Submitted by Tasha J. from Phoenix, Arizona

41 now, was 39 at the time. I live in Phoenix, AZ, using Cannabis for pain, sleep, anxiety, and rebalancing my ECS for four years.

The challenges I was facing

The inability to eat and drink due to nausea and inflammation caused me to feel anxiety and depression due to my worsening condition from having Long Covid.

There was nothing that could help me

I went to a few doctors, but they either didn't know how to help me or told me my condition was due to something they needed to prescribe pills for. I had to study on my own and figure out how to use Cannabis effectively in order to save my own life.

I jokingly say being sick was my 'Cannabis Masterclass'

I was the Cannabis educator! Prior to contracting the Omicron Variant, I spent two years building various curricula to educate doctors, nurses, and patients on the Endocannabinoid System, holistic health, and understanding Cannabis products. I learned from the nurse that I was building the curricula with, in addition to others who had knowledge, such as Dustin Sulak, Ethan Russo, and Uwe Blesching, but more so from the patients’ direct experiences. It really put all I had learned and taught to others over the previous three years to the test! Many times during the process, I doubted myself, but I had no other choice but to keep with it and make adjustments as I went along. The determination to live is what kept me going.

I was fearful of what people would say

I have two minor children, I wasn't employed, and had to smoke nearly all day to manage the crippling intestinal pain and nausea so I could eat and not vomit. My kids were too little to understand what I was doing and why, and out of fear of them telling people, I hid it from them, too.

Now that they are a bit older, I'm able to explain to them the variety of ways Cannabis is used as medicine, which route is effective for which condition, and not to be so afraid if people make comments. They know the difference between medicine and stoner culture.

Many people have asked me how I have recovered (I lost ~50lbs, so it was obvious), and I told them I used Cannabis and how. Once the 'proof was in the pudding' they were interested in learning more and seeing if it could help them.

I used a combination of methods

Flower, a variety of tinctures that were for pain and sleep, and FECO capsules. I also used a 1:1:1 infused oil tincture of CBDA, THCA, and CBG for migraines due to brain swelling/inflammation. I would smoke a THC-dominant strain of flower right before I wanted to eat to have 'the munchies,' then have my liquid meal, and then smoke the same flower again to avoid vomiting.

The goal was to keep nutrients in my body. The 50mg CBD FECO daily capsules helped to quickly regulate my entire system. The targeted tinctures helped ease the intestinal pain and allowed me to sleep.

Transforming pain management through Cannabis

Before Incorporating Cannabis, for 20 years, I endured tendonitis pain. Traditional painkillers and surgery were not viable options for me, leaving me to struggle daily with discomfort.

After integrating Cannabis into my health regimen alongside adopting a natural holistic lifestyle, my life transformed. The inflammation diminished significantly, and I now lead a better quality of life overall. My days are no longer overshadowed by constant pain; instead, I experience relief and vitality.

Cannabis was most effective when incorporated with a holistic lifestyle

This meant incorporating Spirit, healthful organic foods, and regular exercise to support my entire body system. From my recovery time, I am able to manage much better than I had previously due to the drastic lifestyle changes I have had to make over the last two years.

I no longer take CBD daily, which is a testament to the quality of life I have now. Currently, I use a variety of plants that activate the Endocannabinoid System in order to stay regulated. 

This is Tasha’s personal story and not meant to be medical advice. It is for informational purposes.

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.

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