By Debi Wimberley Certified Cannabis Educator and Founder of the Effective Cannabis Newsletter

Introduction

My first visit to a Cannabis dispensary was surreal. The front waiting area resembled a doctor’s office. I checked in with my MMJ card ID, surrounded by people in business suits, t-shirts, high heels, and sneakers. Everyone was smiling. When my name was called, my caregiver wheeled me in, hooked up to my oxygen tank, and past the door. It felt like entering into an earthy-smelling candy store with glass counters filled with flower (Cannabis buds), edibles of popcorn, suckers, gummies, bottles of tinctures, oils, salves and refrigerated chocolate and drinks. Overwhelmed by the choices, I had no idea what to buy.

I was there for pain management, trying to escape the opioid crisis the medical community had thrust upon me. The 23-year-old behind the counter (budtender) had no experience with serious health conditions like my Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and Mac lung disease. His recommendations to smoke a joint or use vape pens were inappropriate and potentially harmful. I left with $500 worth of tinctures and edibles, frustrated and confused, still with tons of questions: What dose should I take? How often? How would I coordinate Cannabis with my current medications? Could there be adverse reactions?

The Gap in Medical Knowledge

That was in 2015, when Cannabis Health Coaches were nonexistent. In need of a lung transplant and in constant pain, my doctors concluded there was nothing more they could do for me. They just quit! I had to educate myself by signing up for every available training course with a handful of medical professionals on the benefits of Cannabis. In the process, I discovered my Endocannabinoid System (ECS), a crucial biological system that most doctors, pharmacists, and dentists are barely aware of. The medical professionals who have explored the ECS and its interaction with Cannabis are few and far between, leaving many patients to navigate medicinal Cannabis alone, without proper guidance. 

The Emergence of Cannabis Coaches

Today, Certified Cannabis Health Coaches are filling this critical gap. Their role is to answer your questions and guide you based on your current medical conditions, symptoms and needs. They introduce you to your Endocannabinoid System (ECS), help you understand how Cannabis can interact with it, and identify which medications need to be monitored by your medical care team. By providing this comprehensive guidance, they enable you to make informed decisions about your health. 

Who Are Cannabis Health Coaches?

A Cannabis Health Coach is trained and often certified to understand the ECS and how different cannabinoids, products, and consumption methods can affect various medical conditions. They work with experts in the field to stay up-to-date on the latest research and best practices. Here’s how they can assist you:

1. Initial Consultation and Assessment: They offer complimentary discovery calls to learn about your medical history, current medications, health goals, and potential benefits.
2. Personalized Guidance: Based on your conditions and symptoms, they recommend specific products and consumption methods to reduce trial and error.
3. Education and Empowerment: They teach you about the ECS and how Cannabis interacts with it, empowering you to make informed decisions and offering a new perspective on your well-being.
4. Monitoring and Adjustments: They help you document your progress and adjust your Cannabis regimen as needed to achieve optimal results.

It’s worth noting that Cannabis health coaches, educators, and medical professionals interested in the science of Cannabis and its interaction with the ECS often learn side by side in the same classrooms, studying under the same experts. This shared learning experience fosters a community of Cannabis professionals dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of Cannabis in health and wellness. Furthermore, these professionals often collaborate to advance education, combining their expertise to provide comprehensive guidance and support to those seeking medicinal Cannabis.

Choosing the Right Cannabis Health Coach

It's important to recognize that there are a plethora of coaches available today who may have different routines, standards, and practices than the "ideal" coach listed above. So please do your homework to find a style that works for you based on the criteria highlighted below:

1. Certifications and Training: Ensure your coach has reputable certifications and has undergone thorough training with highly regarded experts in the field.
2. Experience with Your Conditions: Look for a coach who has specific experience dealing with your medical conditions and symptoms.
3. Communication Style: Choose a coach whose communication style matches your preferences. Clear and open communication is vital for a successful partnership, ensuring you feel heard and understood.
4. Approach to Treatment: Different coaches might have varied approaches to integrating Cannabis into your health regimen. Ensure their philosophy aligns with your health goals.
5. References and Reviews: Check for references or reviews from previous clients to gauge their effectiveness and reliability.

By carefully selecting a Cannabis Health Coach that fits your specific needs, you can ensure a more effective and personalized approach to exploring medicinal Cannabis, feeling cared for and respected in your unique health journey.

Why Your Doctor May Not Be the Best Resource

Despite its crucial role in regulating various physiological processes in our bodies, the ECS is not part of the standard medical curriculum. This lack of education means many healthcare providers are unprepared to discuss medicinal Cannabis. In contrast, Cannabis Health Coaches have dedicated their careers to understanding the ECS and how to use Cannabis therapeutically and effectively.

Partnering with Your Medical Team

In an ideal world, a critical aspect of working with a Cannabis Health Coach is their ability to collaborate with your existing medical team (if they are open to learning). This partnership ensures a holistic approach to your health, combining traditional medical treatments with cannabinoid therapy in a safe and effective manner.

1. Comprehensive Care Coordination: Coaches work with your doctors to integrate Cannabis into your overall treatment plan. They communicate regularly with your healthcare providers to ensure all aspects of your well-being are considered.
2. Medication Management: They help coordinate Cannabis use with your current medications, monitoring for potential interactions and adjusting dosages as needed. This coordination helps prevent adverse effects and maximizes therapeutic benefits.
3. Shared Knowledge and Resources: Coaches provide your medical team with up-to-date research and information on the ECS and Cannabis therapies, enhancing your doctors' understanding and ability to support your treatment.
4. Ongoing Communication: They maintain open lines of communication with both you and your healthcare providers, ensuring everyone is informed about your progress and any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Critical Questions to Ask Your Cannabis Health Coach

Before entering a dispensary or purchasing Cannabis products, it’s beneficial to consult with a knowledgeable Cannabis Health Coach. Here are some questions to guide your conversation:

1. What is your experience with my specific medical conditions?
2. What certifications or training do you have?
3. Can you please explain how the ECS works and how Cannabis interacts with it?
4. What products and consumption methods do you recommend for my conditions?
5. How will I monitor and adjust my Cannabis regimen?
6. What are the potential interactions between Cannabis and my current medications?

Conclusion

Navigating the world of medicinal Cannabis can be daunting, especially when dealing with complex health conditions. Partnering with a certified Cannabis Health Coach can provide the guidance and expertise you need to make informed decisions, avoid as much trial and error as possible—just like you do with pharmaceuticals—and achieve better health outcomes. With their help, you can explore the benefits of Cannabis confidently and safely.

Are you ready to start? To work with a medical Cannabis professional, please visit our directory of coaches, educators, and medical professionals. Everyone's Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is different; good results start with the right approach. You don't have to figure it out on your own.

About Debi Wimberley:

Debi Wimberley is a staunch, tireless, and caring advocate for Medical Cannabis education and self-empowerment in healthy living. A survivor of decades of chronic, debilitating pain and lung disease, she never gave up hope, even when doctors bluntly declared there was nothing more they could do. Taking matters into her own hands, Debi drew on her background in medical technology, oncology, and hospitals as tools to learn, understand and thrive. Being adaptive and agile allowed her to obtain certifications in Medical Cannabis applications, Patient Care and become a professional communicator and content creator specializing in Cannabis. Debi is blazing new territory. Her mission is to centralize quality, accurate, fact-based education through collaborative work with other certified Cannabis educators, health coaches, and professionals. 

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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.