Submitted by John C from Missouri

I am 28 from Missouri suffered from ADHD most of my life. I have other health issues, including depression, trouble sleeping, and chronic pain. My stomach was in constant pain and discomfort from the ibuprofen and gut imbalances. I had to be strict about taking my daily probiotic. Otherwise, I would suffer.

I also suffered from severe migraines several times per year. Sometimes they were so bad that they would bring me down until they passed. This could take days.

I was constantly frustrated with myself and withdrawn

I was having trouble focusing and having the motivation to do important tasks. I was constantly frustrated with myself and withdrawn. My work was suffering and I was losing interest in the things I once found enjoyable.

Taking high doses of melatonin to help me sleep, along with 800 -1000mg of ibuprofen in one dose, at least once per day. This contributed to my stomach issues, which resulted in many missed days at work.

I just thought the more THC, the more relief

I never wanted to treat my conditions by using chemicals from the doctor; however, my understanding in using Cannabis was limited to the little bit I learned from friends over the years. I thought the more THC, the more relief. These high doses would bring some relief but would make me tired and even more inflamed than I was before I took my dose.

The local dispensaries were not of much help. I had one budtender who was more knowledgeable and tried to help me understand terpenes on how they could help my conditions, but even that budtender was rushed and trying to just get me through the door.

The only influence I had with Cannabis

Was mainly my friends during my high school years. To them, it was just a recreational thing that was looked down on. This resulted in a lot of guilt and shame around my use, up until I learned more about how to use Cannabis as medicine.

That guilt and shame also came from the stigma surrounding Cannabis use in general. It was easy to overcome that stigma when I learned how to properly use it and work with a Cannabis coach.

After Three years on my own Cannabis routine

Which did not bring full relief, I met a Cannabis coach. My Cannabis coach, J’Né Clapper, has helped me to change my relationship with Cannabis and to teach me how to listen to my body and how to “feel” the right doses for myself. She helped me with the right ratio of cannabinoids for the health issues that I was trying to treat. I think this has made the biggest difference in how Cannabis is helping better with my symptoms.

The online doctor who prescribed my MMJ card was very helpful in getting me started. We didn’t have time to get specific about my condition, but he was helpful.

The number one thing that helped me change my perspective

And the way I was using Cannabis was by working with a Cannabis coach, and then by using high-quality products. For example, my custom compounds have specific terpenes and extra cannabinoids beyond THC and CBD to help target my issues. I can see how continuing to work with a coach is the best way for me to keep improving.

With a Cannabis coach, I feel more confident that what I am taking is medicine. Even when I take higher doses, I no longer feel like I did the next day with just THC alone. The worst I feel is just a little tired, but that shakes pretty fast after the first few doses of my Cannabis compound.

I am now on minimal doses!

Now I am on minimal doses of ibuprofen and only take omeprazole as needed. Before, these were necessary to get through the day. I also can skip my probiotics and not have issues. Before, this would have been impossible to do without having consequences.

I microdose throughout the day

Usually 30-60mg of homemade compounds consisting of CBD, CBDa, THC, THCa, CBG, and CBGa. I usually keep the doses around 3-6mgs at one time throughout the day and increase them to about 10mg in the evening. I space out each dose between 1-3 hours.

By spacing out my doses like my coach suggested, I feel more consistent relief throughout the day, and I have found I have not built a tolerance. When I just used THC, I would have to take tolerance breaks because I was increasing the amount so frequently to get relief.

Even when I have to take more due to sickness or an injury, I can go back down to my normal doses and still feel the relief. So far, I have been able to maintain 30-60mg per day without increasing it since I changed how I use Cannabis.

I have noticed a big difference in my workouts

One of the biggest things is that it gives me more energy. Warm-ups are quicker and my muscles feel more limber and loosened up. I feel a significant increase in blood flow, resulting in heavier and more quality lifts. I am able to focus more on my form and not as much on how heavy the weight is. That shift in focus has helped me enjoy heavier lift days much more. I feel my recovery sessions are much more efficient, and I have experienced way less muscle soreness after heavy lifts and cardio.

I am also much more willing to do cardio. Before, I would avoid the treadmill. Now, I take a microdose, and I tend to enjoy my cardio sessions now. Cardio is still not my favorite workout, but I do enjoy it a lot more than I did before, and I no longer avoid cardio.

Before Cannabis, I was having horrible trouble….

Focusing, sleeping, and getting angry and frustrated easily. But after Cannabis, all of those things have improved greatly.

Cannabis has improved every aspect of my life in one way or another.

I do not get angry or overwhelmed as quickly, and I am finding more enjoyment in everyday activities, like work and exercising. I no longer build a high tolerance and have to take breaks, now that I have found the right ratios and dosing schedule for me.

It is important to understand why you are taking Cannabis and know what it is doing to help your condition. Do your own research, and reach out to a Cannabis coach to help you. I don’t know where I would be without my coach.

This is John’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.

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