing well-being, but by asking yourself these key questions, you can ensure you stay informed, stay connected to your care, and approach your treatment with confidence and clarity to improve your chances, circumstances, or outcomes.

About Jay Jay O’Brien:

Jay Jay is the founder and creator of naturalisticallynow and the Canecdotal Collective, where she educates and assists people with cancer, implementing Cannabis into their protocols. As a stage 4 lung cancer survivor and caregiver to her type 1 diabetic son, Jay Jay has learned that you truly do "get what you give", and with Cannabis, she believes we have the opportunity to give our bodies the opportunity to truly heal rather than just masking our symptoms. Through her own experience of healing, she has now made it her mission to share the capabilities of Cannabis with all who will listen.

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If you need help with any terminology in this article, you may find some answers in our glossary

Effective Cannabis Newsletter is a platform to educate on the vital role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in one's health. The information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information contained in or available through this newsletter is for general information purposes only. It is not medical advice; it is health awareness.