Submitted by Stacy B. from Ontario, Canada

I am 39 years old from Ontario, Canada. I have been dealing with many symptoms and side effects from breast cancer treatment for almost eight years.

Educating myself about the therapeutic effects of Cannabis helped me gain the confidence I needed to take control of my health and wellness and to empower others to make informed decisions about Cannabis medicine.

Eight years dealing with many symptoms and side effects from breast cancer treatment

I suffered from nausea, bone and muscle pain, mood swings, social anxiety, fluctuations in sleep patterns, trouble regulating my body temperature, joint pain, skin issues, low energy and libido. It caused me to feel like I had lost touch with my own body.

Exploring alternatives and accessing medical Cannabis

Generally, I followed my oncologist’s advice and took the recommended medications. I was informed I would need aggressive treatment to prevent the cancer from returning. After surgery, I learned I didn’t respond well to pain medications. Endocrine therapy came after chemotherapy and radiation - I couldn’t bear the thought of taking pain medication for five years, so I spoke to a naturopath who referred me to a Cannabis clinic to explore other options for the pain and other side effects.

I also utilized massage, chiropractic, and osteopathic therapies. I was grateful to have the ability to advocate for access to Cannabis early on.

The Cannabis clinic nurse suggested product options, but I had to figure the rest out alone

I found connections to additional resources from podcasts (Periodic Effects), courses by educators like Emma Chasen and my local college, books and webinars by Dr. Dustin Sulak, the Knox Docs, Dr. Bonni Goldstein, and by connecting with other educators through EduCanNation.

It took me a long time to become confident in my reasons for consuming Cannabis

There is a stigma about Cannabis in my family. I previously consumed Cannabis recreationally, and I always had to hide it from others outside of my social circles due to the stigma and feeling alone in my medical Cannabis journey.

I continue to overcome the stigma and my individual choices around Cannabis by educating myself and connecting with other like-minded Cannabis educators, patients, and advocates.

CBD-dominant products address many of my issues

I microdose Cannabis throughout the day, in all forms - I brush my teeth with infused toothpaste twice daily (1:20), I take CBD oil orally and apply it topically in the morning and as needed throughout the day (60mg). For breakthrough pain and social anxiety situations, I inhale a few puffs of a 1:1 THC/CBD flower with a dry-herb vaporizer.

Linalool and limonene terpenes work for me. I make my own low-dose edibles that I consume early in the evening. I occasionally have a 20mg CBD mocktail to relax at bedtime.

I found my purpose. It helps me find strength at my weakest moments

Before Cannabis: I longed for a way to gain control and self-connection during a time when both seemed impossible.

I now work as a certified Cannabis educator, helping patients like me to get access to information about Cannabis. I’m passionate about advocating for medical Cannabis patients.

This is Stacy’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.

 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.